If there is one thing we can say about the Hong Kongers, it is that we all love our seafood (perhaps a little too much. The variety of seafood used in Cantonese cooking is simply astounding. From the sweet plump meat of prawns to the rich buttery texture of scallops, every type of seafood has its role in our culinary tradition. Seafood is so much more than food. With myriad of cooking styles, it has become a big part of our celebrations and our daily meals. To celebrate the Lunar New Year, a couple of seafood dishes comes to mind as the must-haves during every reunion dinner. Let’s look at some of the common auspicious seafood dishes in the Cantonese gatherings.
Steamed Prawns 🦐
Prawns symbolize happiness and joy (蝦 ha). Steaming them preserves their natural sweetness and vibrant colour, making them a delightful addition to your festive table. The Chinese style of seafood cooking typically revolves around celebrating the natural flavours of the ocean without much alteration. Steamed prawns often take the centre stage of a lavish banquet, showcasing the natural tastes of succulent prawns rather than overpowering the natural sweetness of the prized seafood.
Fish Maw Soup 🍲
Fish maw represents abundance and prosperity. A nourishing fish maw soup not only warms the body but also brings wishes for surplus and good fortune in the coming year. The common fish maw soup in Cantonese cooking comes with carrots, radishes, pork ribs and wolfberries. In Cantonese cooking, freshness is paramount, especially when it comes to fish maw soups. As such, ginger is often used to rid the soup of any ‘fishy’ or earthy smell.
Broccoli with Scallops 🥦
Scallop is one of the most decadent types of seafood in the Chinese culinary traditions. The Cantonese love their scallops both fresh and dried. The bigger the scallops, the more prized they are. This combination of scallop and broccoli is a banquet classic. A true crowd-pleaser, this recipe signifies wealth (scallops) and prosperity (broccoli). The crispness of broccoli paired with tender scallops creates a harmonious and flavourful dish. At times, the scallops are replaced by braised abalone for an even more luxurious banquet experience.
Steamed Sea Bass 🐟
There’s something magical about how the Cantonese culture embraces the ocean’s bounty, with dishes that highlight the sweet, fresh flavours of seafood while respecting its natural taste. Serving a whole fish emphasizes unity and completeness. Steamed sea bass, with its delicate texture, is a centrepiece that conveys wishes for a harmonious family and successful endeavours.
To start, carefully select the freshest fish from the market—its eyes bright and its flesh firm. The preparation is simple, with a whole fish, cleaned meticulously, scattered with ginger slices and scallions. After steaming, add a dash of soy sauce and sesame oil to the fragrant and glistening fish. The taste was pure, unadulterated by heavy sauces, and the texture was delicate yet satisfying. For Cantonese families, a whole fish is a symbol of abundance and unity, making it a must-have at Lunar New Year dinners and other special occasions.
Whole Cooked Lobsters or Crabs 🦞
Lobsters and crabs symbolise strength and resilience. These delicacies are a labour of love, requiring patience to crack open and savour their sweet, delicate meat. It’s messy but worth every effort. Serving lobsters and crabs are a sign of opulence and wealth, displaying the host’s generosity and love towards his/her guests. Eating crabs around a bustling table filled with laughter and chatter is a signature Cantonese gathering experience that stays with you long after the meal is over.
This love for seafood extends beyond the kitchen and into Cantonese culture itself. It’s no wonder that seafood takes centre stage during festivals, weddings, and family reunions. In fact, the Chinese’s love for seafood is more than just a culinary preference—it’s a way of life. And whether you’re enjoying a lavish banquet or a humble bowl of fish porridge, the ocean’s treasures have a way of bringing people together, one delicious bite at a time.
