Sai Bang Xie

Sai Bang Xie Recipe from Hong Kong with Dried Scallops and Egg

Region / culture: Hong Kong | Preparation time: 2 hours | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Sai Bang Xie is a traditional Chinese dish that features dried scallops and eggs. This dish is known for its delicate flavors and luxurious texture, making it a popular choice for special occasions and celebrations.

History

Sai Bang Xie has a long history in Chinese cuisine, with dried scallops being a prized ingredient that dates back centuries. The dish is often served at banquets and important events, symbolizing prosperity and abundance.

Ingredients

Seasoning

4 tbsp evaporated milk
0.5 tbsp salt
1 tbsp cornflour
a dash of sesame
a dash of pepper

Sauce in a saucer

0.5 tbsp fine-diced ginger
2 tbsp vinegar

How to prepare

Wash the dry scallops, then soak them in water for at least 2 hours. Save the water.
Steam the dry scallops with one slice of ginger in a saucer for 0.5 hour.
Finely tear the steamed dry scallops when they cool down.
Whisk the egg white, then add the dry scallops and seasoning. Whisk again.
Heat a wok and add 4 tbsp of oil. Pour the egg white mixture in a whisking action.
Stir fry over low heat until the mixture congeals and is cooked. Dish up.
Add the uncooked egg yolk onto the surface and serve with sauce.

Variations

Add diced vegetables such as bell peppers or mushrooms for added texture and flavor.
Substitute dried scallops with fresh scallops or shrimp for a different twist on the dish.
Garnish with chopped green onions or cilantro for a pop of color and freshness.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Soaking the dried scallops in water helps to rehydrate them and bring out their natural flavors.

- Steaming the dried scallops with ginger adds a subtle aroma to the dish.

- Whisking the egg whites until fluffy helps to create a light and airy texture in the final dish.

- Stir-frying the egg white mixture over low heat ensures that it cooks evenly and does not become rubbery.

Serving Suggestions

Sai Bang Xie can be served as a main dish with steamed rice or as a side dish alongside other Chinese delicacies. It pairs well with a light vegetable stir-fry or a simple soup.

Cooking Techniques

Whisking the egg whites until fluffy helps to create a light and airy texture in the final dish.

- Stir-frying the egg white mixture over low heat ensures that it cooks evenly and does not become rubbery.

Ingredient Substitutions

If dried scallops are not available, you can use fresh scallops or shrimp as a substitute.

- Evaporated milk can be replaced with regular milk or coconut milk for a dairy-free option.

Make Ahead Tips

Sai Bang Xie can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Simply reheat in a wok or microwave before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Sai Bang Xie in individual bowls or on a platter garnished with fresh herbs or edible flowers for an elegant presentation. You can also drizzle the sauce on top for added flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

Sai Bang Xie pairs well with steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, or a light soup. For drinks, consider serving green tea or a crisp white wine to complement the flavors of the dish.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Sai Bang Xie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a wok or microwave until heated through before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Sai Bang Xie contains approximately 150 calories, making it a light and satisfying dish.

Carbohydrates

Sai Bang Xie is a low-carbohydrate dish, making it a suitable option for those following a low-carb diet.

Fats

The dish contains a moderate amount of fats, primarily from the dried scallops and egg yolks. However, these fats are healthy and provide essential nutrients for the body.

Proteins

Sai Bang Xie is a rich source of protein, thanks to the dried scallops and egg whites. Protein is essential for muscle growth and repair, making this dish a nutritious choice.

Vitamins and minerals

Dried scallops are a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin B12, iron, and calcium. These nutrients are important for overall health and well-being.

Alergens

This dish contains eggs and seafood (dried scallops), which may be allergens for some individuals. It is important to check for any food allergies before consuming Sai Bang Xie.

Summary

Sai Bang Xie is a nutritious dish that is high in protein and low in carbohydrates. It is a good source of vitamins and minerals, making it a healthy choice for a balanced diet.

Summary

Sai Bang Xie is a delicious and nutritious Chinese dish that features dried scallops and eggs. With its delicate flavors and luxurious texture, this dish is sure to impress your guests and become a favorite at your table.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the thrill of stumbling upon this recipe for the first time. It was many years ago, when I was a young girl living in a small village in China. My grandmother, who was known for her incredible cooking skills, had invited me to help her in the kitchen one day. As we worked together, she began to tell me stories about her own childhood and the recipes she had learned from her own grandmother.

One day, as we were preparing a feast for a family gathering, my grandmother pulled out an old, tattered notebook from her apron pocket. She flipped through the pages, her eyes twinkling with excitement.

"Ah, here it is," she said, pointing to a recipe titled Sai Bang Xie. "This is a dish that has been passed down through our family for generations. It's a special recipe that is said to bring good luck and prosperity to those who eat it."

I was intrigued. I had never heard of Sai Bang Xie before, but the ingredients and method of preparation sounded delicious. My grandmother explained that it was a dish made with fresh crab meat, seasoned with ginger, garlic, and soy sauce, and then stir-fried with vegetables and noodles.

As we worked together to prepare the dish, my grandmother shared with me the story of how she had learned to make Sai Bang Xie when she was a young girl. She had been visiting a neighboring village with her mother, and they had been invited to a feast by a kind old woman who lived there. The old woman had served them Sai Bang Xie, and my grandmother had been so impressed by the dish that she had begged the woman to teach her how to make it.

The old woman had been delighted to pass on her knowledge, and my grandmother had spent many hours in her kitchen, learning the secrets of the recipe. She had brought the recipe back to our village, where it had become a family favorite ever since.

As we sat down to eat the Sai Bang Xie that we had prepared together, I savored the flavors and thought about the journey that this recipe had taken to reach me. It was more than just a dish – it was a connection to my grandmother, to my ancestors, and to the traditions that had been passed down through generations.

From that day on, Sai Bang Xie became a regular feature on our family's table. Whenever we had guests or special occasions to celebrate, my grandmother would make sure to include it in the menu. And as I grew older and learned to cook more dishes of my own, Sai Bang Xie remained a favorite that I would always turn to when I wanted to feel connected to my roots.

Now, as I pass on this recipe to you, my dear grandchild, I hope that you will treasure it as much as I have. May it bring you joy, good fortune, and a taste of the past each time you prepare it. And may you always remember the story of how we stumbled upon this recipe for Sai Bang Xie, and the love and tradition that it represents.