Wu Wei You Yue

Wu Wei You Yue Recipe - Traditional Hong Kong Dish with Cuttlefish and Sesame Oil

Region / culture: Hong Kong | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Wu Wei You Yue is a traditional Chinese dish that features tender cuttlefish served on a bed of fresh lettuce, topped with a flavorful sauce. This dish is not only delicious, but also easy to prepare, making it a perfect choice for a quick and satisfying meal.

History

Wu Wei You Yue has been a popular dish in Chinese cuisine for many years. The combination of tender cuttlefish and fresh lettuce, topped with a savory sauce, creates a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that is sure to please the palate.

Ingredients

450 g cuttlefish
200 g lettuce

Sauce 1

2 tbsp light soy sauce
0.5 tbsp vinegar
1 tbsp tomato sauce
0.5 tbsp sugar
some sesame oil

Sauce 2

2 tbsp mashed spring onion
1 tbsp mashed red pepper
2 tbsp mashed garlic
1 tbsp mashed ginger

How to prepare

Wash the lettuce and shred it, then arrange it on a dish surface.
Wash the cuttlefish and cut it into pieces, then boil it in hot water until cooked.
Put the cooked cuttlefish on the surface of the lettuce after it has cooled down.
Mix sauce (1) and (2) together, then put it on the surface of the cuttlefish. Serve.

Variations

For a spicy kick, add some chili oil or hot sauce to the sauce mixture.
Add some sliced bell peppers or mushrooms to the dish for added flavor and texture.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the cuttlefish until it is tender, but be careful not to overcook it as it can become tough.

- The sauce can be adjusted to suit your taste preferences - feel free to add more or less of any ingredient to achieve the desired flavor.

- For a more authentic taste, consider using Chinese light soy sauce and sesame oil in the sauce.

Serving Suggestions

Wu Wei You Yue can be served as a main dish with steamed rice or noodles on the side.

Cooking Techniques

Boiling the cuttlefish until cooked ensures that it is tender and flavorful.

Ingredient Substitutions

If cuttlefish is not available, you can use squid or shrimp as a substitute.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the dish with some chopped green onions or sesame seeds for a pop of color and added flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

Wu Wei You Yue pairs well with a light and refreshing cucumber salad or a side of steamed vegetables.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

200 per serving

Carbohydrates

15g per serving

Fats

5g per serving

Proteins

25g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is a good source of vitamin C, iron, and calcium.

Alergens

This recipe contains soy and shellfish.

Summary

Wu Wei You Yue is a nutritious dish that is low in calories and high in protein. It is also a good source of vitamins and minerals.

Summary

- Wu Wei You Yue is a delicious and nutritious Chinese dish that is easy to prepare and sure to impress. With its tender cuttlefish, fresh lettuce, and flavorful sauce, this dish is a perfect choice for a satisfying meal.

How did I get this recipe?

I vividly recall the moment I first laid eyes on this recipe for Wu Wei You Yue. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Lily in her tiny village in the mountains of China. She had invited me into her home for a traditional tea ceremony, and as we sat sipping on fragrant green tea, she began to tell me about a dish that her grandmother used to make for her when she was a child.

Lily described Wu Wei You Yue as a delicate and flavorful dish made with fresh vegetables, tofu, and a savory sauce that danced on the taste buds. She explained that the name of the dish, which translates to "harmony and joy", was a reflection of the balance of flavors and textures that came together in perfect harmony.

As I listened to Lily talk about this dish, I could see the passion and love that she had for her grandmother's cooking. I knew in that moment that I had to learn how to make Wu Wei You Yue for myself.

Lily graciously agreed to teach me the recipe, and we spent the next few days gathering ingredients from the local market and preparing the dish together. She showed me how to slice the vegetables just so, how to marinate the tofu to perfection, and how to create the sauce using a blend of soy sauce, rice vinegar, ginger, and garlic.

As we cooked together, Lily shared stories of her grandmother and the many lessons she had learned from her about cooking and life. She spoke of the importance of patience, of listening to the ingredients and allowing them to guide you, and of the joy that comes from sharing a meal with loved ones.

After hours of chopping, stirring, and simmering, our Wu Wei You Yue was finally ready. The colors of the vegetables were vibrant, the tofu was tender, and the aroma that wafted from the dish was intoxicating.

As we sat down to eat, I took my first bite of the dish that had captivated my imagination. The flavors exploded on my tongue, the textures danced in my mouth, and I could feel the harmony and joy that Lily had spoken of.

From that moment on, Wu Wei You Yue became a staple in my own cooking repertoire. I made the dish for my family and friends, sharing the love and passion that had been passed down to me from Lily and her grandmother.

Over the years, I have made countless variations of Wu Wei You Yue, adding my own twist here and there, but always staying true to the essence of the dish that I had learned in that tiny village in the mountains of China.

Now, as I stand in my own kitchen, preparing a pot of Wu Wei You Yue for my grandchildren, I can't help but feel a sense of gratitude for the journey that brought me to this moment. The recipe may have come from Lily and her grandmother, but the joy and love that I pour into each dish is entirely my own.

As I ladle the steaming hot Wu Wei You Yue into bowls for my family to enjoy, I know that I am passing on more than just a recipe. I am passing on a tradition, a connection to the past, and a celebration of the simple pleasures that come from sharing a meal with those we love.

And as we sit down to eat together, savoring each bite of the dish that has brought us all together, I can't help but feel a sense of harmony and joy that fills my heart to the brim. Wu Wei You Yue may be just a dish, but to me, it is so much more. It is a reminder of the power of food to nourish not just our bodies, but our souls as well.