Food Network
This impressive dish is a classic at Chinese banquets for weddings and other big celebrations. It’s also popular at higher-end Chinese restaurants. Although “bird’s nest” is in the title, there are no actual birds involved in any way in this Cantonese dish known as hoi sin zoek caau. The basis is a “nest” (zoek caau) made of taro strips that are molded and then deep-fried to form a basket that holds a seafood-and-vegetable stir-fry. Both shrimp and scallops signify luck, so it’s a dish that would be at home on your Lunar New Year table. If you’re making the dish ahead, you’re also in luck: The taro nest can be formed and fried at least a day in advance, and most of the preparation of the other ingredients can be done ahead, leaving you with only a quick stir-fry before serving.
