Chinese New Year is all about family and feasting. It’s the time to welcome good luck and joy. Celebrating with delicious dishes is a must! Traditional recipes are rich with meaning and flavor.
Each dish has a special significance. From wealth to health, these recipes symbolize blessings. Dumplings bring fortune, and noodles promise long life. The vibrant flavors make everyone’s taste buds sing.
Gathering around the table is a cherished tradition. Cooking together adds love to every bite. These recipes are simple yet filled with authentic taste. Let’s dive into these 18 best Chinese New Year dinner recipes.
1. Pork Dumplings
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 lb ground pork
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 green onion, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Mix flour with water to make a soft dough.
- Let it rest for 30 minutes, then roll it out.
- Mix pork, soy sauce, sesame oil, and green onion.
- Place filling in dough circles and seal edges.
- Boil or pan-fry until golden and cooked.
2. Longevity Noodles
Ingredients:
- 200g fresh noodles
- 1 cup sliced vegetables
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp cooking oil
Instructions:
- Boil noodles, drain, and set aside.
- Stir-fry garlic and vegetables in oil.
- Add noodles and soy sauce, mixing well.
- Serve hot for good fortune.
3. Spring Rolls
Ingredients:
- 10 spring roll wrappers
- 1 cup shredded cabbage
- 1/2 cup grated carrot
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- Oil for frying
Instructions:
- Mix cabbage, carrot, and soy sauce.
- Fill wrappers, fold, and seal tightly.
- Deep fry until golden and crisp.
4. Sweet and Sour Fish
Ingredients:
- 1 whole fish, cleaned
- 1/4 cup vinegar
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/2 cup pineapple chunks
Instructions:
- Fry fish until crispy and set aside.
- Mix vinegar, sugar, and ketchup in a pan.
- Add pineapple, cook, and pour over fish.
5. Kung Pao Chicken
Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 1/2 cup peanuts
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp chili sauce
- 2 tbsp oil
Instructions:
- Stir-fry chicken in hot oil until cooked.
- Add peanuts, soy sauce, and chili sauce.
- Cook for 5 minutes and serve.
6. Steamed Fish with Ginger
Ingredients:
- 1 whole fish
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp ginger, julienned
Instructions:
- Place fish in a steamer and top with ginger.
- Steam for 10-15 minutes until cooked.
- Drizzle with soy sauce and sesame oil.
7. Braised Pork Belly
Ingredients:
- 1 lb pork belly
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Instructions:
- Fry pork belly until browned.
- Add soy sauce, sugar, and garlic.
- Simmer for 30 minutes until tender.
8. Mapo Tofu
Ingredients:
- 1 block tofu, diced
- 1/2 lb ground pork
- 2 tbsp chili bean paste
- 1 tsp garlic, minced
Instructions:
- Stir-fry pork and garlic until cooked.
- Add chili bean paste and tofu.
- Simmer for 10 minutes and serve.
9. Egg Fried Rice
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup mixed vegetables
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
Instructions:
- Scramble eggs in a pan and set aside.
- Stir-fry vegetables, then add rice and eggs.
- Mix in soy sauce and serve hot.
10. Sesame Balls (Jian Dui)
Ingredients:
- 1 cup glutinous rice flour
- 1/2 cup sweet red bean paste
- 1/2 cup sesame seeds
- Oil for frying
Instructions:
- Make dough with rice flour and water.
- Fill with red bean paste and roll in sesame seeds.
- Deep fry until golden.
11. Chinese Barbecue Pork (Char Siu)
Ingredients:
- 1 lb pork shoulder
- 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp five-spice powder
Instructions:
- Marinate pork with hoisin sauce, honey, and spices.
- Roast at 375°F for 30 minutes.
- Baste with marinade and roast 10 minutes more.
12. Hot and Sour Soup
Ingredients:
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup tofu, sliced
- 1/4 cup vinegar
- 1 tsp chili sauce
Instructions:
- Heat broth and add vinegar and chili sauce.
- Stir in tofu and cook for 5 minutes.
- Serve warm and enjoy.
13. Chinese Cabbage Stir-Fry
Ingredients:
- 1 head Napa cabbage
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp oil
Instructions:
- Heat oil and stir-fry garlic.
- Add cabbage and soy sauce.
- Cook until tender and serve.
14. Turnip Cake (Lo Bak Go)
Ingredients:
- 1 lb turnip, grated
- 1 cup rice flour
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup dried shrimp, chopped
Instructions:
- Mix turnip, rice flour, and water.
- Add shrimp and steam for 40 minutes.
- Slice and pan-fry before serving.
15. Peking Duck
Ingredients:
- 1 whole duck
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp five-spice powder
Instructions:
- Rub duck with soy sauce, honey, and spices.
- Roast at 400°F for 1 hour.
- Serve with pancakes and hoisin sauce.
16. Sticky Rice with Sausage
Ingredients:
- 2 cups glutinous rice
- 1/2 cup Chinese sausage, sliced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oil
Instructions:
- Soak rice for 2 hours and drain.
- Stir-fry sausage, then add rice and soy sauce.
- Steam for 30 minutes until cooked.
17. Eight-Treasure Rice
Ingredients:
- 2 cups glutinous rice
- 1/2 cup mixed dried fruits
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 tbsp oil
Instructions:
- Soak rice and steam until soft.
- Mix with dried fruits and sugar.
- Shape into a bowl and serve.
18. Fortune Cookies
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 2 egg whites
- 1/4 tsp vanilla
Instructions:
- Mix flour, sugar, egg whites, and vanilla.
- Spread batter thinly on a baking sheet.
- Bake at 350°F for 8 minutes.
- Fold into shapes with fortunes inside.
Conclusion
These recipes bring tradition to your table. Each dish adds joy and blessings. Celebrate Chinese New Year with these tasty meals.
Cooking these dishes is an act of love and luck. Share them with family and friends, and let the celebration begin!
May your New Year be filled with happiness, prosperity, and delicious moments. Happy cooking!