As the clock strikes midnight on the eve of Chinese New Year, families and friends gather around the table to feast and usher in a year of prosperity and good fortune. Traditional dishes take center stage, with sweet and savory flavors mingling in a celebration of the senses. In this article, we’ll explore 19 festive recipes that will help you ring in the new year with style. From classic whole fish with ginger and scallions to modern twists like kung pao chicken with peanuts, our collection has something for everyone.
Stay tuned for more exciting dishes, from savory braised pork belly with soy sauce to sweet treats like egg tarts with flaky pastry and mandarin orange cheesecake. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a culinary newbie, these recipes will inspire your own Chinese New Year celebrations and leave you wanting more.
Steamed Whole Fish with Ginger and Scallions
Transform a delicate fish into a flavorful masterpiece with this simple steaming recipe, infused with the warmth of ginger and the pungency of scallions.
Ingredients:
– 1 whole fish (about 1-2 lbs), scaled and gutted
– 2 inches fresh ginger, sliced thinly
– 4-6 scallions, trimmed to 2-inch pieces
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons white wine (optional)
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Rinse the fish under cold water, pat dry with paper towels.
2. In a large steamer basket, arrange the sliced ginger and scallion pieces in a single layer.
3. Place the fish on top of the ginger and scallions, leaving a small border around it.
4. Steam over boiling water for 8-12 minutes per pound, or until the fish is cooked through.
5. Drizzle soy sauce and white wine (if using) over the fish during the last minute of steaming.
6. Remove from heat, brush with vegetable oil, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 8-12 minutes per pound
Braised Pork Belly with Soy Sauce
Elevate your pork belly game with this simple and flavorful recipe that combines the richness of soy sauce with tender braising.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs pork belly, skin removed
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 2 tbsp brown sugar
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp ground ginger
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1/4 cup water
– 2 tbsp vegetable oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. In a large Dutch oven, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Sear the pork belly until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes per side.
3. Remove the pork from the pot and set aside. Add the garlic, ginger, soy sauce, sugar, chicken broth, and water to the pot. Stir to combine.
4. Return the pork belly to the pot, cover with a lid or foil, and transfer to the preheated oven.
5. Braise for 2-1/2 hours, or until the meat is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
6. Remove from the oven and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Cooking Time: 2-1/2 hours
Sticky Rice Cake (Nian Gao)
Sticky Rice Cake (Nian Gao) Recipe
A traditional Chinese dessert, Sticky Rice Cake is a sweet and sticky treat that’s perfect for special occasions or as a snack any time of the year. This recipe yields a moist and flavorful cake with a delightful chewy texture.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked glutinous rice
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pandan extract (optional)
- Food coloring (optional)
Instructions:
- Mix cooked glutinous rice, sugar, oil, and salt in a large bowl until well combined.
- Add pandan extract or food coloring if desired. Mix well.
- Knead the mixture until it forms a sticky dough.
- Shape into small patties or logs. Wrap individually with plastic wrap or parchment paper.
- Steam over boiling water for 20-25 minutes, or until the cake is cooked through and sticky.
Cooking Time:
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 20-25 minutes
- Total time: 35-40 minutes
Spring Rolls with Sweet Chili Sauce
Transform your taste buds with this sweet and savory combination! Crunchy spring rolls wrapped around a delicate filling, served with a tangy and slightly spicy sweet chili sauce.
Ingredients:
– 1 package of spring roll wrappers (usually found in the produce section)
– 1/2 cup shredded cabbage
– 1/2 cup grated carrot
– 1/4 cup chopped scallions (green onions)
– 1/4 cup cooked and chopped chicken breast or tofu
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons sesame oil
– Salt to taste
– Sweet Chili Sauce (store-bought or homemade, recipe below)
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine cabbage, carrot, scallions, and chicken/tofu. Mix well.
2. Lay a spring roll wrapper flat on a clean surface. Place about 1 tablespoon of the filling mixture in the center of the wrapper.
3. Fold the bottom half of the wrapper over the filling, then fold in the sides and roll up the wrapper to form a tight cylinder. Repeat with remaining wrappers and filling.
4. Fry the spring rolls in hot oil (about 350°F) for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
Sweet Chili Sauce:
– 1 cup ketchup
– 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
Mix all ingredients together and serve with spring rolls.
Cooking Time: About 15-20 minutes (depending on frying time)
Vegetable Dumplings with Homemade Dipping Sauce
Bring a taste of Asia into your kitchen with these tender vegetable dumplings served with a tangy homemade dipping sauce. This recipe is perfect for a quick and easy dinner or as an appetizer for a gathering.
Ingredients:
For the dumplings:
– 2 cups mixed vegetables (e.g., cabbage, carrots, bean sprouts)
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon sesame oil
– Water
For the dipping sauce:
– 1/2 cup soy sauce
– 1/4 cup rice vinegar
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1 tablespoon grated ginger
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine vegetables, flour, salt, and sesame oil. Gradually add water to form a dough.
2. Divide the dough into small portions and shape into dumplings.
3. Cook dumplings in boiling water for 10-15 minutes or until they float to the surface.
4. Meanwhile, mix dipping sauce ingredients in a bowl.
5. Serve cooked dumplings with homemade dipping sauce.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Eight Treasure Rice Pudding
A creamy and comforting dessert that combines the warmth of rice pudding with the sweetness of eight treasures. This delightful treat is perfect for a cozy evening or as a special occasion dessert.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked Japanese short-grain rice
– 2 cups milk
– 1/4 cup sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/4 cup chopped candied lotus seeds (liu lii)
– 1/4 cup chopped chestnuts
– 1/4 cup chopped pineapple
– 1/4 cup chopped lychees
– 1/4 cup chopped cherries
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine cooked rice, milk, sugar, and salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture comes to a boil.
2. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes or until the pudding has thickened slightly.
3. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
4. Fold in chopped candied lotus seeds, chestnuts, pineapple, lychees, and cherries.
5. Pour into individual serving cups or a large serving dish.
6. Chill in refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving.
Cooking Time: 15 minutes (plus chilling time)
Kung Pao Chicken with Peanuts
Experience the bold flavors of Sichuan cuisine with this spicy and savory Kung Pao Chicken dish, featuring crunchy peanuts.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
– 1/4 cup peanuts
– 1/4 cup scallions, chopped
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 1/4 cup Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
– 1 tablespoon cornstarch
– 2 teaspoons chili bean paste (doubanjiang)
– 1 teaspoon Sichuan peppercorns, toasted and ground
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Vegetable oil, for cooking
Instructions:
1. Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chicken and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside.
3. In the same pan, add the minced garlic and ginger. Cook for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
4. Add the peanuts, scallions, soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, cornstarch mixture, chili bean paste, and Sichuan peppercorns. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, until the peanuts are toasted and the sauce is bubbly.
5. Return the chicken to the pan and stir-fry until coated in the sauce.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Longevity Noodles with Shrimp
Nourish your body and soul with this delectable Chinese-inspired dish, packed with protein-rich shrimp and nutrient-dense longevity noodles.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz longevity noodles (or thin rice noodles)
– 1/2 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Chopped scallions for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook the longevity noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet or wok, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
3. Add the shrimp and cook until pink and fully cooked, about 2-3 minutes per side.
4. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
5. In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and grated ginger. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
6. Stir in the soy sauce and cook for an additional minute.
7. Add the cooked noodles to the skillet and toss with the garlic-ginger mixture until well coated.
8. Return the shrimp to the skillet and toss to combine.
9. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
10. Garnish with chopped scallions, if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Red Bean Paste Buns
These soft and fluffy buns are filled with a sweet and savory red bean paste, perfect for a delightful snack or breakfast treat.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup warm water
– 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
– 3 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup red bean paste (homemade or store-bought)
– 1 tablespoon sugar
– 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
2. Add flour, salt, and sugar to the bowl. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. Roll out the dough into a rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick.
5. Spread red bean paste evenly over the center of the dough, leaving a 1-inch border on both sides.
6. Fold the dough over the filling to form a triangle or rectangle shape. Seal edges with a fork.
7. Place buns on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving space for expansion.
8. Brush tops with beaten egg for a golden glaze.
9. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Pan-Fried Turnip Cake (Lo Bak Go)
A classic Cantonese dish that’s both crispy and fluffy, Lo Bak Go is a delightful twist on traditional turnip cake. This recipe yields a batch of tender and flavorful cakes perfect for snacking or serving as a side.
Ingredients:
– 2 medium turnips, peeled and grated
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup cornstarch
– 1/4 cup chopped scallions (green onions)
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine grated turnip, flour, cornstarch, scallions, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
2. Add the vegetable oil and mix until the mixture forms a sticky dough.
3. Divide the dough into 4-6 portions, depending on desired cake size.
4. Shape each portion into a round patty.
5. Heat a non-stick pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add enough oil to shallow-fry the cakes.
6. Pan-fry the cakes for 2-3 minutes on each side, until golden brown and crispy.
7. Brush with beaten egg for an extra-golden finish.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes per batch (depending on cake size)
Sweet and Sour Pork
A classic Chinese-inspired dish, Sweet and Sour Pork is a crowd-pleaser that combines the sweetness of sugar and vinegar with the savory flavor of pork. This recipe serves 4-6 people.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless pork shoulder or loin, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1/2 cup sweet and sour sauce (see below for recipe)
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 teaspoon sesame oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Sweet and Sour Sauce:
– 1/2 cup ketchup
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons white vinegar
– 2 tablespoons cornstarch
– 2 tablespoons water
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add pork and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
3. Remove pork from the pan and set aside.
4. In the same pan, add onion and garlic and stir-fry until softened.
5. Pour in sweet and sour sauce and bring to a simmer.
6. Return pork to the pan and toss to coat with the sauce.
7. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until pork is cooked through.
8. Season with soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Chinese Hot Pot with Assorted Meats and Vegetables
This recipe serves a flavorful and hearty hot pot experience, perfect for gatherings or family meals. With an assortment of meats and vegetables, this dish is sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs assorted meats (pork, beef, lamb), sliced into thin strips
– 1 lb mixed vegetables (Chinese cabbage, carrots, mushrooms, bell peppers)
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 teaspoons ginger paste
– 2 cups chicken broth
– 1 cup soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon sugar
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Assorted dipping sauces (soy sauce, chili flakes, vinegar)
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large hot pot or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add garlic and ginger paste; stir-fry until fragrant.
3. Add meats and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
4. Add mixed vegetables and chicken broth; bring to a boil.
5. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes or until vegetables are tender.
6. Season with soy sauce, sugar, salt, and pepper.
7. Serve hot pot with assorted dipping sauces.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Jiaozi (Chinese Dumplings)
In this recipe, we will be making traditional Chinese dumplings, also known as Jiaozi, filled with a delicious combination of pork and vegetables. These mouthwatering treats are perfect for snacking or serving as an appetizer.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 2 tablespoons salt
– 1/4 cup warm water
– Filling ingredients:
+ 1 pound ground pork
+ 1/2 cup chopped scallions
+ 1/2 cup finely chopped cabbage
+ 2 cloves garlic, minced
+ Soy sauce and sesame oil for seasoning
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt.
2. Gradually add warm water to form a dough.
3. Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. Divide the dough into small balls, about the size of a small egg.
5. Roll out each ball into a thin circle.
6. Place a tablespoon of filling in the center of each circle.
7. Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape, pressing edges together to seal.
8. Cook dumplings by steaming for 10-12 minutes or pan-frying with oil until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Egg Tarts with Flaky Pastry
These classic Portuguese-inspired treats are a staple of Macau’s culinary scene, and this recipe makes them easily accessible to your kitchen. With a flaky pastry crust and creamy egg filling, you’ll be hooked from the first bite.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
– 1/4 cup ice-cold water
– 3 large eggs
– 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour and salt. Add butter and use a pastry blender or fingers to work it into the flour until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Gradually add ice-cold water, stirring with a fork until dough comes together in a ball.
4. Roll out dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/8 inch thickness. Cut out circles of dough using a cookie cutter or the rim of a glass.
5. Place a spoonful of egg mixture (see below) onto one half of each circle, leaving a 1/2-inch border around edges. Fold other half over filling and press edges together to seal.
6. Brush tops with a little water and sprinkle with sugar. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
Egg Filling:
– Beat 3 large eggs with 1 tablespoon granulated sugar until well combined. Season with salt to taste.
Peking Duck with Mandarin Pancakes
Experience the perfect harmony of crispy duck skin and fluffy pancakes in this classic Chinese dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 whole Peking duck (4-5 lbs)
– 2 cups mandarin oranges, peeled and segmented
– 1 cup pancake batter (see below for recipe)
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1 tablespoon five-spice powder
– Scallions, chopped (optional)
Pancake Batter:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 eggs
– 1/4 cup water
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Rinse the duck and pat dry with paper towels.
3. In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, honey, and five-spice powder. Brush the mixture evenly onto the duck.
4. Roast the duck in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes or until crispy skin forms.
5. Meanwhile, cook the pancake batter according to package instructions or make your own using the ingredients above.
6. Serve the roasted duck with mandarin pancakes, scallions (if using), and a drizzle of soy sauce.
Cooking Time: Approximately 1 hour 15 minutes
Stir-Fried Bok Choy with Garlic
A simple and flavorful Chinese-inspired dish that highlights the tender goodness of bok choy.
Ingredients:
– 1 bunch bok choy, cleaned and cut into 2-inch pieces
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 teaspoon soy sauce (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the minced garlic and stir-fry until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
3. Add the bok choy pieces and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, or until they start to wilt.
4. Continue cooking, stirring frequently, until the bok choy is tender but still crisp, about 5-7 minutes total.
5. Season with soy sauce (if using), salt, and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Glutinous Rice Stuffed Lotus Root
A traditional Chinese dish that combines the natural sweetness of lotus root with the creamy texture of glutinous rice.
Ingredients:
– 1 large lotus root, peeled and sliced into 1-inch thick rounds
– 2 cups glutinous rice
– 2 cups water
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– Salt to taste
– Optional: scallions and sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions:
1. Rinse the lotus root slices under cold running water, then soak them in water for at least 4 hours or overnight.
2. Drain and rinse the lotus root again. Place a lotus root slice on a flat surface and create a small indentation in the center using your finger.
3. Mix glutinous rice with water until it forms a sticky dough. Divide the dough into small portions, about the size of a small marble.
4. Stuff each lotus root slice with a portion of the rice mixture, placing it in the indentation.
5. Heat vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the stuffed lotus roots and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, until they are lightly browned and crispy.
6. Serve hot, garnished with scallions and sesame seeds if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Fried Sesame Balls with Red Bean Filling
A sweet and savory fusion of crispy fried sesame balls filled with a flavorful red bean paste, perfect for snacking or as a dessert.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup sesame seeds
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup vegetable oil
– 1/2 cup red bean paste (see note)
– Water, for frying
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together flour and sesame seeds.
2. Add sugar and mix until combined.
3. Gradually add vegetable oil to form a dough.
4. Divide dough into small balls, about 1-inch in diameter.
5. Flatten each ball slightly and place a tablespoon of red bean paste in the center.
6. Fold and seal the filling, then shape into a sphere.
7. Heat about 2-3 inches of water in a deep frying pan to a simmering boil.
8. Fry sesame balls in batches until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per batch.
9. Drain on paper towels and dust with confectioners’ sugar.
Cooking Time: About 20 minutes, including preparation time.
Mandarin Orange Cheesecake
Brighten up your dessert table with this refreshing Mandarin Orange Cheesecake, bursting with citrus flavor and a hint of sweetness.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 16 oz cream cheese, softened
– 3 large eggs
– 1/2 cup mandarin orange juice
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. Prepare the crust by mixing crumbs and sugar, then adding melted butter. Press into a 9-inch springform pan.
3. In a separate bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, followed by mandarin orange juice, vanilla extract, and confectioners’ sugar.
4. Pour the cheesecake batter into the prepared crust.
5. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly.
6. Let cool completely before refrigerating for at least 4 hours.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Serves: 8-10 people
Summary
Celebrate the Chinese New Year with these delicious and festive recipes! From classic dishes like Steamed Whole Fish with Ginger and Scallions, Braised Pork Belly with Soy Sauce, and Sweet and Sour Pork to sweet treats like Egg Tarts with Flaky Pastry and Mandarin Orange Cheesecake. These 19 mouth-watering recipes are sure to impress your guests and add a touch of cultural flair to your holiday celebrations.
