Get ready to embark on a culinary adventure as we unveil the delectable world of traditional Chinese recipes for Lunar New Year. This joyous festival not only marks the start of a brand-new year, but it also brings families together to celebrate with scrumptious feasts and mouthwatering dishes. From succulent dumplings and crispy spring rolls to fragrant fried rice and indulgent desserts, these cherished recipes passed down through generations are guaranteed to fill your home with warmth and good fortune. So, roll up your sleeves, put on your apron, and get ready to create unforgettable memories through the irresistible flavors of traditional Chinese cuisine.
Dumplings
Jiaozi
Jiaozi is a popular Chinese dumpling that is commonly eaten during Lunar New Year celebrations. These little pockets of deliciousness are traditionally made by hand, with a dough wrapper filled with a mixture of ground meat, vegetables, and seasonings. The filling can vary, but some common options include pork and cabbage, shrimp, and chives, or beef and mushrooms. Jiaozi are usually boiled or steamed, and can be served with a dipping sauce made from soy sauce, vinegar, and sesame oil. Making and eating jiaozi is a time-honored tradition that brings families together to celebrate the festive season.
Shui Jiao
Shui Jiao, also known as “water dumplings,” are a type of Chinese dumpling that is typically boiled instead of steamed or fried. Similar to jiaozi, shui jiao also features a thin dough wrapper filled with a savory mixture of ingredients. The filling can include ground meat, vegetables, herbs, and spices, providing a burst of flavors with every bite. Once the dumplings are cooked, they are typically served in a flavorful broth, making them a comforting and satisfying dish to enjoy during Lunar New Year festivities. Whether eaten as a main course or served as part of a larger meal, shui jiao is a must-try dish for anyone wanting to experience authentic Chinese cuisine.
Zongzi
Zongzi is a traditional Chinese dish that is often enjoyed during the Dragon Boat Festival, but it can also be a delightful addition to Lunar New Year celebrations. Zongzi are sticky rice dumplings wrapped in bamboo leaves and filled with various ingredients. The glutinous rice is typically mixed with a combination of meats such as pork belly, chicken, or Chinese sausage, along with dried shrimp, mushrooms, and sometimes chestnuts. The filled bamboo leaves are then steamed or boiled until the rice becomes soft and fragrant. The result is a delicious and aromatic dumpling that showcases the rich flavors of both the rice and the fillings. Zongzi are not only a tasty treat, but they also hold cultural significance, symbolizing good luck and warding off evil spirits.
Fish Dishes
Steamed Whole Fish
Steamed whole fish is a classic Chinese dish that is believed to bring prosperity and good luck when eaten during Lunar New Year. The fish is traditionally left whole, symbolizing unity and abundance. The most commonly used fish for this dish is carp or tilapia, as they are believed to bring good fortune. The fish is typically seasoned with ginger, garlic, soy sauce, and sometimes a touch of Chinese rice wine. It is then steamed until tender, resulting in a delicate and flavorful dish. Steamed fish is often served with a splash of hot oil and garnished with fresh herbs, creating a visually appealing and delicious centerpiece for the Lunar New Year feast.
Sweet and Sour Fish
Another popular fish dish enjoyed during Lunar New Year is sweet and sour fish. This dish combines the perfect balance of flavors, with the sweetness of the sauce complementing the tanginess of vinegar and the freshness of vegetables. The fish is typically deep-fried until crispy and then smothered in a vibrant sweet and sour sauce made from a blend of vinegar, sugar, ketchup, and soy sauce. The addition of colorful bell peppers, onions, and pineapple adds a burst of freshness and texture to the dish. Sweet and sour fish is a crowd-pleaser that will surely add a touch of festive cheer to your Lunar New Year celebrations.
Braised Fish
Braised fish is a comforting and hearty dish that is often enjoyed during Lunar New Year. The fish is slowly simmered in a flavorful broth until tender, resulting in a melt-in-your-mouth texture. The broth is typically made with soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and various aromatic spices, infusing the fish with a rich and savory flavor. Vegetables such as mushrooms and bok choy are often added to enhance the taste and provide an additional nutritional boost. Braised fish is a dish that symbolizes abundance and prosperity, making it a staple on the Lunar New Year menu.
Noodles
Longevity Noodles
Longevity noodles are an important dish during Lunar New Year, symbolizing long life and good fortune. These noodles are typically made from wheat flour and are longer and thicker than regular noodles. Longevity noodles can be stir-fried or served in soup, and they are often paired with a variety of ingredients such as vegetables, seafood, and meat. The dish is meant to be eaten without cutting or breaking the noodles, as doing so might bring bad luck. Longevity noodles are not only delicious but also carry deep cultural significance, making them a must-have for a prosperous Lunar New Year celebration.
Fried Glass Noodles
Fried glass noodles, also known as “cellophane noodles” or “bean thread noodles,” are a popular dish enjoyed during Lunar New Year. These transparent noodles are made from mung bean starch and have a chewy texture that absorbs flavors well. Fried glass noodles are commonly stir-fried with an array of colorful vegetables, such as bell peppers, carrots, and mushrooms. They are often seasoned with soy sauce, garlic, and ginger, creating a tasty and savory dish. The noodles’ translucency represents purity and clarity, making them an auspicious addition to the Lunar New Year feast.
Dan Dan Noodles
Dan Dan noodles are a traditional Sichuan dish that has become a beloved favorite in Chinese cuisine. These noodles are typically made from wheat flour and are served in a savory and spicy sauce. The sauce is made from a mixture of chili oil, Sichuan pepper, soy sauce, garlic, and sometimes ground pork. The noodles are usually garnished with spring onions, crushed peanuts, and cilantro, creating a beautiful combination of textures and flavors. Dan Dan noodles are known for their unique taste and mouth-numbing sensation, making them a thrilling addition to any Lunar New Year celebration.
Spring Rolls
Vegetable Spring Rolls
Vegetable spring rolls are a delightful appetizer commonly enjoyed during Lunar New Year. These crispy, golden rolls are filled with a variety of fresh vegetables, such as cabbage, carrots, and bean sprouts, providing a refreshing and healthy option. The vegetables are typically stir-fried with seasonings such as soy sauce, ginger, and garlic before being wrapped in a thin spring roll wrapper. The rolls are then deep-fried until golden and crispy. Vegetable spring rolls are often served with a sweet and sour dipping sauce, adding a tangy element to the dish. These tasty treats symbolize wealth and prosperity, making them a popular dish during Lunar New Year festivities.
Shrimp Spring Rolls
Shrimp spring rolls are a classic Chinese appetizer that adds elegance to any Lunar New Year celebration. These delicate rolls are made by wrapping cooked shrimp, rice vermicelli, and a variety of vegetables in a soft and translucent rice paper wrapper. The flavors and textures of the filling create a harmonious balance, with the sweetness of the shrimp complementing the freshness of the vegetables. Shrimp spring rolls are often served with a hoisin-based dipping sauce or a peanut sauce, adding a touch of richness to the dish. These rolls are not only visually appealing but also considered a symbol of happiness and good fortune.
Chicken Spring Rolls
Chicken spring rolls are a delicious and versatile appetizer that can be enjoyed throughout Lunar New Year celebrations. These rolls are typically filled with a mixture of shredded chicken, vegetables, and seasonings. The filling is usually cooked with soy sauce, garlic, and ginger to enhance the flavors. The rolls are then wrapped in a spring roll wrapper and either deep-fried until crispy or baked for a healthier twist. Chicken spring rolls are often served with sweet chili sauce or plum sauce, adding a tangy and sweet element to the dish. These rolls are a crowd-pleaser that will surely impress your family and friends during Lunar New Year gatherings.
Turnip Cake
Savory Turnip Cake
Savory turnip cake, also known as “radish cake,” is a popular dish often enjoyed during Lunar New Year. Despite its name, this dish does not actually contain cake but is instead made from grated Chinese radish, rice flour, and various meats and vegetables. The mixture is steamed until firm and then sliced into squares or rectangles. The turnip cake squares are often pan-fried until crispy on the outside, resulting in a beautifully golden crust. Savory turnip cake is typically seasoned with soy sauce, sesame oil, and a touch of white pepper, creating a savory and umami-packed flavor. This dish is believed to bring good luck and prosperity due to the association between “turnip” and “wealth” in Chinese culture.
Radish Rice Cake
Radish rice cake, also known as “white carrot cake,” is another beloved dish enjoyed during Lunar New Year. This dish shares a similar name with the savory turnip cake, but the ingredients and preparation method differ. Radish rice cake is mainly made from rice flour and shredded radish, giving it a chewy and sticky texture. The shredded radish adds a mild sweetness to the cake, while other ingredients such as dried shrimp, mushrooms, and Chinese sausage provide additional flavors. The cake is traditionally pan-fried until crispy on the outside while remaining soft and tender on the inside. Radish rice cake is often seasoned with soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sometimes chili sauce, giving it a rich and appetizing taste. This dish symbolizes prosperity and good fortune, making it a must-try during Lunar New Year celebrations.
Pan-Fried Turnip Cake
Pan-fried turnip cake, also known as “fried radish cake,” is a variation of the traditional savory turnip cake. This dish is prepared by pan-frying sliced turnip cake until crispy on both sides, resulting in a delicious contrast of textures. The outer layer becomes golden and crispy, while the inside remains soft and tender. Pan-fried turnip cake is often served with soy sauce, chili sauce, or hoisin sauce, adding an additional layer of flavors. This dish is a popular choice as a snack or dim sum item during Lunar New Year celebrations, symbolizing good luck and prosperity for the upcoming year.
Sticky Rice Cake
Nian Gao
Nian Gao, also known as “sticky rice cake,” is a quintessential Lunar New Year treat that is loved by many. This sweet and sticky cake is made from glutinous rice flour and sugar, creating a chewy and slightly gooey texture. Nian Gao is often steamed until soft and then cut into slices or cubes. The cake can be enjoyed on its own, but it is also a key ingredient in other traditional desserts. In Chinese, “nian gao” sounds similar to the phrase “year high,” symbolizing the aspiration for a better year ahead. This delectable sticky rice cake is believed to bring good fortune and a sweet start to the Lunar New Year.
Coconut Glutinous Rice Cake
Coconut glutinous rice cake is a delightful variation of the traditional sticky rice cake. This version incorporates the natural sweetness and aroma of coconut into the recipe, giving the cake a tropical twist. The cake is made by combining glutinous rice flour, sugar, and coconut milk, resulting in a soft and fragrant texture. Coconut glutinous rice cake is often steamed until fully cooked and then topped with shredded coconut before serving. The addition of coconut adds richness and depth to the flavor, making this cake an irresistible treat during Lunar New Year celebrations.
Red Bean Sticky Rice Cake
Red bean sticky rice cake, also known as “hong dou nian gao,” is a popular sweet treat enjoyed during Lunar New Year. This cake combines the soft and chewy texture of sticky rice cake with the sweet and nutty flavor of red bean paste. The red bean paste is made from boiled and mashed adzuki beans, sweetened with sugar to create a smooth and creamy filling. The red bean paste is then wrapped in a layer of sticky rice cake and steamed until the texture becomes soft and indulgent. Red bean sticky rice cake is a delicious and auspicious dessert, symbolizing unity and good fortune in Chinese culture.
Eight Treasures Rice
Ba Bao Fan
Eight Treasures Rice, also known as “ba bao fan,” is a festive dish that holds cultural significance during Lunar New Year. This dish is made by steaming glutinous rice with a delightful mixture of eight different ingredients, symbolizing prosperity and good luck. The ingredients may include red dates, lotus seeds, dried fruits, raisins, nuts, sweet osmanthus flowers, and more. Each ingredient represents a different blessing or wish for the coming year. The combinations are endless, allowing for creativity and customization. Eight Treasures Rice is not only visually appealing but also offers a delightful blend of flavors and textures. This dish is often enjoyed as a dessert or as a symbol of celebration during Lunar New Year festivities.
Sticky Rice with Dried Fruits
Sticky rice with dried fruits is a luxurious and fragrant dish often enjoyed during Lunar New Year. This dish combines the comforting and sticky texture of glutinous rice with the natural sweetness and aroma of dried fruits. The rice is typically flavored with a mixture of spices such as cinnamon, star anise, and cloves, creating a warm and inviting fragrance. Dried fruits such as goji berries, red dates, and apricots are added to the rice, providing bursts of flavors and colors. Sticky rice with dried fruits is a delightful dessert that represents abundance and good wishes for the future.
Purple Rice Pudding
Purple rice pudding, also known as “zi shi fan,” is a vibrant and nutritious dish that brings joy to Lunar New Year celebrations. This colorful pudding is made from sticky purple rice that has been soaked and then cooked until tender. The rice is often sweetened with sugar or condensed milk and can be flavored with ingredients such as coconut milk or pandan leaves. Purple rice pudding is easy to make and is adored for its striking purple color and subtly sweet taste. This dessert symbolizes good luck and happiness, making it a favorite dish among families during Lunar New Year.
Candied Fruit
Candied Apples
Candied apples are a delightful sweet treat that adds a festive touch to Lunar New Year celebrations. These shiny and colorful apples are coated in a sticky and sweet syrup, creating a mouthwatering treat that both children and adults can enjoy. The apples are often skewered on sticks, making them easier to handle and eat. Candied apples can be found in various flavors, such as caramel, strawberry, or even chocolate. They are not only delicious but also carry symbolism, with the round shape of the apple signifying unity and a whole family. Adding candied apples to your Lunar New Year spread is sure to bring joy and smiles to everyone’s faces.
Candied Hawthorn
Candied hawthorn, also known as “bing tang hulu,” is a popular street snack enjoyed during Lunar New Year. This delightful treat consists of skewered hawthorn berries that have been coated in a glossy and sweet syrup. The hawthorn berries are tart and slightly sour, providing a delightful contrast to the sweetness of the syrup. Candied hawthorn is often enjoyed as a snack or dessert, offering a burst of flavors and textures with every bite. The bright red color of the berries adds a festive element to Lunar New Year celebrations, making candied hawthorn a beloved treat for all.
Candied Sweet Potatoes
Candied sweet potatoes are a delicious and comforting treat that can be enjoyed during Lunar New Year celebrations. These sweet and crispy potatoes are first deep-fried until golden and then coated in a sticky and sweet syrup. The syrup caramelizes on the potatoes, creating a delightful crunch and a rich sweetness. Candied sweet potatoes are not only tasty but also carry cultural significance. In Chinese, “sweet potato” sounds similar to the phrase “counting money,” symbolizing wealth and prosperity. Adding this traditional snack to your Lunar New Year menu is a great way to celebrate and wish for a prosperous year ahead.
Tangyuan
Sweet Rice Balls
Sweet rice balls, also known as “tangyuan,” are a traditional dessert that holds a special place in Lunar New Year celebrations. These glutinous rice balls are typically served in a sweet and fragrant ginger soup. The rice balls are made from glutinous rice flour and water, creating a soft and chewy texture. They can be filled with various sweet fillings such as black sesame paste, red bean paste, or peanuts. Sweet rice balls are often enjoyed as a symbol of family togetherness, with their round shape representing reunion and completeness. Indulging in these delightful treats during Lunar New Year is a wonderful way to celebrate love and unity with your loved ones.
Ginger Soup Tangyuan
Ginger soup tangyuan is a warming and comforting dessert that is perfect for Lunar New Year celebrations. This delicious dessert consists of glutinous rice balls served in a sweet and fragrant ginger-infused soup. The balls, made from glutinous rice flour and water, become soft and chewy when cooked. The ginger soup is prepared by simmering ginger with water and sweetening it with sugar or rock sugar, creating a soothing and aromatic base. Ginger soup tangyuan is not only delicious but also helps to warm the body during the winter season. This dessert is often enjoyed as a symbol of well wishes for good health and vitality in the new year.
Black Sesame Tangyuan
Black sesame tangyuan is a decadent and nutty dessert that is loved by many during Lunar New Year. The glutinous rice balls are filled with a rich and smooth black sesame paste, providing a burst of flavor with every bite. The rice balls are typically served in a sweet ginger soup or boiling water, allowing them to float and cook until tender. Black sesame tangyuan is not only visually appealing but also carries symbolism. In Chinese culture, black sesame is believed to promote good fortune and dispel evil spirits. Indulging in this delightful dessert during Lunar New Year celebrations is a delicious way to mark the start of a prosperous year.
Mooncakes
Lotus Seed Paste
Mooncakes are iconic treats associated with the Mid-Autumn Festival, but they are also enjoyed during Lunar New Year celebrations. These round pastry cakes are traditionally filled with lotus seed paste, creating a sweet and fragrant filling. The dough is usually made from flour, sugar, and oil, resulting in a soft and slightly flaky texture. Mooncakes are often decorated with intricate patterns on the top to represent longevity, unity, and good fortune. Sharing mooncakes with family and friends is a way to express love and well wishes during Lunar New Year festivities.
Red Bean Paste
Red bean paste mooncakes are another popular option during Lunar New Year. The smooth and slightly sweet red bean paste filling is encased in a delicate pastry crust, creating a delightful combination of flavors and textures. Red bean paste is made from boiled and mashed adzuki beans, sweetened with sugar to create a silky and flavorful filling. These mooncakes are often enjoyed with a cup of tea, offering a moment of tranquility and indulgence during Lunar New Year celebrations.
Salted Egg Yolk
Salted egg yolk mooncakes are a unique and savory treat that adds a twist to traditional Lunar New Year desserts. These mooncakes feature a rich and creamy salted egg yolk filling, creating a delightful contrast to the sweet pastry crust. Salted egg yolks are preserved in a mixture of salt and other seasonings, resulting in a unique flavor that is both salty and rich. The combination of sweet and salty in these mooncakes is a surprising and delightful experience for the taste buds during Lunar New Year celebrations.
As Lunar New Year approaches, it’s time to gather with family and friends and celebrate the joyous occasion. Traditional Chinese recipes play a significant role in these celebrations, offering a taste of culture and heritage. From savory dumplings to sweet desserts, the Lunar New Year feast provides a wide range of flavors and textures, each dish symbolizing auspicious wishes for the coming year. Whether you’re enjoying a steamy bowl of jiaozi, savoring a plate of tangyuan, or biting into a sticky rice cake, these dishes bring people together, fostering love, happiness, and togetherness. So as you prepare for the Lunar New Year festivities, remember to add these traditional Chinese recipes to your menu for a memorable and prosperous celebration. Happy Lunar New Year!
