Table of Contents
The Lunar New Year, also known as Chinese New Year or Spring Festival, is a time for family reunions, cultural traditions, and of course, an abundance of mouthwatering food. To help you usher in the new year with joy and prosperity, here’s a collection of festive recipes that symbolize good fortune, happiness, and togetherness.
1. Dumplings (Jiaozi)
Symbolism: Wealth and prosperity
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup water
- 1 lb ground pork
- ¼ cup chopped green onions
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp minced ginger
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Mix flour and water to form a smooth dough. Cover and let it rest for 30 minutes.
- Combine pork, green onions, soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Roll out the dough and cut it into small circles.
- Place a spoonful of filling in the center of each circle, fold, and pleat to seal.
- Boil, steam, or pan-fry until cooked through. Serve hot with dipping sauce.
2. Longevity Noodles (Changshou Mian)
Symbolism: Long life
Ingredients:
- 10 oz fresh Chinese egg noodles
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup sliced shiitake mushrooms
- 1 cup bok choy
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
Instructions:
- Cook noodles according to package instructions and drain.
- Heat oil in a wok, add garlic and mushrooms, and stir-fry for 2 minutes.
- Add bok choy and sauces, stir-frying until tender.
- Toss in the noodles and serve immediately.
3. Sticky Rice Cake (Nian Gao)
Symbolism: Rising success
Ingredients:
- 2 cups glutinous rice flour
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Red dates for decoration (optional)
Instructions:
- Dissolve brown sugar in water over low heat, then cool.
- Mix rice flour, sugar water, and vanilla into a smooth batter.
- Pour into a greased round pan and steam for 45 minutes.
- Let cool before slicing. Serve warm or pan-fried.
4. Spring Rolls (Chun Juan)
Symbolism: Wealth and prosperity
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground chicken or pork
- 1 cup shredded cabbage
- 1 cup julienned carrots
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- Spring roll wrappers
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
- Cook the meat until browned. Add cabbage, carrots, and soy sauce.
- Place filling on each wrapper, fold, and roll tightly.
- Fry in hot oil until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
- Serve hot with sweet chili sauce.
5. Whole Steamed Fish (Zheng Yu)
Symbolism: Abundance
Ingredients:
- 1 whole white fish (e.g., sea bass)
- 2 tbsp ginger slices
- 3 green onions, sliced
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
Instructions:
- Clean and pat the fish dry. Place on a heatproof plate.
- Sprinkle with ginger and green onions.
- Steam for 15 minutes or until cooked.
- Drizzle with soy sauce and sesame oil before serving.
6. Sweet Rice Balls (Tang Yuan)
Symbolism: Family unity
Ingredients:
- 2 cups glutinous rice flour
- ¾ cup water
- Sweet fillings (e.g., red bean paste or black sesame paste)
- Ginger syrup (optional)
Instructions:
- Mix rice flour with water to form a smooth dough.
- Roll into small balls, flatten, and add filling.
- Seal and shape into balls.
- Boil until they float. Serve in ginger syrup if desired.
7. Eight-Treasure Rice (Ba Bao Fan)
Symbolism: Harmony and good fortune
Ingredients:
- 2 cups glutinous rice
- ½ cup mixed dried fruits (dates, lotus seeds, goji berries)
- ½ cup sweet red bean paste
- 2 tbsp sugar
Instructions:
- Cook rice and let cool slightly.
- Mix with sugar and some dried fruits.
- Line a bowl with dried fruits, fill with rice, and press red bean paste in the center.
- Steam for 30 minutes and invert onto a serving plate.
Lunar New Year Feast
As you prepare these delicious dishes, remember that Lunar New Year is about more than just food—it’s about sharing love, laughter, and joy with your family and friends. May these recipes bring prosperity and happiness to your celebrations. Happy Lunar New Year!