Planning a feast for Chinese New Year? From festive fish and dumplings to sticky rice pudding and peanut cookies, this symbolic selection of delicious recipes and traditional foods will help you plan the menu. In addition to fueling your celebration with family and friends, these Chinese dishes will bring you good luck for the coming year!
Chinese Pork Dumplings
A traditional favorite filled with juicy pork, wrapped in thin dough, and either steamed, boiled, or pan-fried. Often served with a dipping sauce made of soy sauce, vinegar, and chili oil. These dumplings are a must-have during the Lunar New Year and family gatherings. Their bite-sized shape and rich flavor make them a popular appetizer in Chinese cuisine. The filling can be customized with shrimp, vegetables, or mushrooms for variety.
Steamed Fish with Ginger
A delicate and healthy dish featuring fresh fish steamed with aromatic ginger, scallions, and soy sauce. This cooking method preserves the fish’s natural sweetness and keeps the texture moist and tender. Steamed fish is commonly served at banquets and special occasions for good luck and prosperity. The simple yet flavorful seasoning enhances the freshness of the fish. Often paired with jasmine rice, this dish is a staple in Cantonese cuisine.
Andrea’s Steamed Buns
Soft, fluffy, and slightly sweet Chinese bao buns, perfect for stuffing with pork, vegetables, or sweet red bean paste. The dough is yeast-raised, allowing it to achieve a light, airy texture when steamed. These buns are often found in dim sum restaurants or enjoyed as a street food snack. Their versatility makes them ideal for both savory and dessert fillings. Homemade versions can be customized with different fillings and shapes.
Chinese Hand-Pulled Noodles
A fascinating dish where the dough is stretched and pulled into long, chewy noodles by hand. The unique texture is achieved through a special kneading and pulling technique passed down for generations. These noodles are typically served in rich broths or stir-fried with meats and vegetables. Hand-pulled noodles are a staple in Northern Chinese cuisine and known for their satisfying chewiness. The preparation process is labor-intensive but rewarding, making fresh homemade noodles a special treat.
Chef John’s Chinese Scallion Pancakes
Crispy, flaky pancakes infused with fresh scallions and pan-fried until golden brown. The dough is layered and rolled multiple times to create a textured, chewy interior. These pancakes are a beloved street food in China, often paired with soy sauce or a savory dipping sauce. Their crispy outside and soft inside make them a perfect side dish or snack. Best enjoyed fresh off the pan, they are a comfort food favorite.
Sticky Rice Pork Balls
Juicy pork meatballs coated in soaked sticky rice and steamed to create a chewy, flavorful bite. The sticky rice forms a soft outer layer, while the inside remains tender and well-seasoned. These are a popular dish during special occasions and Lunar New Year feasts. The recipe is believed to symbolize prosperity and unity in Chinese culture. Often served with a light soy or garlic sauce for extra flavor.
Dongan Chicken
A spicy, tangy Hunan-style dish made with chicken, vinegar, chilies, and Sichuan peppercorns. The combination of bold spices gives it a mouthwatering aroma and fiery heat. The use of vinegar adds a distinct sourness, balancing the richness of the chicken. This dish originates from Hunan province and is well-loved for its complex flavors. Often served with steamed rice to complement its strong, spicy taste
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Authentic Chinese Egg Rolls
Crispy golden rolls filled with a mixture of pork, cabbage, carrots, and other vegetables. Deep-fried to perfection, they are a common appetizer at Chinese restaurants worldwide. Their crispy texture contrasts with the soft, flavorful filling inside. Often dipped in sweet and sour sauce or hot mustard for added taste. They are a staple in Chinese-American cuisine and a favorite party snack.
Crispy Baked Gau
A Chinese New Year treat made from glutinous rice flour, coconut milk, and red bean paste. Traditionally steamed, this version is baked for a crispy outer layer while keeping the inside soft and chewy. The sticky texture represents unity and family togetherness in Chinese culture. This dessert is mildly sweet and often enjoyed with tea. A popular delicacy in Southern China and among overseas Chinese communities.
Anko (Sweet Red Bean Paste)
A smooth and sweet paste made from adzuki beans and sugar, used in various Chinese and Japanese desserts. Commonly found in mooncakes, bao buns, and traditional pastries. The paste has a naturally mild sweetness that pairs well with both soft and crispy textures. Can be used as a filling for rice cakes and steamed buns. Popular during festive occasions and tea ceremonies.
He Jia Tuan Yuan (Tofu Ball Soup)
A light yet comforting soup with soft tofu balls, traditionally enjoyed during Lunar New Year. The tofu balls symbolize family unity and harmony. The broth is simple yet flavorful, often made with mushrooms, soy sauce, and ginger. This dish is a great source of plant-based protein and a staple in vegetarian Chinese cuisine. Typically garnished with green onions or cilantro for added freshness.
Pork Wonton Soup
A warm, savory soup with delicate pork-filled wontons in a clear, aromatic broth. The wonton wrappers are thin and soft, creating a silky texture when cooked. Often served with scallions, bok choy, and a dash of sesame oil for added flavor. This dish is comforting and commonly enjoyed during winter months. A staple in Cantonese cuisine, usually paired with noodles or rice.
Hong Kong-Style Egg Tarts
A beloved dim sum dessert with a flaky pastry crust and silky-smooth egg custard filling. Inspired by Portuguese pastéis de nata, these tarts have a delicate, buttery taste. Best enjoyed fresh and warm, with a slightly caramelized top. They are a must-try when visiting Hong Kong tea houses. Often paired with milk tea for a classic Hong Kong snack experience.
Lunar New Year Peanut Cookies
Crunchy, melt-in-your-mouth cookies with a rich peanut flavor, often made during festive celebrations. Symbolizing prosperity, they are a staple treat during Lunar New Year. The texture is delicate, and the cookies crumble easily in the mouth. Made with roasted peanuts, sugar, and butter for a deep nutty taste. They are often given as gifts in decorative red packaging.
Eight Treasure Rice Pudding
A festive dessert made with glutinous rice and topped with eight sweet ingredients, like red dates and lotus seeds. The number eight symbolizes prosperity and good fortune in Chinese culture. The rice is sticky and slightly sweet, with a fragrant aroma from the toppings. Served warm or cold, it is a comforting and traditional holiday dish. Often enjoyed with a drizzle of honey or syrup for extra sweetness.
Chinese Barbeque Pork (Char Siu)
A famous Cantonese roast pork dish marinated in a sweet-savory glaze of hoisin sauce, soy sauce, and honey. The pork is slow-roasted until tender, with a slightly charred and caramelized surface. It has a deep red color due to the marinade and is often sliced thinly. Commonly served over rice, in noodle soups, or inside steamed buns. A must-try dish in Chinese BBQ restaurants.
One-Pan Balsamic Chicken
This recipe features chicken tenders cooked alongside sweet potatoes, asparagus, broccoli, and cherry tomatoes. The dish is brought together with a tangy balsamic vinaigrette made from balsamic vinegar, extra-virgin olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, and a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes. The entire meal is prepared in a single pan, making for easy cleanup. It’s a balanced and flavorful option for a nutritious dinner.
Sheet-Pan Hawaiian Chicken
This recipe combines chicken pieces with a medley of bell peppers, red onion, and pineapple chunks, all tossed in a savory-sweet sauce. The sauce is typically made from ingredients like soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger, providing a delightful blend of flavors. Everything is spread out on a sheet pan and baked until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender. It’s a vibrant and tasty meal that brings a touch of the tropics to your dinner table.