As the clock strikes midnight on January 31st, people around the world will be celebrating the Lunar New Year with feasts and festivities. For many Asian cultures, this holiday marks the beginning of a new cycle, a time to bid farewell to the old and welcome the energy of the coming year. And what better way to usher in the good vibes than with a delicious spread of traditional dishes?
From savory main courses to sweet treats, we’ve rounded up 18 mouth-watering recipes that’ll transport you to the streets of China, Korea, Japan, and beyond. Whether you’re hosting a big family dinner or just want to spice up your kitchen with some new flavors, these Lunar New Year recipes are sure to bring joy and prosperity to your table.
Steamed Whole Fish with Ginger and Scallions
This aromatic dish is a simple yet impressive way to cook a whole fish, perfect for special occasions or everyday meals. The combination of ginger, scallions, and steaming brings out the natural flavors of the fish without overpowering it.
Ingredients:
– 1 whole fish (about 2 lbs), scaled and gutted
– 4-6 inches piece of fresh ginger, sliced into thin strips
– 3-4 scallions, chopped
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons water
– Salt, to taste
Instructions:
1. Rinse the fish under cold running water, pat dry with paper towels.
2. Place the fish in a steamer basket lined with parchment paper.
3. Arrange the ginger and scallion slices on top of the fish.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce and water. Pour the mixture over the fish.
5. Steam the fish over boiling water for 8-10 minutes per pound, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
6. Remove from heat and let rest for 2-3 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Chinese Dumplings (Jiaozi)
Bring the flavors of China to your table with this classic recipe for homemade dumplings, also known as Jiaozi. These tender and savory pockets of joy are perfect for a quick meal or as an appetizer.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 2 tablespoons salt
– 1/4 cup warm water
– Filling ingredients (see below)
– Vegetable oil for cooking
Filling:
– 1 pound ground pork
– 1/2 cup finely chopped cabbage
– 1/4 cup finely chopped scallions
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt.
2. Gradually add warm water and mix until dough forms.
3. Knead the dough for 5 minutes.
4. Divide the dough into small balls.
5. Roll out each ball into a thin circle.
6. Place a tablespoon of filling in the center.
7. Fold the dough over the filling, forming a half-moon shape.
8. Press edges together to seal.
9. Cook dumplings in boiling water for 10-15 minutes or pan-fry with oil until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Spring Rolls with Sweet Chili Sauce
Get ready to delight your taste buds with this classic Asian-inspired snack! Crispy spring rolls filled with a savory mixture of vegetables and noodles are served with a sweet and spicy chili sauce for dipping.
Ingredients:
– 1 package of spring roll wrappers (usually found in the frozen food section)
– 1/2 cup mixed vegetables (e.g. cabbage, carrots, bean sprouts)
– 1/4 cup cooked noodles
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Sweet Chili Sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions:
1. Thaw the spring roll wrappers according to package instructions.
2. In a bowl, mix together vegetables, noodles, soy sauce, and sesame oil.
3. Lay a wrapper flat on a surface. Place about 1 tablespoon of the vegetable mixture in the center.
4. Fold the bottom half of the wrapper over the filling, then fold in the sides and roll up to form a tight cylinder. Repeat with remaining wrappers and filling.
5. Deep-fry the spring rolls until golden brown (about 3-4 minutes). Drain on paper towels.
6. Serve hot with Sweet Chili Sauce for dipping.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Longevity Noodles with Garlic and Soy
This classic Chinese dish is a staple of longevity noodles, believed to promote health and well-being. This recipe combines the noodles with savory garlic and soy for a flavorful and nutritious meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 package of long-life noodles (or substitute with thin rice noodles)
– 3 cloves of garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook the noodles according to package instructions and set aside.
2. Heat the vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add the minced garlic and stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Add the cooked noodles, soy sauce, and salt to taste. Stir-fry for an additional 1-2 minutes until the noodles are well coated with the sauce.
5. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Sticky Rice Cake (Nian Gao)
In Chinese culture, Nian Gao is a traditional sweet rice cake served during the Lunar New Year to symbolize progress and good luck. This sticky rice cake recipe is a classic Chinese dessert that’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups glutinous rice flour
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup vegetable oil
– 1/2 cup water
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine glutinous rice flour and granulated sugar.
2. Gradually add in vegetable oil and mix until the dough forms.
3. Add in water and mix until the dough becomes sticky.
4. Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until it’s smooth and pliable.
5. Shape the dough into a log or rectangle, and wrap with plastic wrap.
6. Steam the cake over boiling water for 30-40 minutes or until it’s cooked through.
7. Let the cake cool before slicing and serving.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Braised Pork Belly (Hong Shao Rou)
A classic Chinese dish, Braised Pork Belly is a tender and flavorful treat that’s perfect for special occasions or family gatherings. This recipe yields a rich and savory sauce that’s infused with the deep flavors of soy sauce, sugar, and spices.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs pork belly, cut into 2-inch pieces
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 1/4 cup Chinese cooking wine (or dry sherry)
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon ginger, sliced
– 1 star anise, whole
– 1 cinnamon stick, whole
– 1 scallion, chopped
– Vegetable oil for braising
Instructions:
1. Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
2. Add the pork belly pieces and cook until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes. Remove the pork from the pot and set aside.
3. Reduce heat to low and add the soy sauce, cooking wine, sugar, garlic, ginger, star anise, and cinnamon stick. Stir to combine.
4. Return the pork belly to the pot and add enough water to cover the meat. Bring the liquid to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 2-3 hours, or until the pork is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
5. Remove the pot from the heat and let it cool slightly. Strain the braising liquid and discard the solids.
6. Serve the braised pork belly with the sauce spooned over the top. Garnish with chopped scallions.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours
Turnip Cake (Lo Bak Go)
This traditional Cantonese dish is a staple at dim sum restaurants and is perfect as a side dish or light meal. Turnip cakes are made with shredded turnips, pork fat, and rice flour, pan-fried to a crispy golden brown.
Ingredients:
– 1 large turnip, peeled and grated
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1/4 cup chopped scallions (green onions)
– 1/4 cup cooked and crumbled pork fat (or lard)
– 2 tablespoons rice flour
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine turnip, scallions, and pork fat. Mix well.
2. Add rice flour and mix until a sticky dough forms.
3. Divide the dough into small portions and shape into patties.
4. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a non-stick pan over medium heat. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
5. Serve hot with soy sauce and chili oil (optional).
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Eight Treasure Rice Pudding
This traditional Chinese dessert is a delightful combination of rice, nuts, and dried fruits, offering a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. With only eight ingredients, this pudding is surprisingly easy to prepare and makes for a lovely treat any time of the year.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked white rice
– 2 cups water or milk
– 1/4 cup sugar
– 1/4 cup chopped almonds
– 1/4 cup raisins
– 1/4 cup dried apricots, diced
– 1/4 cup shredded coconut
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine rice, water or milk, sugar, and sesame oil. Cook over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves.
2. Add chopped almonds, raisins, dried apricots, and shredded coconut to the saucepan. Stir well to combine.
3. Continue cooking for 5-7 minutes, or until the mixture thickens slightly.
4. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature. Serve chilled.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Sweet Tangyuan in Ginger Syrup
Experience the perfect harmony of sweet and tangy with this traditional Chinese dessert. Sweet tangyuan, or glutinous rice balls, are typically served during special occasions like the Lunar New Year.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups glutinous rice flour
– 1/4 cup water
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup ginger syrup (homemade or store-bought)
– Fresh scallions, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine glutinous rice flour, water, and salt. Knead the mixture until a dough forms.
2. Divide the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter.
3. Bring the ginger syrup to a boil and then reduce the heat to a simmer.
4. Add the tangyuan balls to the syrup and cook for 10-12 minutes or until they float to the surface.
5. Remove the tangyuan from the syrup with a slotted spoon and place on a serving plate.
6. Garnish with chopped scallions, if desired.
7. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Cooking Time: 15-17 minutes
Prosperity Toss Salad (Yusheng)
Celebrate good fortune with this traditional Chinese New Year dish, Prosperity Toss Salad, also known as Yusheng. This flavorful and nutritious salad is a must-have at every reunion dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup shredded yellow turnip
– 1/2 cup shredded white radish
– 1/4 cup diced carrots
– 1/4 cup diced bean sprouts
– 1/4 cup chopped scallions (green onions)
– 1/4 cup toasted peanuts
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine shredded yellow turnip, white radish, carrots, bean sprouts, and chopped scallions.
2. Sprinkle toasted peanuts over the salad.
3. Drizzle soy sauce and oyster sauce (if using) over the salad, then toss to coat.
4. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Red Bean Soup with Glutinous Rice Balls
Warm up on a chilly day with this comforting and flavorful soup, paired with soft and chewy glutinous rice balls.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup dried red beans, rinsed and drained
– 4 cups water
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Glutinous rice flour (for making rice balls)
– Water for mixing
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, combine red beans and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1 hour.
2. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened.
3. Add cooked onion mixture to the red bean mixture. Stir in cinnamon.
4. Cook soup for an additional 30 minutes or until beans are tender.
5. To make glutinous rice balls, mix flour with water to form a dough. Knead until smooth. Shape into small balls.
6. Serve soup hot with glutinous rice balls.
Cooking Time: 2 hours
Steamed Chicken with Mushrooms
This recipe combines the tender juiciness of chicken breast with the earthy flavor of sautéed mushrooms, all steamed to perfection. Perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner or a healthy lunch option.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast
– 2 cups mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat steamer basket over boiling water.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together chicken breast, mushrooms, garlic, and olive oil.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Place the mixture in the prepared steamer basket.
5. Steam for 12-15 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the mushrooms are tender.
6. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Lion’s Head Meatballs
This traditional Chinese recipe features tender meatballs made with a combination of pork and vegetables, served in a savory sauce. Perfect for a comforting meal or as an appetizer.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound ground pork
– 1/2 cup finely chopped scallions (green onions)
– 1/4 cup grated carrot
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons cornstarch
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine ground pork, chopped scallions, grated carrot, soy sauce, cornstarch, garlic, and sesame oil. Mix well.
3. Shape mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
4. Place meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until cooked through.
5. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Stir-Fried Lotus Root with Celery
A flavorful and nutritious stir-fry recipe that combines the earthy sweetness of lotus root with the crunch of celery.
Ingredients:
– 1 medium lotus root, peeled and sliced into thin strips
– 2 stalks celery, sliced into thin strips
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– Salt to taste
– Optional: chili flakes for added heat
Instructions:
1. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the sliced lotus root and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until slightly caramelized.
3. Add the sliced celery and minced garlic; stir-fry for an additional 2-3 minutes.
4. Pour in soy sauce and season with salt to taste.
5. If desired, add chili flakes for added heat.
6. Serve immediately over rice or noodles.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Golden Fried Shrimp Balls
Golden Fried Shrimp Balls Recipe
Elevate your appetizer game with these crispy and flavorful shrimp balls that will impress any crowd!
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup cornstarch
– 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 1 egg, lightly beaten
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Lemon wedges (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, and panko breadcrumbs.
2. Add the shrimp to the bowl and toss until they are evenly coated with the dry mixture.
3. Beat the egg in a separate bowl, then add it to the shrimp mixture. Toss until the shrimp is well-coated.
4. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
5. Form the shrimp mixture into small balls (about 1 inch in diameter). Fry the shrimp balls for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.
6. Drain the shrimp balls on paper towels and serve hot with lemon wedges, if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Mandarin Orange Glazed Ribs
Add a burst of citrusy flavor to your ribs with this easy-to-make glaze. This sweet and sticky sauce combines the tanginess of mandarin oranges with the richness of honey, perfect for a summer BBQ or potluck.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds pork ribs
– 1/4 cup mandarin orange marmalade
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 275°F (135°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together marmalade, honey, soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Remove membrane from back of ribs and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Brush glaze evenly over both sides of the ribs.
5. Bake for 2 hours or until tender and caramelized.
6. Serve warm and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 2 hours
Vegetarian Buddha’s Delight
A flavorful and nutritious stir-fry that combines the richness of soy sauce, the sweetness of bell peppers, and the crunch of broccoli.
Ingredients:
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 small onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, sliced
– 1 small broccoli crown, cut into florets
– 1 cup firm tofu, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 teaspoons soy sauce
– 1 teaspoon honey
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Chopped green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the onion and garlic; stir-fry until the onion is translucent.
3. Add the bell pepper and broccoli; stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
4. Add the tofu and stir-fry until it’s lightly browned.
5. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce and honey. Pour over the stir-fry and toss to coat.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Garnish with chopped green onions, if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Pineapple Tarts for Good Fortune
In many Asian cultures, pineapple tarts are a symbol of good fortune and prosperity, making them a popular treat during special occasions. This simple recipe yields a delicious and auspicious dessert that’s sure to bring joy to your guests.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
– 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 1/2 cup pineapple jam
– 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, combine flour, cold butter, and confectioners’ sugar. Use a pastry blender or your fingers to work the butter into the dry ingredients until it resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Gradually add pineapple jam, mixing until a dough forms.
4. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/8 inch thickness.
5. Cut into desired shapes (e.g., circles, squares). Brush with beaten egg for a golden glaze.
6. Place on prepared baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until lightly browned.
7. Dust with confectioners’ sugar before serving.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Summary
Ring in the Lunar New Year with these 18 delicious and festive recipes! From traditional dishes like Steamed Whole Fish with Ginger and Scallions to modern twists like Spring Rolls with Sweet Chili Sauce, there’s something for everyone. Try making Chinese Dumplings (Jiaozi) or Braised Pork Belly (Hong Shao Rou) for a taste of authentic Asian cuisine. Or, go sweet with Eight Treasure Rice Pudding or Pineapple Tarts for Good Fortune. These recipes are sure to bring joy and prosperity to your Lunar New Year celebrations.
