20+ Chinese New Year Dishes Recipe 2018 They're Simply Irresistible!
Published on: Mar 1, 2024
Chinese New Year is a time for vibrant celebrations and delicious feasts. As we welcome the Year of the Dog in 2018, it's the perfect opportunity to gather with loved ones and indulge in traditional dishes that are believed to bring good luck and prosperity. From mouth-watering dumplings to sweet glutinous rice cakes, here are some must-try Chinese New Year dishes that will make your celebrations even more special.
Main Ingredients: Glutinous Rice Flour, Milk, Eggs, Vegetable Oil, Brown
Start off your Chinese New Year feast with these adorable and tasty cupcakes. Made with Nian Gao, a traditional Chinese New Year cake, these cupcakes are a sweet treat that will bring good luck and prosperity in the new year.
2of 20
Chinese New Year Long Life Noodles
Main Ingredients: Oyster Sauce, Sesame Oil, Chinese Rice Wine, Ginger
Long life noodles are a staple dish for Chinese New Year as they symbolize longevity and happiness. This recipe adds a spicy kick to the traditional dish with the addition of Sichuan peppercorns and chili oil.
3of 20
Longevity Noodles for Chinese New Year
Main Ingredients: Noodles, Toasted Sesame Oil, Garlic, Fresh Ginger, Low
If you're looking for a vegetarian option for longevity noodles, this recipe is for you. It uses shiitake mushrooms and tofu to create a hearty and flavorful dish that is perfect for any Chinese New Year celebration.
4of 20
Chinese New Year Chicken Fried Rice
Main Ingredients: Sesame Oil, Jasmine Rice, Chicken, Garlic Cloves
Fried rice is a classic dish in Chinese cuisine, and this recipe adds a festive touch with the addition of red bell peppers and scallions. It's a quick and easy dish that will be a hit at your Chinese New Year dinner.
This traditional Chinese New Year cake, also known as Nin Gao, is a must-have for any Chinese New Year celebration. Made with glutinous rice flour and brown sugar, it has a chewy and sweet texture that is believed to bring good luck and prosperity in the new year.
Looking for a unique twist on traditional Chinese New Year dishes? This recipe combines the flavors of Chinese New Year with the popular Korean dish, bibimbap. It's a delicious and colorful addition to any Chinese New Year feast.
Upgrade your Chinese New Year dinner with this mouth-watering Chinese New Year Skillet recipe. Packed with flavors of ginger, garlic, and soy sauce, it's a quick and easy dish that is sure to impress your guests.
8of 20
How to make Chinese New Year Cake - Nin Gao
Main Ingredients: Glutinous Rice Flour, Rice Flour, Brown Sugar, Hot
If you've always wanted to make your own Chinese New Year cake, this recipe has got you covered. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, you'll have a delicious and auspicious cake in no time.
9of 20
Easy Potsticker Dipping Sauce and Popular Chinese New...
What's a Chinese New Year feast without some dumplings? This recipe not only gives you a delicious potsticker dipping sauce, but it also includes tips and tricks for making perfect potstickers every time.
10of 20
Chinese New Year Skillet
Main Ingredients: Vegetable Oil, Roast, Green Pepper, Pineapple Tidbits
If you're looking for a one-pan dish that is bursting with Chinese New Year flavors, this skillet recipe is for you. With tender chicken, colorful bell peppers, and a flavorful sauce, it's a dish that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
11of 20
New Year Stew
Main Ingredients: Collard Greens, Smoked Ham Hocks, Cooked Ham, Water
Warm up this Chinese New Year with a hearty and comforting stew. Packed with vegetables and chicken, it's a nourishing dish that will bring good fortune and happiness in the new year.
12of 20
Chinese New Year Cashew Chicken
Main Ingredients: Chicken Thighs, Olive Oil, Salt, Pepper, Onion, Baby
Looking for a dish that is both delicious and brings good luck? This cashew chicken recipe is the perfect choice. The cashews symbolize wealth and the chicken symbolizes fortune, making it a perfect dish for Chinese New Year.
13of 20
General Tso's Chicken Chinese New Year Celebration
Main Ingredients: Chicken, Egg, Water, Flour, Black Pepper, Cayenne
General Tso's chicken is a popular dish in Chinese-American cuisine, and this recipe gives it a festive twist for Chinese New Year. The sweet and spicy flavors make it a crowd-pleaser, and the red peppers and scallions add a touch of luck to the dish.
14of 20
Vegetarian Ham (Chinese New Year)
Main Ingredients: Bean Curd, Soy Sauce, Tamari, Water, Sugar, Fennel
For a vegetarian option that is still packed with traditional Chinese New Year flavors, try this vegetarian ham recipe. Made with tofu and flavored with soy sauce, it's a delicious and auspicious dish for the new year.
15of 20
Hoppin John -Hopping Straight into the New Year
Main Ingredients: Vegetable Oil, Red Bell Pepper, Celery, Onion, Garlic
In the Southern United States, Hoppin John is a popular dish for New Year's Day as it is believed to bring good luck and prosperity. This recipe gives it a Chinese New Year twist with the addition of Chinese sausage and soy sauce.
16of 20
Lucky New Year Penne Pasta
Main Ingredients: Black Eyed Peas, Gluten Free Penne Pasta, Butter
If you're looking for a dish that is quick and easy but still festive for Chinese New Year, this penne pasta recipe is for you. The red bell peppers and broccoli not only add a pop of color, but they also symbolize good luck and prosperity.
17of 20
Happy New Year! Kumquat Champagne Cocktail
Main Ingredients: Kumquats, Grand Marnier, Sugar, Champagne
Toast to the new year with this refreshing and festive cocktail. The kumquats symbolize good luck and the champagne adds a touch of elegance to any Chinese New Year celebration.
18of 20
Chinese New Year Shrimp Fried Rice
Main Ingredients: Oil, Garlic, Shrimp, Jasmine Rice, Egg, Soy Sauce
If you're a seafood lover, this shrimp fried rice recipe is the perfect dish for your Chinese New Year celebration. The shrimp symbolizes happiness and good fortune, making it a great addition to any Chinese New Year feast.
19of 20
Chinese New Year Cake Pressure Cooker
Main Ingredients: Water, Sugar, Coconut Milk, Oil, Glutinous Rice Flour
Short on time but still want to make your own Chinese New Year cake? This recipe is for you. Using a pressure cooker, you can have a delicious and auspicious cake in no time.
Last but not least, we have another traditional Chinese New Year cake recipe. This version uses brown sugar and coconut milk for a unique and delicious flavor. Serve it with a cup of tea for a perfect ending to your Chinese New Year feast.
The Importance of Food in Chinese New Year Celebrations
The Symbolism Behind Traditional Dishes
Food plays a significant role in Chinese culture, and this is especially evident during Chinese New Year. Each dish served during this festive period carries a special meaning and is believed to bring blessings and good fortune for the coming year. For example, dumplings are a staple dish during this time as their shape resembles ancient Chinese currency and symbolizes wealth and prosperity. Meanwhile, fish is a must-have dish as its Chinese name sounds similar to the word for abundance, making it a popular choice for those seeking success and prosperity in the new year.
The Importance of Reunion in Chinese New Year
Chinese New Year is a time for families to come together and share a meal, making reunion dinner a highly anticipated event. With this in mind, many of the dishes served during this special dinner are meant to be shared, symbolizing unity and togetherness. For example, hot pot is a popular choice for reunion dinner as it allows everyone to gather around the table and cook together, strengthening family bonds and promoting harmony.
The Significance of Balance and Harmony in Chinese New Year Dishes
In Chinese culture, balance and harmony are highly valued, and this is reflected in the dishes served during Chinese New Year. For instance, noodles are a symbol of longevity and are always served uncut to represent a long and fulfilling life. Meanwhile, glutinous rice cakes, also known as nian gao, are a symbol of unity and harmony as the words for sticky rice cake and "higher year" sound similar in Chinese, representing a wish for progress and advancement in the new year.
Traditional Chinese New Year Dishes to Try
Dumplings (Jiaozi)
As mentioned earlier, dumplings are a must-have dish during Chinese New Year. These delicious pockets of dough filled with meat and vegetables are not only tasty but also represent wealth and prosperity. For a fun twist, try making different shapes with your dumplings, such as crescent moons, to represent the coming of a new year.
Hot Pot (Huo Guo)
As a popular choice for reunion dinner, hot pot is a must-try dish during Chinese New Year. This communal dish involves cooking various meats, vegetables, and noodles in a flavorful broth, making it a fun and interactive dining experience for the whole family.
Tang Yuan (Glutinous Rice Balls)
Tang Yuan, or sweet glutinous rice balls, are a traditional Chinese New Year dessert that symbolizes togetherness and unity. These sticky balls are usually filled with sweet bean paste or black sesame paste and served in a sweet syrup.
In Conclusion
As you can see, Chinese New Year dishes are more than just delicious food – they are a reflection of cultural beliefs and values. Whether you're celebrating with family or friends, these traditional dishes are a must-try to bring luck, prosperity, and harmony in the new year. So go ahead, gather your loved ones, and indulge in these tasty and meaningful dishes. Happy Chinese New Year!