18+ Chinese New Year Gau Recipe They're Simply Irresistible!
Published on: Mar 1, 2024
Chinese New Year is one of the most important cultural celebrations in China and other East Asian countries. It is a time for families to come together and honor their ancestors, while also looking forward to a prosperous new year. One of the most highly anticipated traditions during Chinese New Year is the food, and no celebration is complete without gau, a sticky and sweet rice cake that symbolizes prosperity and good luck. This traditional dish has been passed down for generations and continues to be a staple in Chinese New Year celebrations. In this article, we will share with you a professional and well-organized introduction to making Chinese New Year gau using a traditional recipe.
Main Ingredients: Glutinous Rice Flour, Milk, Eggs, Vegetable Oil, Brown
If you're looking for a delicious and unique treat to celebrate Chinese New Year, these Nian Gao cupcakes are the perfect choice. These fluffy cupcakes are made with traditional Chinese New Year cake, also known as Nian Gao, which is a sticky rice cake commonly eaten during the holiday. These cupcakes are a modern twist on a classic dish and are sure to be a hit at any New Year celebration.
2of 20
Chinese New Year Long Life Noodles
Main Ingredients: Oyster Sauce, Sesame Oil, Chinese Rice Wine, Ginger
Longevity noodles are a staple dish for Chinese New Year. These long, uncut noodles symbolize a long and prosperous life, making them a must-have dish for any New Year celebration. This recipe combines the traditional flavors of Chinese cuisine with a touch of modern flair, making it a perfect dish to ring in the New Year. Serve these noodles with your favorite protein for a complete and delicious meal.
3of 20
Longevity Noodles for Chinese New Year
Main Ingredients: Noodles, Toasted Sesame Oil, Garlic, Fresh Ginger, Low
Another take on the traditional longevity noodles, this recipe features a flavorful sauce made with hoisin sauce, soy sauce, and sesame oil. The noodles are tossed in the sauce and topped with crispy pan-fried tofu and fresh vegetables for a delicious and healthy dish. Not only is this dish perfect for Chinese New Year, but it's also great for any time of the year when you want to add a little luck and prosperity to your meal.
4of 20
Chinese New Year Chicken Fried Rice
Main Ingredients: Sesame Oil, Jasmine Rice, Chicken, Garlic Cloves
Fried rice is a staple dish in Chinese cuisine and is often served during Chinese New Year celebrations. This recipe puts a twist on this classic dish by incorporating marinated chicken and fresh vegetables for added flavor and nutrition. The key to perfect fried rice is using day-old rice and high heat to achieve that signature crispy texture. Serve this dish as a main course or as a side dish to your favorite Chinese New Year entree.
Also known as Nin Gao, Chinese New Year cake is a must-have dish during the holiday. This sweet and sticky rice cake is traditionally steamed and served as a dessert or snack. This recipe puts a twist on the classic dish by baking the cake in a Bundt pan for a beautiful presentation. The addition of sesame seeds and red bean paste adds a unique and delicious flavor to this traditional dish.
Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, is a major holiday in Chinese culture. It is a time to celebrate with family and friends, honor ancestors, and welcome the new year with good fortune and luck. The holiday is filled with traditions and customs, including decorating with red and gold, giving red envelopes with money, and eating symbolic dishes to bring good luck and prosperity for the year ahead.
The Chinese New Year celebration lasts for 15 days, with each day having its own significance and traditions. The first day of the holiday is typically spent with family, enjoying a reunion dinner and participating in fireworks and dragon dances. The last day is marked with the Lantern Festival, where lanterns are lit and released into the sky to symbolize letting go of the past and welcoming new beginnings.
8of 20
How to make Chinese New Year Cake - Nin Gao
Main Ingredients: Glutinous Rice Flour, Rice Flour, Brown Sugar, Hot
Traditional Chinese New Year cake, or Nin Gao, is made with glutinous rice flour and a variety of ingredients such as dates, red beans, and coconut milk. This recipe takes the guesswork out of making this traditional dish by providing step-by-step instructions and helpful tips. Serve this delicious cake as a dessert or snack during your Chinese New Year celebrations and impress your family and friends with your culinary skills.
9of 20
Chinese New Year Skillet
Main Ingredients: Vegetable Oil, Roast, Green Pepper, Pineapple Tidbits
This one-pan skillet meal is a quick and easy way to celebrate Chinese New Year without spending hours in the kitchen. The dish is made with rice noodles, chicken, and vegetables, making it a complete and satisfying meal. The addition of Chinese five-spice powder and hoisin sauce gives the dish a distinct and delicious flavor. Serve this skillet with a side of vegetable spring rolls for a complete Chinese New Year feast.
10of 20
Easy Potsticker Dipping Sauce and Popular Chinese New...
Potstickers, also known as Chinese dumplings, are a popular dish during Chinese New Year celebrations. These crescent-shaped dumplings are typically filled with pork and vegetables and served with a dipping sauce. This recipe provides an easy and delicious dipping sauce that pairs perfectly with potstickers and other Chinese dishes. Serve this sauce at your next Chinese New Year gathering and impress your guests with your homemade sauce.
11of 20
New Year Stew
Main Ingredients: Collard Greens, Smoked Ham Hocks, Cooked Ham, Water
This hearty and comforting stew is the perfect dish to warm you up during the cold winter months and celebrate Chinese New Year. The dish is made with pork, vegetables, and Chinese spices and is best served over rice or noodles. The slow cooker method makes this dish easy to prepare and allows for all the flavors to meld together for a delicious and satisfying meal.
12of 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 Chinese-American dish that is often served during Chinese New Year celebrations. This recipe puts a healthier spin on the classic dish by using baked chicken instead of fried. The sauce is made with hoisin sauce, soy sauce, and honey for a perfect balance of sweet and savory. Serve this dish with steamed rice and vegetables for a complete and delicious Chinese New Year meal.
13of 20
Vegetarian Ham (Chinese New Year)
Main Ingredients: Bean Curd, Soy Sauce, Tamari, Water, Sugar, Fennel
If you're looking for a vegetarian dish to serve during Chinese New Year, this vegetarian ham is the perfect choice. The ham is made with seitan, a meat substitute made from wheat gluten, and is flavored with Chinese five-spice powder for an authentic taste. Serve this ham sliced and pan-fried with your favorite Chinese New Year dishes for a delicious and protein-packed meal.
14of 20
Chinese New Year Cashew Chicken
Main Ingredients: Chicken Thighs, Olive Oil, Salt, Pepper, Onion, Baby
Cashew chicken is a popular Chinese dish that is often served during Chinese New Year celebrations. This recipe puts a spin on the classic dish by using cashew butter instead of whole cashews, making it perfect for those with nut allergies. The dish is also gluten-free and can easily be made vegetarian by substituting tofu for the chicken. Serve this dish with steamed rice and vegetables for a complete and delicious meal.
15of 20
Happy New Year! Kumquat Champagne Cocktail
Main Ingredients: Kumquats, Grand Marnier, Sugar, Champagne
Celebrate Chinese New Year with this delicious and festive cocktail. The drink is made with champagne, kumquat syrup, and vodka and is garnished with a sugared kumquat. Kumquats are often eaten during Chinese New Year as they symbolize good luck and prosperity. This cocktail is a fun and unique way to incorporate this traditional fruit into your celebrations.
16of 20
Lucky New Year Penne Pasta
Main Ingredients: Black Eyed Peas, Gluten Free Penne Pasta, Butter
This lucky penne pasta dish is a fun and delicious way to celebrate Chinese New Year. The dish is made with penne pasta, broccoli, and shrimp, and is tossed in a creamy garlic sauce. The addition of red bell peppers not only adds a pop of color but also symbolizes good luck in Chinese culture. Serve this dish as a main course or as a side dish to your favorite Chinese New Year entree.
17of 20
Hoppin John -Hopping Straight into the New Year
Main Ingredients: Vegetable Oil, Red Bell Pepper, Celery, Onion, Garlic
Hoppin John is a traditional Southern dish that is often served on New Year's Day for good luck. This recipe puts a spin on the classic dish by adding Chinese sausage and bok choy for a unique and delicious flavor. The dish is also gluten-free and can easily be made vegetarian by omitting the sausage. Serve this dish on Chinese New Year and bring some Southern charm to your celebrations.
18of 20
Chinese New Year Shrimp Fried Rice
Main Ingredients: Oil, Garlic, Shrimp, Jasmine Rice, Egg, Soy Sauce
Fried rice is a classic Chinese dish that is often served during Chinese New Year celebrations. This recipe features shrimp, peas, and carrots for added protein and nutrition. The dish is also gluten-free and can easily be made vegetarian by substituting tofu for the shrimp. Serve this dish alongside your favorite Chinese New Year entrees for a complete and delicious meal.
19of 20
Chinese New Year Pork Stir Fry
Main Ingredients: Rice, Orange Juice, Cornstarch, Vegetable Oil, Pork
This quick and easy pork stir fry is the perfect dish to celebrate Chinese New Year. The dish is made with pork, bell peppers, and broccoli, making it a colorful and flavorful meal. The addition of hoisin sauce and Chinese five-spice powder gives the dish an authentic taste. Serve this stir fry with steamed rice or noodles for a complete and satisfying meal.
20of 20
Chinese New Year Cake Pressure Cooker
Main Ingredients: Water, Sugar, Coconut Milk, Oil, Glutinous Rice Flour
If you're short on time but still want to enjoy a traditional Chinese New Year cake, this recipe is for you. This recipe uses a pressure cooker to cook the cake in a fraction of the time it would take to steam it traditionally. The cake is made with glutinous rice flour, dates, and red beans for a delicious and festive treat. Serve this cake as a dessert or snack during your Chinese New Year celebrations.
Ingredients You Will Need
Glutinous Rice Flour
The main ingredient in Chinese New Year gau is glutinous rice flour, also known as sticky rice flour. This flour is essential in creating the sticky and chewy texture of the gau. It can be found in most Asian grocery stores or online.
Brown Sugar
Brown sugar is another key ingredient in making Chinese New Year gau. It not only adds sweetness to the dish, but it also gives the gau its signature golden brown color. Make sure to use dark brown sugar for a richer flavor.
Water
Water is needed to create a smooth and sticky dough for the gau. Make sure to use room temperature water to prevent the dough from becoming too sticky or dry.
Oil
Oil is used to prevent the gau from sticking to the pan. You can use any neutral-flavored oil such as vegetable or canola oil.
Steps to Make Chinese New Year Gau
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine glutinous rice flour and brown sugar. Gradually add room temperature water and mix until a smooth dough forms. The dough should be slightly sticky but not too wet.
Step 2: Steam the Gau
Grease a 9-inch round cake pan with oil. Pour the dough into the pan and smooth out the surface. Place the pan in a steamer and steam for 1 hour over medium heat.
Step 3: Let it Cool
Once the gau is done steaming, remove it from the steamer and let it cool for 30 minutes. This will allow the gau to set and become firmer.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!
Once the gau has cooled, cut it into small square pieces and serve. You can also wrap the gau in red or gold foil for a more festive touch.
Final Thoughts
Making Chinese New Year gau may seem intimidating, but with this traditional recipe and simple steps, you can easily recreate this beloved dish in the comfort of your own home. It's a delicious way to celebrate the new year and bring good luck and prosperity to your family. So why not give it a try and impress your loved ones with this tasty and symbolic treat?