19+ Healthy Chinese New Year Recipe They're Simply Irresistible!
Published on: Mar 4, 2024
As we welcome the Chinese New Year, a time of celebration and family gatherings, it's important to keep our health in mind. Traditional Chinese New Year dishes are often high in sodium, sugar, and unhealthy fats, leading to potential health risks. However, with a few simple tweaks and ingredient substitutions, we can still enjoy the festive flavors while maintaining a healthy diet.
Main Ingredients: Glutinous Rice Flour, Milk, Eggs, Vegetable Oil, Brown
Celebrate Chinese New Year with a twist on traditional nian gao, or sticky rice cake. These Chinese New Year Cupcakes are a fun and delicious way to ring in the new year. Made with glutinous rice flour and sweetened red bean paste, these cupcakes are a symbol of prosperity and good luck. Top them off with a golden chocolate coin for extra fortune.
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Chinese New Year Long Life Noodles
Main Ingredients: Oyster Sauce, Sesame Oil, Chinese Rice Wine, Ginger
In Chinese culture, long noodles symbolize long life and are a staple dish during the new year celebrations. This recipe for Chinese New Year Long Life Noodles is a flavorful and auspicious dish that features tender noodles, crisp vegetables, and savory chunks of chicken. Serve it with chopsticks for an authentic experience and don't forget to slurp those noodles for extra luck!
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Longevity Noodles for Chinese New Year
Main Ingredients: Noodles, Toasted Sesame Oil, Garlic, Fresh Ginger, Low
Another variation on the traditional long life noodles, this recipe for Longevity Noodles for Chinese New Year is a vegetarian option that is just as delicious and packed with healthful ingredients. The chewy noodles are tossed in a flavorful sauce made with soy sauce, sesame oil, and aromatic garlic and ginger. Top it off with crispy vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, and mushrooms for a colorful and auspicious dish.
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Hoppin John -Hopping Straight into the New Year
Main Ingredients: Vegetable Oil, Red Bell Pepper, Celery, Onion, Garlic
Hoppin John is a traditional dish served on New Year's Day in the southern United States, but it also has roots in African and Caribbean cuisine. This recipe for Hoppin John puts a Chinese twist on the classic dish by using black-eyed peas, a popular ingredient in Chinese cooking, and flavorful Chinese sausage. The result is a hearty and delightful meal that will have you hoppin' straight into the new year.
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Chinese New Year Pork Stir Fry
Main Ingredients: Rice, Orange Juice, Cornstarch, Vegetable Oil, Pork
Stir fry dishes are a staple in Chinese cuisine, and this Chinese New Year Pork Stir Fry is a perfect way to celebrate the holiday. This dish is packed with tender pork, crunchy vegetables, and a flavorful sauce made with soy sauce, rice wine, and hoisin sauce. Serve it over a bed of rice for a fuss-free and satisfying meal.
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Chinese New Year Chicken Noodle Soup
Main Ingredients: Peanut Oil, Lemongrass, Fresh Ginger, Low Sodium
Noodle soup is a comforting and hearty dish that is perfect for the cold winter months and a popular dish during Chinese New Year. This Chinese New Year Chicken Noodle Soup is a flavorful and satisfying soup that is filled with tender chicken, nutritious vegetables, and chewy noodles. Garnish it with fresh herbs and a sprinkle of spicy chili flakes for an extra kick of flavor.
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Black Eyed Pea Hummus Rings in the New Year Healthfully
Main Ingredients: Black Eyed Peas, Tahini, Garlic, Fresh Parsley
In many cultures, black-eyed peas are believed to bring good luck and prosperity, making them a popular ingredient to include in New Year's dishes. This recipe for Black Eyed Pea Hummus puts a healthful twist on the traditional dip by using black-eyed peas, chickpeas, and nutrient-rich tahini. Serve it with crunchy vegetables and pita bread for a wholesome and auspicious snack.
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Chinese New Year Chicken Fried Rice
Main Ingredients: Sesame Oil, Jasmine Rice, Chicken, Garlic Cloves
Fried rice is a classic Chinese dish that is easy to make and a crowd-pleaser. This Chinese New Year Chicken Fried Rice recipe is a delicious and satisfying meal that is perfect for celebrating the holiday. The combination of tender chicken, scrambled eggs, and flavorful vegetables makes this dish a nutritious and hearty option for any Chinese New Year celebration.
In Chinese culture, cakes are a symbol of good luck and prosperity, making them a popular dessert during Chinese New Year. This recipe for Chinese New Year Cake, also known as nin gao, is a sweet and chewy cake made with sticky rice flour and brown sugar. Serve it as a delightful dessert or snack for a joyful and auspicious holiday celebration.
Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, is the most important holiday in Chinese culture. It is a time for families to come together, feast on traditional dishes, and celebrate the start of a new year. This holiday is steeped in rich traditions and customs, making it a fascinating and colorful celebration that is enjoyed by millions around the world.
The Chinese New Year celebration lasts for 15 days and is filled with various customs and rituals. These include decorating homes with lucky red lanterns and banners, lighting firecrackers to ward off evil spirits, and giving children red envelopes filled with lucky money. It is a time for renewal and optimism, and many people use this holiday to set new goals and aspirations for the coming year.
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How to make Chinese New Year Cake - Nin Gao
Main Ingredients: Glutinous Rice Flour, Rice Flour, Brown Sugar, Hot
Making Chinese New Year Cake, or nin gao, at home is easier than you might think. This recipe uses simple ingredients like glutinous rice flour, brown sugar, and water to create a chewy and sweet cake that is perfect for the holiday. The key is to steam the cake for a soft and tender texture. Serve it as is or pan-fry it for a crispy and delicious treat.
Egg drop soup is a popular Chinese dish that is simple to make and a comforting option for any Chinese New Year celebration. This recipe for Chinese Egg Drop Soup features a flavorful and broth made with chicken stock, soy sauce, and savory seasonings. The addition of beaten eggs creates delicate and silky strands that make this soup a satisfying and nutritious option for any meal.
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Chinese New Year Skillet
Main Ingredients: Vegetable Oil, Roast, Green Pepper, Pineapple Tidbits
This Chinese New Year Skillet is a one-pot wonder that is perfect for busy weeknights or a quick and delicious meal during the holiday. The skillet is filled with tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and flavorful seasonings like soy sauce, ginger, and garlic. Serve it over rice for a satisfying and wholesome meal that is sure to bring good luck and prosperity.
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New Year Stew
Main Ingredients: Collard Greens, Smoked Ham Hocks, Cooked Ham, Water
Stews are a traditional dish during Chinese New Year, and this New Year Stew is a hearty and satisfying option for any celebration. Made with a melange of ingredients such as pork, chicken, mushrooms, and tofu, this stew is packed with flavor and nutrition. The long cooking time allows the flavors to blend together and create a rich and savory broth that is perfect for dipping with crusty bread.
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Easy Potsticker Dipping Sauce and Popular Chinese New...
Potstickers, also known as gyoza, are a popular dish during Chinese New Year and are often served as an appetizer or part of a larger meal. This recipe for Easy Potsticker Dipping Sauce is a simple and flavorful accompaniment to any potsticker dish. Made with soy sauce, rice vinegar, and spicy chili oil, this sauce adds a zing of flavor to the crispy and tender potstickers.
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General Tso's Chicken Chinese New Year Celebration
Main Ingredients: Chicken, Egg, Water, Flour, Black Pepper, Cayenne
General Tso's Chicken is a popular and flavorful dish that is a staple in Chinese restaurants. This recipe for General Tso's Chicken Chinese New Year Celebration is a homemade version that is just as delicious and satisfying. The chicken is crispy and tender, coated in a sweet and spicy sauce, and served with steaming white rice. It is a festive and delightful dish that is perfect for any Chinese New Year celebration.
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Vegetarian Ham (Chinese New Year)
Main Ingredients: Bean Curd, Soy Sauce, Tamari, Water, Sugar, Fennel
This Vegetarian Ham is a delightful and healthful option for those who are looking for a meat-free dish during Chinese New Year. Made with tofu, mushrooms, and flavorful seasonings like soy sauce and five-spice powder, this "ham" is full of savory and umami flavors. Serve it as part of a larger meal or use it as a protein-packed ingredient in your favorite stir fry dishes.
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Chinese New Year Cashew Chicken
Main Ingredients: Chicken Thighs, Olive Oil, Salt, Pepper, Onion, Baby
Cashew Chicken is a popular and flavorful Chinese dish that is often served during Chinese New Year celebrations. This recipe for Chinese New Year Cashew Chicken is a homemade version that is just as satisfying and delicious. The combination of tender chicken, crunchy cashews, and savory vegetables creates a balanced and nutritious dish that is perfect for any holiday celebration.
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Lucky New Year Penne Pasta
Main Ingredients: Black Eyed Peas, Gluten Free Penne Pasta, Butter
Healthy Twist on Classic Dishes
Steamed Dumplings
One of the most popular dishes during Chinese New Year is steamed dumplings, also known as jiaozi. These delicious bites are traditionally filled with ground pork and cabbage, but you can make a healthier version by using lean ground turkey or chicken instead. You can also add in some finely chopped vegetables like carrots, mushrooms, and water chestnuts for added nutrition and flavor. Instead of using regular all-purpose flour for the dough, opt for whole wheat flour or a combination of whole wheat and all-purpose flour for a healthier option.
Vegetable Stir-Fry
Another staple dish during Chinese New Year is vegetable stir-fry. While this dish is already considered healthy, it's important to watch the amount of oil and sodium used. Instead of using regular vegetable oil, try using a healthier alternative like avocado oil or olive oil. You can also use low-sodium soy sauce or tamari to reduce the salt content. Add in a variety of colorful vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas for a nutritious and visually appealing dish.
Longevity Noodles
Longevity noodles, also known as longevity noodles, are a must-have dish during Chinese New Year as they symbolize long life and good health. Instead of using regular noodles which are typically made from refined flour, opt for whole wheat or buckwheat noodles for a healthier option. You can also add in a variety of vegetables and lean protein like shrimp or tofu to make it a well-rounded and nutritious meal.
Healthy Dessert Options
Fruit Platter
Instead of indulging in sugary desserts, opt for a refreshing fruit platter. Cut up a variety of fruits like pineapple, watermelon, and honeydew for a colorful and healthy dessert option. You can also add some traditional Chinese fruits like pomelo and tangerines which symbolize prosperity and good luck.
Baked Sesame Balls
Sesame balls, also known as jin dui, are a popular Chinese New Year snack. Instead of deep-frying them, try baking them for a healthier alternative. Mix together glutinous rice flour, water, and black sesame seeds to form a dough. Roll the dough into balls and bake them in the oven until golden brown. These tasty treats are not only healthier but also easier to make.
Incorporating these healthy twists on traditional Chinese New Year dishes will not only keep your diet in check but also ensure a prosperous and bountiful new year. Celebrate the festivities with your loved ones while also taking care of your health. Wishing you a happy and healthy Chinese New Year!
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