20+ Recipe For Chinese New Year Reunion Dinner You Must Try Them!
Published on: Mar 1, 2024
Chinese New Year is a time for celebration, and what better way to celebrate than with a lavish reunion dinner? This annual feast is an important tradition for families to gather and indulge in a sumptuous meal together. The reunion dinner is considered the most important meal of the year, and it is often a reflection of one's wealth and prosperity. If you want to impress your loved ones with a delicious and authentic Chinese New Year reunion dinner, here is the recipe that you need to follow.
Main Ingredients: Oyster Sauce, Sesame Oil, Chinese Rice Wine, Ginger
Start off the new year with a dish that symbolizes long life and prosperity. These stir-fried noodles are tossed with colorful vegetables and a savory sauce, making it a perfect addition to any Chinese New Year feast.
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Start The New Year Right with Hoppin’ John Served Over...
Main Ingredients: Chard, Bacon, Garlic, Yellow Onion, Dried Thyme, Salt
Hoppin’ John is a traditional dish made with black-eyed peas and rice, and it’s said to bring good luck and prosperity in the new year. This recipe adds a twist by serving it over a bed of crispy Beer Can Chicken.
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Chinese New Year Chicken Fried Rice
Main Ingredients: Sesame Oil, Jasmine Rice, Chicken, Garlic Cloves
Fried rice is a staple in Chinese cuisine, and this version adds a festive touch with the addition of red and green bell peppers. Serve it as a side dish or add some protein to make it a complete meal.
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Chinese New Year Skillet
Main Ingredients: Vegetable Oil, Roast, Green Pepper, Pineapple Tidbits
This one-pan dish is perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re hosting a large gathering. It’s loaded with vegetables, protein, and a flavorful sauce, making it a well-balanced and delicious meal.
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New Year Stew
Main Ingredients: Collard Greens, Smoked Ham Hocks, Cooked Ham, Water
Warm up on a cold winter night with this hearty stew. It’s packed with tender chicken, vegetables, and beans, making it a satisfying and nutritious meal for the whole family.
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Chinese New Year Cashew Chicken
Main Ingredients: Chicken Thighs, Olive Oil, Salt, Pepper, Onion, Baby
Cashew chicken is a classic Chinese dish that is always a crowd-pleaser. This recipe adds a little extra crunch with the addition of water chestnuts, and it’s also a great way to use up any leftover Beer Can Chicken.
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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 dish in American Chinese cuisine, and this homemade version will rival any takeout. The combination of sweet and spicy flavors will have your taste buds dancing.
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Vegetarian Ham (Chinese New Year)
Main Ingredients: Bean Curd, Soy Sauce, Tamari, Water, Sugar, Fennel
If you’re looking for a vegetarian option for your Chinese New Year celebration, look no further. This “ham” is made from tofu and has a deliciously crispy crust, making it a perfect substitute for the real thing.
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Lucky New Year Penne Pasta
Main Ingredients: Black Eyed Peas, Gluten Free Penne Pasta, Butter
This recipe puts a twist on the traditional New Year’s dish of black-eyed peas and collard greens. It combines these two lucky ingredients with penne pasta and a creamy tomato sauce for a comforting and flavorful meal.
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Hoppin John -Hopping Straight into the New Year
Main Ingredients: Vegetable Oil, Red Bell Pepper, Celery, Onion, Garlic
Here’s another take on the classic Hoppin’ John dish, this time using chicken sausage and brown rice for a healthier twist. It’s a great way to incorporate whole grains and lean protein into your diet while still enjoying a traditional New Year’s dish.
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Chinese New Year Shrimp Fried Rice
Main Ingredients: Oil, Garlic, Shrimp, Jasmine Rice, Egg, Soy Sauce
If you prefer seafood over chicken, this shrimp fried rice is the perfect option. It’s quick and easy to make, and the combination of shrimp, vegetables, and rice will leave you feeling satisfied.
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Chinese New Year Pork Stir Fry
Main Ingredients: Rice, Orange Juice, Cornstarch, Vegetable Oil, Pork
This pork stir fry is a great way to use up any leftovers from your Beer Can Chicken. The tender meat is paired with a colorful mix of vegetables and a flavorful sauce, making it a delicious and healthy meal.
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Hoppin' John for the New Year
Main Ingredients: Bacon, Green Pepper, Onion, Garlic Cloves, Black Eyed
This Hoppin’ John recipe is a must-try for anyone looking to bring some good luck into the new year. The combination of black-eyed peas, rice, and flavorful spices will have you coming back for seconds.
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Long-Life Noodles for Chinese New Year
Main Ingredients: Green Onions, Dried Shitake Mushrooms, Chinese Noodles
Long-life noodles are a staple in Chinese cuisine and are often served during celebrations and special occasions. This recipe uses thick, chewy noodles tossed with vegetables and a savory sauce for a dish that is not only delicious but also symbolic of a long and prosperous life.
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Chinese dumplings / potstickers for Lunar New Year
Main Ingredients: Dumpling Skins, Ground Meat, Veggies, Soy Sauce, Sesame
No Chinese New Year celebration is complete without dumplings, and this recipe will show you how to make them from scratch. The filling is a mix of pork, vegetables, and seasonings, and they are pan-fried for a crispy and flavorful result.
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Steamed Shrimp & Mushroom Dumplings for Chinese New...
Main Ingredients: Shrimp, Water Chestnuts, Green Onion, Shiitake
If you prefer your dumplings steamed, this recipe is for you. The filling in these dumplings is made with shrimp and mushrooms for a lighter and healthier option, and they are served with a flavorful dipping sauce.
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Black-eyed Peas and Collards–A Happy New Year
Main Ingredients: Black Eyed Peas, Olive Oil, Onion, Celery, Garlic
Black-eyed peas and collard greens are a classic New Year’s dish, and this recipe puts a twist on them by combining them with couscous for a hearty and flavorful meal. It’s also a great way to get some greens into your diet.
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Black Eye Pea Ham and Collard Green Curry for the New...
Main Ingredients: Black Eyed Peas, Cooked Ham, Curry Leaves, Cinnamon
Curry is a staple in many Asian cuisines, and this version adds a Southern twist with the addition of black-eyed peas and collard greens. It’s a unique and delicious way to enjoy these traditional New Year’s ingredients.
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Colourful dumplings for Chinese New Year (Ultimate...
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Water, Spinach, Carrot, Purple
These dumplings are as visually stunning as they are tasty. The dough is dyed with natural ingredients to create a rainbow effect, and the filling is a mix of vegetables and chicken for a well-balanced and colorful meal.
Chinese orange chicken is a popular dish at Chinese restaurants, and with this recipe, you can recreate it at home. The chicken is coated in a sweet and tangy orange sauce and served over a bed of rice for a delicious and comforting meal.
The Importance of Reunion Dinner in Chinese Culture
Symbolism
In Chinese culture, food holds great symbolism and is often used to express good wishes and blessings. For the Chinese New Year reunion dinner, each dish represents a different wish for the coming year. For example, fish symbolizes abundance and prosperity, while longevity noodles represent a long and healthy life. Serving these dishes during the reunion dinner is believed to bring good luck and fortune to the family.
Traditions and Customs
The Chinese New Year reunion dinner is steeped in traditions and customs that have been passed down for generations. It is believed that the reunion dinner must include at least eight dishes as the number eight is considered lucky in Chinese culture. The dishes should also be served family-style, symbolizing unity and togetherness. Additionally, leaving some food on the plate is believed to bring abundance and prosperity in the coming year.
Recipe for Chinese New Year Reunion Dinner
Appetizers
The reunion dinner typically starts with a selection of appetizers, such as spring rolls, dumplings, and fish balls. These dishes are easy to make and can be prepared in advance, allowing you to spend more time with your family.
Main Dishes
The main dishes for the reunion dinner are usually meat-based, as they symbolize strength and wealth. Some popular dishes include braised pork belly, steamed whole fish, and roast chicken. It is essential to choose high-quality ingredients for these dishes, as they are the centerpiece of the meal.
Sides and Accompaniments
No Chinese New Year reunion dinner is complete without a variety of sides and accompaniments. These can include vegetable stir-fries, braised mushrooms, and sticky rice. These dishes provide a balance to the meal and add depth to the flavors.
Dessert
To end the reunion dinner on a sweet note, a traditional Chinese New Year dessert is a must. One popular option is nian gao, or sticky rice cake, which symbolizes progress and growth in the coming year. Other desserts such as glutinous rice balls and egg tarts are also commonly served.
In conclusion, the Chinese New Year reunion dinner is more than just a meal; it is a time-honored tradition that brings families together and celebrates the importance of food in Chinese culture. By following this recipe, you can create a memorable and delicious feast for your loved ones, filled with auspicious dishes that will bring luck and prosperity in the coming year. So gather your family and get cooking, and make this Chinese New Year reunion dinner one to remember.