15+ Easy Chinese New Year Delicacies Recipes for a Traditional Celebration

Chinese New Year is a time for family gatherings, vibrant celebrations, and of course, indulging in delicious food.

Each dish served during this festive time carries deep symbolic meaning, representing wishes for prosperity, happiness, and longevity.

From savory dumplings to sweet sticky rice cakes, Chinese New Year delicacies are rich in both flavor and tradition.

Whether you’re planning a grand family feast or simply looking to try something new this year, we’ve gathered 15+ Chinese New Year delicacies recipes to help make your celebration extra special.

These recipes not only offer a taste of China’s culinary history but also bring luck and joy to your table.

15+ Easy Chinese New Year Delicacies Recipes for a Traditional Celebration

As you prepare to celebrate Chinese New Year, let these 15+ Chinese New Year delicacies recipes inspire your menu.

Each dish holds a unique cultural significance, and by incorporating these recipes into your celebrations, you’re honoring centuries of tradition while creating new memories with loved ones.

Whether it’s the prosperity represented by dumplings or the sweetness of rice cakes symbolizing a prosperous year ahead, these recipes are sure to bring good fortune and flavor to your festivities.

Happy cooking and may the new year bring you health, wealth, and happiness!

Dumplings (Jiaozi)

Dumplings, or jiaozi, are a symbol of wealth and prosperity in Chinese culture, as their shape resembles ancient gold ingots. Typically filled with ground meat and vegetables, they are enjoyed during Chinese New Year to usher in a year of good fortune. Making dumplings is often a family activity, with everyone gathering to shape and fold them together.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup warm water
• 1/2 pound ground pork (or beef)
• 1/4 pound shrimp, finely chopped
• 1 cup napa cabbage, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
• 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Dumpling wrappers (or homemade)

Instructions:

1. Make the Dough: Combine the flour and warm water in a bowl and knead into a smooth dough. Cover with a damp towel and let it rest for 30 minutes.
2. Prepare the Filling: In a bowl, mix together the ground pork, shrimp, napa cabbage, green onions, ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, sugar, salt, and pepper until well combined.
3. Form the Dumplings: Divide the dough into small pieces and roll each piece into a ball. Roll each ball into a thin circle. Place a spoonful of filling in the center of each wrapper and fold the edges to form a half-moon shape. Pinch the edges to seal the dumplings.
4. Cook the Dumplings: You can either steam, boil, or pan-fry the dumplings. To boil, gently drop the dumplings into boiling water and cook until they float to the surface (about 5-7 minutes). To pan-fry, heat some oil in a skillet and fry the dumplings until golden and crispy on the bottom.
5. Serve: Serve with soy sauce or a mixture of soy sauce and rice vinegar for dipping.

These Chinese New Year dumplings bring not only joy and prosperity but also a sense of unity as families gather to make them. The crispy and flavorful dumplings are a beloved tradition during the holiday season, and they symbolize the hope for a rich and fulfilling year ahead. Whether boiled, steamed, or pan-fried, they are an excellent dish for a festive celebration, and the filling can be customized to suit various tastes.

Nian Gao (Glutinous Rice Cake)

Nian Gao is a traditional Chinese dessert made from glutinous rice flour, symbolizing good luck and progress in the new year. Its sticky texture is believed to bring good fortune, while the sweetness of the cake represents a sweet year ahead. This cake is often served in Chinese households during New Year’s festivities.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups glutinous rice flour
• 1 1/2 cups water
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
• Red bean paste or sweetened chestnut (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Pan: Grease a 9-inch round or square cake pan with vegetable oil to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the Batter: In a large bowl, combine the glutinous rice flour, water, and brown sugar. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely, and the mixture forms a smooth batter.
3. Steam the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and place it in a large steamer. Steam over medium heat for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the cake becomes firm and translucent. Check the water level in the steamer occasionally and add more water if needed.
4. Add Optional Fillings: If using red bean paste or sweetened chestnut, you can spoon a thin layer of the filling between the layers of batter during the steaming process to add extra flavor.
5. Cool and Serve: Let the Nian Gao cool before slicing into squares or wedges. It can be served as is or pan-fried with a bit of oil for a crispy, caramelized exterior.

Nian Gao is not just a delicious treat; it carries deep symbolic meaning during the Chinese New Year. Its sticky texture represents the idea of sticking together as a family and the sweetness is thought to ensure a prosperous, sweet year. The versatility of this dish also makes it suitable for various fillings, allowing for creativity while keeping the traditional essence intact. It is a perfect way to share the hopes of success, happiness, and health with loved ones.

Sweet Rice Dumplings (Tang Yuan)

Tang Yuan are glutinous rice dumplings filled with sweet fillings like sesame paste, peanut butter, or red bean paste. They are commonly enjoyed during Chinese New Year as they symbolize unity, family, and completeness due to their round shape. Eating these dumplings in sweet soup during the holiday is believed to bring harmony and good luck.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups glutinous rice flour
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/4 cup sesame paste (or peanut butter, or red bean paste)
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 4 cups water (for the soup)
• 1 tablespoon ginger, sliced
• 2 tablespoons rock sugar (or regular sugar)
• 1 tablespoon goji berries (optional)

Instructions:

1. Make the Dumpling Dough: In a mixing bowl, combine the glutinous rice flour and water to form a smooth dough. Divide the dough into small portions and flatten each piece. Place a small spoonful of sesame paste or your preferred filling in the center and carefully seal the dough around the filling, forming a ball.
2. Cook the Dumplings: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Drop the dumplings into the boiling water. Once they float to the surface, let them cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to ensure they are cooked through. Remove the dumplings and set them aside.
3. Prepare the Sweet Soup: In a separate pot, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Add the ginger slices and rock sugar. Let the mixture simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to infuse.
4. Serve: Add the cooked dumplings into the sweet ginger soup and simmer for another 2-3 minutes. You can garnish with goji berries for added color and nutrition.

Tang Yuan is a quintessential Chinese dessert, especially during Chinese New Year, symbolizing family togetherness and harmony. The soft, chewy texture of the dumplings paired with the sweet, aromatic ginger soup makes for a heartwarming dish. Whether filled with sesame paste, peanut butter, or red bean paste, this treat is not only delicious but also carries the deep cultural meaning of family unity and the promise of a bright, prosperous year. This dish is a wonderful way to start the new year with sweetness and hope.

Pineapple Bun (Bolo Bao)

The Chinese Pineapple Bun, or Bolo Bao, is a soft, sweet, and slightly crunchy bun with a signature golden, sugary topping that resembles a pineapple. Despite its name, it doesn’t contain pineapple; instead, it’s a beloved bakery treat that symbolizes wealth and good fortune in Chinese culture. It’s often enjoyed during Chinese New Year as a sign of prosperity for the year ahead.

Ingredients:

• For the Bun Dough:
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup warm water
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1 packet active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
• For the Topping:
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1 egg yolk
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dough: In a small bowl, dissolve the sugar and yeast in warm water and let it sit for about 10 minutes until bubbly. In a large bowl, mix flour, salt, and the yeast mixture, then add the milk, egg, and softened butter. Knead until smooth, about 10 minutes. Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rise for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
2. Make the Topping: In a separate bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg yolk, vanilla, flour, and baking powder. Mix until a smooth dough forms. Roll the topping dough into small balls (about the size of a walnut).
3. Shape the Buns: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into small portions. Shape each portion into a ball and place it on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Flatten the topping balls and place them on top of each bun. Use a fork to score a crisscross pattern on top to resemble the pineapple’s skin.
4. Second Rise: Cover the buns and let them rise for an additional 30 minutes.
5. Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the buns for 18-20 minutes, or until golden brown and the topping has crackled and become slightly crispy.
6. Serve: Allow the buns to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy the soft, fluffy interior with the sweet, crunchy topping!

The Pineapple Bun is a perfect treat for celebrating Chinese New Year, symbolizing wealth and prosperity. Its distinctive crunchy topping contrasts wonderfully with the soft, airy bread inside, making it a delightful snack for any celebration. Whether enjoyed with tea or as part of a festive meal, these buns are a symbol of good fortune and are guaranteed to brighten the New Year.

Hot Pot

Hot Pot is a beloved Chinese dish that brings people together around a bubbling pot of broth, where diners cook their own ingredients. It’s a tradition that signifies unity and togetherness, making it an excellent choice for Chinese New Year celebrations. The dish is filled with a variety of meats, vegetables, and noodles, allowing everyone to customize their hot pot experience.

Recipe: Ingredients:

• For the Broth:
  • 8 cups chicken broth
  • 2-3 slices ginger
  • 3-4 cloves garlic, smashed
  • 2-3 dried shiitake mushrooms
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon rice wine
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• For the Hot Pot Ingredients:
  • 1/2 pound thinly sliced beef (or lamb)
  • 1/2 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1/2 pound fish fillets (such as tilapia or cod), cut into pieces
  • 1/2 pound tofu, sliced
  • 1/2 pound napa cabbage, chopped
  • 1/2 pound shiitake mushrooms, sliced
  • 1/2 pound bok choy, chopped
  • 1/2 pound glass noodles
  • Dipping sauces (soy sauce, sesame oil, chili paste, vinegar)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Broth: In a large pot, combine chicken broth, ginger, garlic, shiitake mushrooms, soy sauce, rice wine, and sesame oil. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
2. Prepare the Ingredients: Arrange the hot pot ingredients on separate platters: beef, shrimp, fish, tofu, vegetables, and noodles. Set them on the table for easy access.
3. Cook the Hot Pot: Place the simmering broth in the center of the table over a portable burner. Each person can add their desired ingredients into the broth, cooking them to their preferred doneness. The broth will continue to bubble, and the ingredients cook quickly in the hot liquid.
4. Serve: Once the ingredients are cooked, serve them with dipping sauces on the side. Enjoy the communal and interactive experience of the hot pot meal.

Chinese New Year Hot Pot is more than just a meal; it’s an experience that brings family and friends together. The variety of meats, vegetables, and sauces makes it customizable and fun for everyone. Sharing a hot pot signifies unity, health, and harmony—values that are especially important during the Chinese New Year. Whether enjoyed with family or friends, this dish will make your celebration memorable and full of good fortune.

Fish in Sweet and Sour Sauce

Fish is an essential dish in Chinese New Year celebrations as it symbolizes abundance and prosperity. This sweet and sour fish dish, often made with a whole fish, represents surplus and good fortune in the coming year. It is typically served at the end of the New Year meal, symbolizing a wish for a year filled with wealth and success.

Ingredients:

• 1 whole fish (tilapia, snapper, or your choice), cleaned and gutted
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup onion, sliced
• 1/2 cup bell pepper, sliced
• 1/2 cup pineapple, chopped
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Fish: Rinse the fish and pat it dry with paper towels. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Gently fry the fish on both sides until golden and crispy, about 5-6 minutes per side. Remove the fish and set it aside on a serving platter.
2. Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the onion, bell pepper, and pineapple. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are slightly softened. Add the ketchup, rice vinegar, soy sauce, sugar, and water to the pan. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring to combine the flavors.
3. Thicken the Sauce: Once the sauce is boiling, add the cornstarch mixture to the pan and stir until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
4. Coat the Fish: Pour the sweet and sour sauce over the fried fish, ensuring it is evenly coated. Garnish with fresh cilantro for a burst of color and flavor.
5. Serve: Serve the fish immediately, enjoying its crispy texture and sweet and tangy flavor.

This Sweet and Sour Fish is a deliciously flavorful dish that embodies the spirit of abundance and prosperity for the new year. The balance of sweetness from the pineapple and sugar, along with the tangy notes from the vinegar, creates a delightful contrast to the crispy fish. This dish is perfect for a Chinese New Year feast, ensuring that your year starts with a wish for plentiful and successful days ahead. The presentation of a whole fish also reinforces the symbolic hope for an abundant year, making it a must-have on the celebratory table.

Dumplings (Jiaozi)

Dumplings, or Jiaozi, are an essential dish during Chinese New Year, symbolizing wealth and good fortune. Their shape, resembling ancient Chinese gold ingots, signifies prosperity. Dumplings are often enjoyed in large quantities, representing the wish for a bountiful year ahead. These dumplings can be filled with a variety of meats, vegetables, or even seafood, and are traditionally eaten as part of the New Year’s Eve feast.

Ingredients:

• For the Dumpling Dough:
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 cup water (more if needed)
  • Pinch of salt
• For the Filling:
  • 1/2 pound ground pork or beef
  • 1/2 cup napa cabbage, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon rice wine
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon grated ginger
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon white pepper

Instructions:

1. Make the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Slowly add water and mix until a dough forms. Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until smooth. Cover with a damp cloth and let it rest for 30 minutes.
2. Prepare the Filling: In a separate bowl, combine ground pork, napa cabbage, green onions, soy sauce, rice wine, sesame oil, ginger, salt, and pepper. Mix well until everything is thoroughly combined.
3. Shape the Dumplings: Divide the dough into small pieces and roll each piece into a ball. Flatten each ball into a thin round disc. Spoon a small amount of filling into the center of each disc. Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape, then pinch the edges tightly to seal. You can pleat the edges for a more decorative look.
4. Cook the Dumplings: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the dumplings in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pot. Once the dumplings float to the surface, cook for another 2-3 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside. Alternatively, you can pan-fry them to get a crispy bottom, making potstickers.
5. Serve: Serve the dumplings with soy sauce and vinegar dipping sauce for a flavorful kick.

Dumplings are a timeless Chinese New Year tradition, representing wealth, prosperity, and family unity. The process of making them is often a family affair, with everyone gathering to fold the dumplings together. Whether boiled or pan-fried, they offer a warm and satisfying start to any New Year celebration. Enjoying these dumplings is not only a culinary delight but also a way to connect with the symbolic hopes for a successful and abundant year ahead.

Nian Gao (Glutinous Rice Cake)

Nian Gao, or glutinous rice cake, is a classic Chinese New Year dish that symbolizes growth and progress. The word Nian means “year,” and Gao means “tall” or “high,” suggesting that eating this dish will help bring success and advancements in the year ahead. Typically enjoyed in both savory and sweet preparations, this sticky rice cake is a must-have during the festive season.

Recipe: Ingredients:

• 2 cups glutinous rice flour
• 1 1/2 cups water
• 1 cup brown sugar (for sweet version)
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for savory version)
• 1/2 cup sliced shiitake mushrooms (for savory version)
• 1/2 cup cooked pork or shrimp (for savory version)
• Pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Sweet Version: In a bowl, mix the glutinous rice flour with water and brown sugar. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely. Pour the mixture into a lightly greased 8-inch round cake pan.
2. Prepare the Savory Version: If you’re making the savory version, heat vegetable oil in a skillet. Sauté the shiitake mushrooms and cooked pork or shrimp until fragrant. Set aside.
3. Steam the Rice Cake: Fill a large pot or steamer with water and bring to a boil. Place the cake pan in the steamer, cover, and steam for about 45 minutes to an hour, or until the cake is firm and set. For the savory version, sprinkle the sautéed vegetables and meat on top halfway through steaming.
4. Cool and Serve: Once the cake has finished steaming, allow it to cool to room temperature. If you made the savory version, slice the rice cake into pieces. For the sweet version, slice the cake and serve it as a dessert or snack.

Nian Gao is a dish full of cultural significance, representing good fortune and the promise of growth in the year ahead. Whether sweet or savory, this sticky rice cake is not only a treat for the taste buds but also an important part of the Chinese New Year’s traditional offerings. Its chewy texture and delightful flavors make it a symbol of perseverance and progress—a reminder that with each new year, we have the opportunity to rise higher and achieve more.

Red Bean Soup (Hong Dou Tang)

Red Bean Soup, or Hong Dou Tang, is a popular dessert served during Chinese New Year to symbolize good luck and happiness. The sweet, velvety soup made from adzuki beans is traditionally served warm and is often enjoyed to mark the end of a festive meal. Red beans are believed to bring fortune and are said to cleanse the body, making this a delicious and meaningful way to close out the celebratory feast.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup adzuki beans
• 5 cups water
• 1/2 cup rock sugar (or to taste)
• 1 tablespoon pandan leaves (optional, for fragrance)
• 1/4 cup coconut milk (optional, for creaminess)
• Pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Beans: Rinse the adzuki beans thoroughly. In a large pot, add the beans and water. Bring to a boil and then reduce the heat to a simmer. Skim off any foam that rises to the surface. Continue to simmer the beans for about 1 hour or until they are soft and tender.
2. Sweeten the Soup: Add the rock sugar and stir until fully dissolved. For an extra fragrance, tie the pandan leaves into a knot and add them to the pot. Let the soup simmer for another 20-30 minutes.
3. Add Coconut Milk: If you prefer a creamier soup, stir in coconut milk during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
4. Serve: Remove the pandan leaves (if used) and add a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness. Ladle the soup into bowls and serve warm.

This Red Bean Soup is a comforting dessert that carries deep cultural symbolism for prosperity and good luck. The soft, sweet red beans and aromatic pandan leaves make for a delightful conclusion to any meal. The addition of coconut milk lends a rich, creamy texture, making it a perfect indulgence during the Chinese New Year. Whether enjoyed with family or shared among friends, this dish captures the spirit of the festival—full of warmth, happiness, and good fortune for the year ahead.

Sweet Potato Soup (Hong Shu Tang)

Sweet Potato Soup, or Hong Shu Tang, is a beloved dish during Chinese New Year, representing sweetness and warmth for the upcoming year. Sweet potatoes are known to bring good fortune, and their golden color symbolizes wealth and prosperity. This soup is traditionally served as a sweet dessert, often enjoyed after a large family meal during the festivities. Its velvety texture and comforting flavors make it a perfect end to a celebratory day.

Ingredients:

• 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
• 6 cups water
• 1/2 cup rock sugar (or to taste)
• 3-4 slices of ginger
• 1/4 cup coconut milk (optional, for creaminess)
• Pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes: Peel and dice the sweet potatoes into bite-sized cubes. Rinse them under cold water to remove any excess starch.
2. Simmer the Soup: In a large pot, add the sweet potatoes, water, and ginger slices. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then lower the heat and let it simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are soft and tender.
3. Sweeten the Soup: Once the sweet potatoes are cooked through, add the rock sugar and stir until fully dissolved. Adjust the sweetness to your taste.
4. Finish the Soup: If you like a creamier texture, stir in coconut milk during the last 10 minutes of simmering. Add a pinch of salt to balance the flavors.
5. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and serve warm.

This Sweet Potato Soup is a simple yet significant dish, embodying warmth and sweetness that is symbolic of the prosperity and happiness wished for during Chinese New Year. Its smooth, sweet broth paired with the tender chunks of sweet potato makes for a perfect dessert to enjoy with loved ones. Whether it’s the first or last course of the evening, this soup will leave everyone feeling content and hopeful for the good things the year will bring.

Pineapple Cake (Wang Lai Gao)

Pineapple cakes, or Wang Lai Gao, are a staple Chinese pastry enjoyed during Chinese New Year. The pineapple filling is said to bring good luck because the Cantonese word for “pineapple” sounds like “prosperity comes.” These little cakes are a delightful combination of a buttery, crumbly crust with a sweet and tangy pineapple filling, often served as gifts to friends and family during the New Year celebrations.

Ingredients:

• For the Pineapple Filling:
  • 2 cups fresh pineapple, finely chopped
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
• For the Dough:
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 egg yolk
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon milk

Instructions:

1. Make the Pineapple Filling: In a pan, combine the chopped pineapple, sugar, and lemon juice. Cook over low heat for 20-30 minutes, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens and most of the liquid evaporates. Set aside to cool.
2. Prepare the Dough: In a bowl, cream together the butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg yolk, vanilla, and milk, and mix until smooth. Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until a dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, chill it for 30 minutes.
3. Assemble the Pineapple Cakes: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll the dough into small balls (about 1 inch in diameter). Flatten each ball into a small disc. Place a spoonful of cooled pineapple filling in the center of each disc. Pinch the edges together and shape the dough into a ball again. Flatten the ball slightly to form a round cake.
4. Bake the Cakes: Arrange the filled cakes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Allow them to cool before serving.
5. Serve: Serve these delicious pineapple cakes as a snack or gift them to loved ones during Chinese New Year.

Pineapple cakes are more than just a tasty treat; they carry deep significance in Chinese culture, symbolizing the hope for prosperity and good fortune. The soft, buttery pastry combined with the sweet, tangy pineapple filling makes these cakes irresistible. Whether gifted to friends and family or enjoyed with tea, these cakes are a beautiful way to share the joy and blessings of the New Year.

Tangerine Chicken

Tangerine chicken is a flavorful and festive dish perfect for Chinese New Year celebrations. The bright, citrusy notes of tangerine blend beautifully with the savory and slightly sweet sauce. Tangerines are considered a symbol of wealth and good fortune in Chinese culture, making this dish a popular choice during the holiday. Its vibrant colors and zesty flavor make it a perfect main dish for any New Year’s feast.

Ingredients:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup fresh tangerine juice (about 2-3 tangerines)
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• Tangerine zest (for garnish)
• 2-3 whole tangerines, peeled and separated into segments

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken: In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with cornstarch, soy sauce, and salt. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, and fry the chicken pieces until golden and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside.
2. Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add grated ginger and minced garlic. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Add the tangerine juice, sugar, rice vinegar, and soy sauce. Stir to combine, and simmer for 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
3. Combine the Chicken and Sauce: Return the fried chicken to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. Add the tangerine segments and stir gently to combine.
4. Serve: Garnish with tangerine zest and serve hot with steamed rice or noodles.

Tangerine chicken is a refreshing and aromatic dish that brings a delightful balance of sweet, savory, and citrusy flavors to your Chinese New Year table. The bright tangerine fragrance not only adds a festive touch but also brings good luck and prosperity, making it a perfect dish to celebrate the start of a new year. This dish is sure to be a hit with family and friends, offering both a taste of tradition and a burst of flavor.

Dumplings (Jiaozi)

Dumplings, or Jiaozi, are one of the most iconic foods for Chinese New Year, symbolizing wealth and prosperity. Their shape resembles ancient gold or silver ingots, and they are traditionally eaten at midnight on New Year’s Eve to bring in good fortune for the upcoming year. These dumplings are typically filled with ground pork, cabbage, and seasonings, but you can customize the filling to suit your preferences. Their savory, juicy filling and soft dough make them an irresistible treat for any celebratory meal.

Recipe: Ingredients:

• For the Dumpling Wrappers:
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup warm water
  • Pinch of salt
• For the Filling:
  • 1/2 lb ground pork
  • 1/2 cup napa cabbage, finely chopped
  • 2-3 green onions, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
  • 1 tablespoon rice wine
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Make the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, and warm water. Mix until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth. Cover with a damp cloth and let it rest for 30 minutes.
2. Prepare the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the ground pork, chopped cabbage, green onions, soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, rice wine, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until all ingredients are well combined.
3. Form the Dumplings: Roll the dough into a log and cut it into small pieces. Roll each piece into a thin circle. Place a small spoonful of the filling in the center of each wrapper. Fold the wrapper in half to create a half-moon shape and pinch the edges tightly to seal.
4. Cook the Dumplings: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Carefully drop the dumplings in and cook for about 5-7 minutes or until they float to the top. For a crispy version, you can pan-fry the dumplings in a little oil for 2-3 minutes before adding water and covering to steam them for another 5 minutes.
5. Serve: Serve the dumplings hot with a dipping sauce made from soy sauce, vinegar, and chili oil.

Dumplings are not just a delicious part of the Chinese New Year feast, but they also carry deep symbolic meaning. Their resemblance to gold ingots reflects the wish for wealth and prosperity in the new year. Whether steamed or pan-fried, Jiaozi are an essential dish to share with loved ones, offering both rich flavors and good fortune. These dumplings will certainly bring joy and luck to your Chinese New Year celebrations.

Nian Gao (Sticky Rice Cake)

Nian Gao is a traditional Chinese dessert enjoyed during Chinese New Year, symbolizing growth, progress, and the promise of a better year ahead. The dish is made from glutinous rice flour and sweetened with brown sugar, giving it a chewy, sticky texture. It’s often enjoyed by families for its representation of “nian nian you yu,” which means “abundance year after year.” It is also believed to bring good luck and improve one’s life prospects for the coming year.

Recipe: Ingredients:

• 2 cups glutinous rice flour
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 1/2 cups water
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
• Pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Mixture: In a bowl, mix the glutinous rice flour and brown sugar. Add water gradually, stirring to form a smooth batter. If desired, add a pinch of salt and vanilla extract to enhance the flavor.
2. Steam the Cake: Grease a heatproof dish or cake pan with vegetable oil. Pour the rice flour mixture into the dish and smooth it out. Fill a large steamer pot with water and bring to a boil. Place the dish in the steamer and steam for 45-60 minutes, or until the cake becomes firm and sticky.
3. Cool and Serve: Once the cake is done, remove it from the steamer and let it cool. Slice it into squares or rectangles and serve. The texture should be chewy and slightly sweet.
4. Optional Step: You can also fry slices of the Nian Gao in a pan with a little oil for a crispy exterior. This is a popular way of enjoying the cake after it has been prepared.

Nian Gao is a quintessential part of Chinese New Year, symbolizing the hope for growth and prosperity. Its sticky texture and sweet, comforting flavor make it a perfect treat to enjoy during family gatherings. Whether you eat it freshly steamed or crispy-fried, this dish will add a touch of tradition and a lot of good fortune to your celebrations.

Red Bean Soup (Hong Dou Tang)

Red Bean Soup, or Hong Dou Tang, is a comforting dessert traditionally served during Chinese New Year to symbolize good luck and fortune. The red bean is considered auspicious because of its bright color, which is associated with happiness, wealth, and good health. The rich, sweet soup can be enjoyed warm or chilled, making it a versatile treat for any New Year gathering. The texture of the beans in the smooth broth creates a satisfying dessert that’s loved by many.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups red beans (azuki beans)
• 5 cups water
• 1/2 cup rock sugar (or to taste)
• 2-3 slices of ginger (optional)
• Pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. Soak the Beans: Rinse the red beans thoroughly. Soak them in water for 4-6 hours or overnight to soften them.
2. Cook the Beans: Drain the soaked beans and place them in a pot with 5 cups of fresh water. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer the beans for about 45-60 minutes, or until they become soft and start to break apart.
3. Sweeten the Soup: Add the rock sugar to the pot and stir until it dissolves. If using ginger, add it now to infuse the soup with a hint of warmth. Simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes.
4. Finish the Soup: Taste the soup and add a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness. For a smoother consistency, you can mash some of the beans with the back of a spoon or blend part of the soup.
5. Serve: Serve the soup warm or chilled, depending on your preference.

Red Bean Soup is a beloved dessert that brings sweetness and good fortune to your Chinese New Year feast. Its velvety texture and subtly sweet flavor make it a perfect way to end the meal on a comforting note. Whether enjoyed as a warm dessert or a chilled refreshment, this red bean soup will delight guests and bring a sense of joy and prosperity for the year ahead.

Note: More recipes are coming soon!