50+ Delectable Chinese New Year Dinner Party Recipes for Every Taste

Chinese New Year is a time of celebration, tradition, and, of course, delicious food!

Whether you’re hosting a small family gathering or a grand dinner party, serving a variety of Chinese dishes will ensure that your celebration is both flavorful and festive.

From savory appetizers to sweet desserts, the possibilities are endless.

If you’re looking to elevate your Chinese New Year dinner party, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’re bringing you 50+ Chinese New Year dinner party recipes that will make your event a memorable feast.

These recipes feature traditional favorites, modern twists on classic dishes, and new ideas that will impress your guests.

Get ready to create a spread that embodies the spirit of the new year—prosperity, happiness, and good fortune.

50+ Delectable Chinese New Year Dinner Party Recipes for Every Taste

Hosting a Chinese New Year dinner party is a wonderful way to gather loved ones and celebrate the start of a new year with abundant food and joy.

With 50+ Chinese New Year dinner party recipes at your disposal, you’re bound to find the perfect dishes to suit every taste, whether your guests prefer savory or sweet, traditional or innovative.

From auspicious dishes like longevity noodles to decadent desserts like sesame balls, every recipe brings something special to the table.

So, take your pick, and get ready to cook up a feast that will ring in a prosperous and happy new year for all!

Braised Pork Belly (红烧肉)

Braised Pork Belly, or “Hong Shao Rou” in Chinese, is a classic dish that symbolizes prosperity and happiness, making it a perfect addition to a Chinese New Year dinner party. This dish features succulent pieces of pork belly cooked to perfection in a rich, savory sauce that is both sweet and umami. The slow braising process allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in tender, melt-in-your-mouth meat that will impress your guests.

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds pork belly, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons dark soy sauce
• 3 tablespoons Shaoxing wine (Chinese cooking wine)
• 1-inch piece of ginger, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 star anise
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 cup water
• 2 green onions, chopped
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the sugar and stir until it melts and turns a golden brown.
2. Add the pork belly pieces to the pot and sear on all sides until they are browned.
3. Add the ginger, garlic, star anise, and cinnamon stick to the pot. Stir to combine.
4. Pour in the soy sauce, dark soy sauce, and Shaoxing wine. Stir to coat the pork belly.
5. Add the water and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the pork belly is tender.
6. Season with salt to taste and garnish with chopped green onions before serving.

Braised Pork Belly is a timeless dish that brings a sense of warmth and celebration to any Chinese New Year dinner party. Its deep flavors and tender texture are sure to leave a lasting impression on your guests. Pair this dish with steamed rice and a variety of vegetables to create a well-rounded and memorable feast.

Steamed Fish with Ginger and Scallions (清蒸鱼)

Steamed Fish with Ginger and Scallions is a traditional dish often served during Chinese New Year to symbolize abundance and prosperity. This light and healthy dish features a whole fish, typically sea bass or tilapia, steamed to perfection and topped with fragrant ginger and scallions. The simplicity of this recipe allows the natural flavors of the fish to shine, making it a delightful and elegant addition to your festive table.

Ingredients:

• 1 whole fish (sea bass or tilapia), cleaned and scaled
• 1-inch piece of ginger, julienned
• 2 green onions, julienned
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions:

1. Rinse the fish under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels. Make three diagonal slashes on each side of the fish to help it cook evenly.
2. Place the fish on a heatproof plate that fits into your steamer. Scatter half of the ginger and green onions over the fish and inside the cavity.
3. Steam the fish over boiling water for 10-15 minutes, or until the flesh is opaque and easily flakes with a fork.
4. While the fish is steaming, heat the vegetable oil in a small saucepan until hot. Remove from heat and set aside.
5. Once the fish is cooked, carefully transfer it to a serving platter. Drizzle the soy sauce and sesame oil over the fish.
6. Scatter the remaining ginger and green onions over the top. Pour the hot vegetable oil over the fish to release the aroma of the ginger and green onions.
7. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

Steamed Fish with Ginger and Scallions is a simple yet sophisticated dish that embodies the essence of Chinese New Year celebrations. Its light and delicate flavors make it a perfect centerpiece for your dinner party, symbolizing good fortune and prosperity for the coming year. Serve this dish with a side of steamed rice and sautéed greens for a complete and harmonious meal.

Stir-Fried Longevity Noodles (长寿面)

Stir-Fried Longevity Noodles, also known as “Chang Shou Mian,” are a must-have dish for Chinese New Year celebrations. These long, uncut noodles symbolize a long and prosperous life, making them an auspicious dish for the festive season. Stir-fried with a colorful array of vegetables and a savory sauce, this dish is not only delicious but also visually appealing, adding a touch of vibrancy to your dinner table.

Ingredients:

• 12 ounces fresh egg noodles
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-inch piece of ginger, minced
• 1 carrot, julienned
• 1 red bell pepper, julienned
• 1 cup snap peas, trimmed
• 1 cup shiitake mushrooms, sliced
• 2 green onions, chopped
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions:

1. Cook the egg noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Heat the vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and ginger and stir-fry until fragrant.
3. Add the carrots, bell pepper, snap peas, and shiitake mushrooms to the wok. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
4. Add the cooked noodles to the wok and toss to combine with the vegetables.
5. In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, and sesame oil. Pour the sauce over the noodles and vegetables, stirring to coat evenly.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds before serving.

Stir-Fried Longevity Noodles are a delightful and meaningful addition to your Chinese New Year dinner party. Their vibrant colors and rich flavors are sure to impress your guests, while the symbolism of long life and prosperity adds a special touch to the celebration. Enjoy this dish as part of a festive spread that includes a variety of other traditional Chinese delicacies.

Sweet and Sour Prawns (咕噜虾球)

Sweet and Sour Prawns is a vibrant and flavorful dish that is perfect for celebrating Chinese New Year. This dish combines succulent prawns with a tangy sweet and sour sauce, creating a delightful balance of flavors that will appeal to all your guests. The bright colors and refreshing taste make it a festive addition to your dinner party, symbolizing happiness and prosperity.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound large prawns, peeled and deveined
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 1 onion, diced
• 1/2 cup pineapple chunks
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 1/4 cup water (slurry)
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• Chopped green onions for garnish

Instructions:

1. Toss the prawns in 1/2 cup of cornstarch until they are evenly coated.
2. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the prawns and cook until they are golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add the diced bell peppers and onion. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
4. Add the pineapple chunks to the skillet and stir to combine.
5. In a small bowl, mix together the ketchup, rice vinegar, sugar, and soy sauce. Pour the sauce into the skillet and bring to a simmer.
6. Add the cornstarch slurry to the skillet, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens.
7. Return the prawns to the skillet and toss to coat them in the sauce. Drizzle with sesame oil before serving.
8. Garnish with chopped green onions and serve immediately.

Sweet and Sour Prawns are a delightful addition to your Chinese New Year dinner party, bringing a burst of flavor and color to the table. The combination of crispy prawns and tangy sauce is sure to be a crowd-pleaser, making this dish a memorable part of your festive celebration. Pair it with steamed rice or noodles for a complete and satisfying meal.

Buddha’s Delight (罗汉斋)

Buddha’s Delight, or “Luo Han Zhai,” is a traditional vegetarian dish that is often enjoyed during Chinese New Year. This dish is named after the Buddha and is believed to bring good luck and prosperity. It is made with a variety of vegetables, tofu, and mushrooms, simmered in a savory sauce. The medley of flavors and textures makes this dish not only nutritious but also incredibly delicious, perfect for a festive celebration.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup napa cabbage, chopped
• 1 cup baby bok choy, chopped
• 1 cup snow peas, trimmed
• 1 cup shiitake mushrooms, sliced
• 1 cup bamboo shoots, sliced
• 1 cup water chestnuts, sliced
• 1 block firm tofu, cubed
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-inch piece of ginger, minced
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (or vegetarian oyster sauce)
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/2 cup vegetable broth
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil

Instructions:

1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and ginger and stir-fry until fragrant.
2. Add the tofu cubes to the wok and stir-fry until they are golden brown on all sides. Remove and set aside.
3. Add the napa cabbage, baby bok choy, snow peas, shiitake mushrooms, bamboo shoots, and water chestnuts to the wok. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
4. Return the tofu to the wok and stir to combine with the vegetables.
5. In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, and vegetable broth. Pour the sauce into the wok and bring to a simmer.
6. Add the cornstarch slurry to the wok, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens.
7. Drizzle with sesame oil before serving.

Buddha’s Delight is a nutritious and flavorful dish that embodies the spirit of Chinese New Year. Its combination of fresh vegetables and savory sauce makes it a delightful addition to your festive table. This vegetarian dish is not only good for your health but also brings good fortune and prosperity to your celebration. Serve it with steamed rice or as part of a larger banquet for a truly memorable meal.

Chinese Dumplings (饺子)

Chinese Dumplings, or “Jiaozi,” are a quintessential dish for Chinese New Year celebrations. These delightful pockets of dough filled with a savory mixture of meat and vegetables symbolize wealth and prosperity. Making dumplings together as a family is a cherished tradition that brings people together. Whether boiled, steamed, or pan-fried, dumplings are a delicious and festive addition to your dinner party.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground pork
• 1 cup napa cabbage, finely chopped
• 3 green onions, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-inch piece of ginger, minced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon white pepper
• 1 package dumpling wrappers
• Water for sealing the dumplings
• Dipping sauce: soy sauce, rice vinegar, and chili oil

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the ground pork, napa cabbage, green onions, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, and white pepper. Mix until well combined.
2. Place a dumpling wrapper on a flat surface and spoon about 1 tablespoon of the filling into the center.
3. Dip your finger in water and wet the edges of the wrapper. Fold the wrapper in half and press the edges together to seal, forming a crescent shape. Repeat with the remaining wrappers and filling.
4. To cook the dumplings, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the dumplings in batches and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until they float to the surface.
5. Alternatively, you can steam the dumplings for 10-12 minutes, or pan-fry them until the bottoms are golden brown and crispy, then add a small amount of water to the pan and cover to steam until cooked through.
6. Serve the dumplings hot with a dipping sauce made from soy sauce, rice vinegar, and chili oil.

Chinese Dumplings are a delightful and meaningful addition to your Chinese New Year dinner party. They are a symbol of prosperity and togetherness, making them perfect for celebrating the festive season with family and friends. The delicious filling and versatile cooking methods ensure that everyone will enjoy these tasty treats. Serve them with a variety of dipping sauces for a complete and satisfying dish.

Red-Cooked Pork Belly (红烧肉)

Red-Cooked Pork Belly, or “Hong Shao Rou,” is a classic Chinese dish that is perfect for a Chinese New Year celebration. The pork belly is braised in a rich, flavorful sauce made from soy sauce, sugar, and aromatic spices until it is tender and caramelized. This dish symbolizes prosperity and happiness, making it a beloved choice for festive occasions.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 pounds pork belly, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 3 tablespoons sugar
• 1/4 cup Shaoxing wine
• 1/4 cup light soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons dark soy sauce
• 3 cloves garlic, smashed
• 2-inch piece of ginger, sliced
• 2 star anise
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 2 cups water
• 2 green onions, cut into 2-inch pieces

Instructions:

1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the sugar and cook, stirring constantly, until it melts and turns a golden brown caramel color.
2. Add the pork belly pieces to the pot and stir to coat them in the caramel. Cook for 3-4 minutes until they are browned on all sides.
3. Pour in the Shaoxing wine, light soy sauce, and dark soy sauce. Add the garlic, ginger, star anise, and cinnamon stick. Stir to combine.
4. Pour in the water and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 1 to 1 1/2 hours, or until the pork belly is tender and the sauce has thickened.
5. Add the green onions and simmer for an additional 10 minutes.
6. Serve the red-cooked pork belly hot, garnished with extra green onions if desired.

Red-Cooked Pork Belly is a rich and flavorful dish that brings warmth and comfort to your Chinese New Year dinner party. The tender, caramelized pork belly is infused with the aromatic flavors of soy sauce and spices, making it a truly delectable treat. This dish is sure to impress your guests and bring a sense of prosperity and happiness to your celebration.

Longevity Noodles (长寿面)

Longevity Noodles, or “Chang Shou Mian,” are a traditional Chinese dish that is often served during celebrations to symbolize long life and good health. These long, uncut noodles are stir-fried with vegetables and meat, creating a delicious and hearty dish. The vibrant colors and savory flavors make it a perfect addition to your Chinese New Year dinner party.

Ingredients:

• 8 ounces Chinese egg noodles
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-inch piece of ginger, minced
• 1 carrot, julienned
• 1 red bell pepper, julienned
• 1 cup shiitake mushrooms, sliced
• 1 cup snow peas, trimmed
• 1/2 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• Chopped green onions for garnish

Instructions:

1. Cook the Chinese egg noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Heat the vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and ginger and stir-fry until fragrant.
3. Add the carrot, red bell pepper, shiitake mushrooms, and snow peas to the wok. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
4. Add the shrimp to the wok and stir-fry until they are pink and cooked through.
5. In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, and sesame oil. Pour the sauce into the wok and stir to combine.
6. Add the cooked noodles to the wok and toss to coat them in the sauce and mix them with the vegetables and shrimp.
7. Garnish with chopped green onions and serve immediately.

Longevity Noodles are a delicious and symbolic dish that is perfect for celebrating Chinese New Year. The long noodles represent long life and good health, making them an important part of the festive meal. The combination of savory sauce, tender vegetables, and succulent shrimp creates a delightful dish that your guests will love. Enjoy this dish as part of your celebration to bring good fortune and happiness in the new year.

Eight-Treasure Rice Pudding (八宝饭)

Eight-Treasure Rice Pudding, or “Ba Bao Fan,” is a traditional Chinese dessert that is often enjoyed during Chinese New Year. This sweet and sticky rice pudding is made with glutinous rice, filled with various dried fruits and nuts, and topped with a sweet syrup. It symbolizes good fortune, prosperity, and happiness, making it a perfect dessert to end your festive meal.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups glutinous rice, soaked for 2 hours
• 1/4 cup red bean paste
• 1/4 cup dried dates, pitted and chopped
• 1/4 cup dried apricots, chopped
• 1/4 cup dried longan
• 1/4 cup lotus seeds, cooked
• 1/4 cup raisins
• 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
• 1/4 cup candied cherries
• 1/4 cup rock sugar
• 2 tablespoons water

Instructions:

1. Drain the soaked glutinous rice and place it in a steamer. Steam the rice for 30-40 minutes, or until it is cooked through and sticky.
2. In a small saucepan, dissolve the rock sugar in 2 tablespoons of water over low heat to make a syrup. Set aside.
3. Grease a large bowl and arrange the candied cherries at the bottom and around the sides of the bowl.
4. Spread half of the steamed glutinous rice evenly in the bowl. Make a shallow well in the center and fill it with red bean paste.
5. Layer the chopped dates, apricots, longan, lotus seeds, raisins, and walnuts on top of the red bean paste.
6. Cover the filling with the remaining glutinous rice, pressing down gently to compact the layers.
7. Steam the filled bowl for an additional 20 minutes to heat everything through.
8. Carefully invert the bowl onto a serving plate to unmold the rice pudding. Drizzle the rock sugar syrup over the top before serving.

Eight-Treasure Rice Pudding is a delightful and symbolic dessert that is perfect for ending your Chinese New Year dinner party on a sweet note. The combination of glutinous rice, dried fruits, nuts, and sweet syrup creates a rich and satisfying treat that your guests will enjoy. This dessert not only brings good fortune and prosperity but also adds a festive and celebratory touch to your meal. Enjoy this traditional dish as you welcome the new year with family and friends.

Sweet and Sour Fish (糖醋鱼)

Sweet and Sour Fish, or “Tang Cu Yu,” is a traditional Chinese dish often served during Chinese New Year to symbolize abundance and good luck. The crispy fried fish is coated in a tangy and savory sweet and sour sauce made from vinegar, sugar, and ketchup. The vibrant colors of the dish represent prosperity, making it an essential part of festive celebrations.

Ingredients:

• 1 whole fish (about 1 1/2 pounds, such as tilapia or bass), cleaned and scaled
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• Vegetable oil for frying

For the Sweet and Sour Sauce:

• 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 3 tablespoons sugar
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch, mixed with 2 tablespoons water

For Garnish:

• 1/4 cup thinly sliced bell peppers (red and green)
• 1/4 cup sliced onions
• 1/4 cup pineapple chunks
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)

Instructions:

1. Clean and pat dry the fish with paper towels. Make diagonal cuts along both sides of the fish and rub with soy sauce and cornstarch. Let the fish sit for 15 minutes.
2. Heat vegetable oil in a large frying pan or wok over medium-high heat. Fry the fish for 6-8 minutes on each side until golden and crispy. Remove from the pan and set aside.
3. In a separate pan, combine the rice vinegar, ketchup, sugar, soy sauce, and water. Bring to a boil and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Stir in the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) and continue cooking until the sauce thickens.
5. Add the bell peppers, onions, and pineapple chunks to the sauce and cook for another 2-3 minutes until tender.
6. Pour the sweet and sour sauce over the fried fish. Garnish with sesame seeds, if desired, and serve hot.

Sweet and Sour Fish is a deliciously vibrant dish that brings both flavor and symbolism to your Chinese New Year celebration. The combination of crispy fish and a tangy sauce represents the wish for abundance and a prosperous year ahead. This dish will not only brighten your table but also create a lasting impression with its delightful balance of sweet, sour, and savory flavors.

Chinese Spring Rolls (春卷)

Chinese Spring Rolls are a popular appetizer during Chinese New Year, known for their crispy exterior and savory filling. These fried rolls are packed with vegetables, pork, or shrimp, and are often served with a sweet and sour dipping sauce. They symbolize wealth and prosperity due to their shape, which resembles gold bars.

Ingredients:

• 10-12 spring roll wrappers (available in Asian grocery stores)
• 1/2 pound ground pork or shrimp (or a combination)
• 1/2 cup shredded cabbage
• 1/4 cup grated carrots
• 1/4 cup shiitake mushrooms, chopped
• 1/4 cup bamboo shoots, sliced
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• Vegetable oil for frying

For the Dipping Sauce:

• 3 tablespoons sugar
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon cornstarch

Instructions:

1. Heat a pan over medium heat and add the ground pork or shrimp. Cook for 3-4 minutes until browned. Remove any excess fat.
2. Add the cabbage, carrots, mushrooms, and bamboo shoots to the pan. Stir-fry for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables soften.
3. Stir in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, then remove from heat and let the filling cool.
4. Lay out a spring roll wrapper on a flat surface. Spoon 1-2 tablespoons of the filling in the center, then fold in the sides and roll tightly to seal. Repeat with the remaining wrappers.
5. Heat vegetable oil in a large frying pan or wok over medium-high heat. Fry the spring rolls in batches, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes.
6. To make the dipping sauce, combine the sugar, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and cornstarch in a saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens, about 2-3 minutes.
7. Serve the hot spring rolls with the sweet and sour dipping sauce.

Chinese Spring Rolls are a festive and tasty way to start your Chinese New Year dinner. The crispy, golden exterior paired with a savory filling is a perfect combination that will leave your guests craving more. The symbolic meaning of wealth and prosperity makes this appetizer an essential dish for welcoming the new year with good fortune.

Steamed Dumplings (蒸饺)

Steamed Dumplings, or “Zheng Jiao,” are a traditional Chinese dish that is enjoyed during Chinese New Year for their symbolism of wealth and good fortune. These dumplings are filled with a savory mixture of pork and vegetables, then steamed to perfection. Their shape resembles gold ingots, which is why they are commonly served during celebrations to usher in prosperity.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 pound ground pork
• 1/4 cup finely chopped cabbage
• 2 green onions, chopped
• 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon rice wine
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 package dumpling wrappers (about 30-40)

For Dipping Sauce:

• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1/4 teaspoon chili oil (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the ground pork, chopped cabbage, green onions, ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, rice wine, and sugar. Mix well to combine.
2. Place a dumpling wrapper on a clean surface. Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the filling into the center of the wrapper.
3. Wet the edges of the wrapper with a little water, then fold the wrapper in half and pinch the edges to seal, forming a pleated edge.
4. Repeat with the remaining wrappers and filling.
5. Bring a pot of water to a boil and set up a steaming rack inside. Arrange the dumplings in a single layer on the rack, making sure they don’t touch.
6. Steam the dumplings for 12-15 minutes, or until the filling is cooked through.
7. Mix together the dipping sauce ingredients in a small bowl.
8. Serve the hot dumplings with the dipping sauce on the side.

Steamed Dumplings are a delicious and symbolic dish that will surely be a hit at your Chinese New Year dinner. The savory filling wrapped in soft dumpling dough is a classic comfort food that represents wealth and prosperity. The dipping sauce adds a flavorful finishing touch. These dumplings are perfect for sharing with loved ones, making them an ideal dish to celebrate the new year.

Braised Pork Belly with Soy Sauce (红烧肉)

Braised Pork Belly with Soy Sauce, or “Hong Shao Rou,” is a beloved dish in Chinese cuisine, often served during Chinese New Year celebrations. The tender, melt-in-your-mouth pork belly is simmered in a savory-sweet soy sauce-based sauce, which gives it a rich flavor and a beautiful reddish-brown color. The dish symbolizes wealth and prosperity due to the richness and tenderness of the pork, making it a perfect choice for a festive occasion.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 pounds pork belly, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 4-5 slices ginger
• 2 cloves garlic, smashed
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons sugar (preferably rock sugar)
• 1/4 cup Shaoxing wine or dry sherry
• 1/2 cup water
• 2 star anise
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• Green onions for garnish

Instructions:

1. Heat vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the pork belly and sear all sides until lightly browned.
2. Add the ginger and garlic, and sauté for another 2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Stir in the soy sauce, dark soy sauce, sugar, and Shaoxing wine. Allow the sugar to dissolve and caramelize slightly.
4. Add water, star anise, cinnamon stick, and rice vinegar. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low.
5. Cover the pot and simmer for about 1 1/2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the pork belly becomes tender and the sauce has thickened to a glossy consistency.
6. Garnish with chopped green onions and serve hot with steamed rice.

Braised Pork Belly with Soy Sauce is a rich and comforting dish that is perfect for Chinese New Year celebrations. The tender pork belly, slow-braised in a savory-sweet sauce, is a luxurious treat that symbolizes good fortune and wealth. Its deep, umami flavor is balanced with aromatic spices, making it a dish that will leave a lasting impression on your guests. Serve this alongside steamed rice for a hearty and festive meal.

Longevity Noodles (长寿面)

Longevity Noodles, or “Chang Shou Mian,” are an essential dish for Chinese New Year celebrations, symbolizing long life and good health. The long noodles represent longevity, and the dish is often served with a light, savory broth and vegetables. It’s a simple yet meaningful dish to enjoy during the New Year, as it conveys the hope for a long, prosperous life in the coming year.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz. longevity noodles or any long Chinese noodles
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup sliced shiitake mushrooms
• 1/2 cup bok choy, chopped
• 1/4 cup carrots, julienned
• 1/4 cup green onions, sliced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 teaspoon white pepper
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Heat vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the mushrooms, bok choy, and carrots. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
3. Add the chicken broth to the pan and bring it to a simmer. Stir in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, white pepper, and salt.
4. Once the broth is hot and flavorful, add the cooked noodles and toss to combine, allowing the noodles to soak up the sauce for 2-3 minutes.
5. Garnish with sliced green onions and serve immediately.

Longevity Noodles are a light, savory dish that holds deep cultural significance during Chinese New Year. The long noodles are symbolic of a long life and are often enjoyed with a flavorful broth and vegetables to bring good health and prosperity in the year to come. This dish is not only delicious but also an essential part of any celebratory Chinese New Year feast, representing the wish for a long, happy, and fulfilling life.

Steamed Fish with Ginger and Scallions (清蒸鱼)

Steamed Fish with Ginger and Scallions is a quintessential Chinese dish often prepared during Chinese New Year for its symbolism of good luck and prosperity. Fish represents abundance, and serving it whole during the New Year signifies the hope for a year full of prosperity and abundance. This dish is light, fresh, and filled with aromatic flavors from ginger, scallions, and soy sauce, making it a simple yet meaningful addition to your festive spread.

Ingredients:

• 1 whole fish (about 1-2 pounds, such as tilapia or snapper), cleaned and scaled
• 3-4 slices ginger
• 4-5 scallions, cut into 2-inch lengths
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice wine
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Instructions:

1. Place the cleaned fish on a heatproof plate that fits inside your steamer or steaming rack.
2. Lay the ginger slices and half of the scallions inside the cavity of the fish and on top.
3. In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, rice wine, sesame oil, and sugar. Pour this mixture over the fish.
4. Fill a pot with water and bring it to a boil. Place the plate with the fish in a steaming rack and steam the fish for about 8-10 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily.
5. While the fish is steaming, heat the vegetable oil in a small pan until it starts to smoke. Remove from heat.
6. Once the fish is done, garnish it with the remaining scallions and pour the hot oil over the fish to release its fragrance.
7. Serve immediately with steamed rice.

Steamed Fish with Ginger and Scallions is a light, aromatic dish that is deeply symbolic for Chinese New Year. The fish, symbolizing prosperity and abundance, is delicately steamed with fresh ginger and scallions, making it a fragrant and healthy dish that’s perfect for the festive occasion. This simple yet elegant dish will not only satisfy the palate but also convey well wishes for a year filled with good fortune and success.

Note: More recipes are coming soon!