From main dishes to pastries, appetizers to snacks, these Chinese New Year recipes will steal the spotlight and the hearts of your family.
Chinese New Year has always been dear to my heart. While the heartwarming traditions and vibrant celebrations remain etched in my memories, it was the food that I couldn’t forget. Yes, Chinese New Year is the best time to savor traditional dishes, candies, and pastries without guilt.
The New Year’s Eve dinner, also known as the “reunion dinner” or 团年饭, is a feast that brings families together, exchanging best wishes for each other. And that’s why Chinese New Year recipes are more than the flavors. Each of them represents the hope of prosperity in the coming year. From succulent fish symbolizing surplus to dumplings shaped like gold ingots, each dish tells a story steeped in tradition.
So, if you want to revisit your childhood flavors or contemplate the idea of introducing some oriental charm to your New Year celebration, this post is for you. I’m thrilled to share not only my cherished Chinese New Year recipes but also a diverse collection from amazing food bloggers worldwide. You’ll find not only authentic traditional Chinese New Year recipes but also modified, popular Chinese dishes across cultures. So, join me in celebrating the spirit of Chinese New Year with these culinary gems.
Chinese New Year recipes
Main course recipe ideas for the Lunar New Year
Braised pig’s feet
While pig’s feet may not be a common choice on everyone’s menu in the West, it is one of the most beloved Asian ingredients.
These trotters are tender and juicy, slow-cooked to perfection in a rich, flavorful sauce. They will not only highlight your New Year’s Eve but also steal the heart of your family.
Chinese pork tongue recipe in pressure cooker
I can’t explain how thrilled I was when I came across this recipe because pork tongues are so rare in the West. But in China, especially in the South, pork tongue is a staple for special occasions like Chinese New Year.
“猪脷,” pork tongue in Chinese, sounds similar to “吉利,” good luck. That’s why it’s one of the most popular main courses for Chinese New Year. With a pressure cooker, you can now create this traditional Chinese pork dish in the comfort of your home!
Sweet and Sour Pork
I used to order sweet and sour pork every time I went to Cantonese restaurants. You know, that crispy fried pork coated in that sticky, sweet, tangy sauce? Yeah, that one. Now, you can skip the takeout and make it at home. This sweet and sour pork is like bringing the restaurant vibes straight to your kitchen, perfect for Chinese New Year or any day when you crave a kick in the tastebuds.
Instant Pot Crispy Pork Belly
Time to take out your Instant Pot because we’re about to recreate one of the most popular Cantonese Siu Mei at home! Super juicy, tender pork, topped with ultra crunchy crackling, this Chinese Pork Belly recipe will have you hooked from the first bite.
Char Siu – Chinese BBQ Pork
If you’ve ever been seduced by the savory-sweet Chinese BBQ pork, you’re in for a treat. As one of the most known Chinese dishes, Cha Siu captures hearts with the tender, perfectly glazed pork that melts in your mouth.
The good news is that even when you don’t have an oven, you can still create these meaty wonders at home. Here, in this Chinese BBQ pork recipe, you will find two ways: roasting and pan-frying.
Braised Pork Belly
Imagine sinking your teeth into slices of pork belly that are tender, gelatinous, and bursting with aroma. This Chinese Red Pork Belly is everything you can ask for in a pork dish. Plus, the texture of the pork belly is a symbol of richness and abundance, echoing the wishes for a prosperous year ahead.
Dim sum Steamed Pork Ribs
This pork rib recipe has been one of the most tried recipes on the site and for a good reason. It brings the authentic dim sum vibe to your home. What I love about this dish is not the ribs but the taro roots. They soak up all the flavors. And with one bite, they just melt in your mouth.
Easy Black Pepper Chicken Recipe
Here’s another quick and easy Chinese chicken recipe for Chinese New Year. This Easy Black Pepper Chicken is inspired by Panda Express, just like your go-to Chinese takeout, if not a touch better. No need for deep-frying. This recipe’s charm lies in its simplicity – a quick 15 minutes in a single pan is all it takes.
Fang Hua Chinese Steamed Egg With Ground Pork And Tofu
I never knew ground pork and tofu could go so well together except in Mapo Tofu until I made this dish. This Fang Hua egg recipe combines a velvety blend of tofu and savory ground pork, all steamed to perfection. Topped with an egg, this Chinese steamed dish is easy to make and packed with nutrients.
Beef and Broccoli Recipe
While it may not be a traditional Chinese dish, this beef and broccoli has been my go-to recipe for some time now. So why not add a popular Chinese beef dish to the Chinese New Year recipe list?
Thinly sliced flank steak, tender broccoli florets, and the most flavorful stir-fry sauce, all these elements come together to turn your Chinese New Year into a fuss-free gourmet experience.
One-pot Braised Beef Brisket
Braised beef brisket is quite a versatile dish. You can see it on a bustling corner as street food or as the star of the show in the most luxurious Chinese restaurants. And it’s not hard to understand why – no one can resist tender beef brisket mingling with daikon radish.
Now, you can bring this traditional Chinese beef dish to life in just one pot in the comfort of your own home. Follow the instructions here.
Crispy Honey Chicken With Lemon Sauce
Each bite in this chicken recipe is a harmony of textures – the outer crispiness giving way to the juicy tenderness within.
Originally made as a snack, this recipe makes me want more. And to my surprise, my entire family fell in love with it as a main dish. Now, it’s one of our culinary highlights, and the secret lies in the sauce. Check out this recipe to see how you can make them at home.
One-pot Braised Chinese Soy Sauce Chicken
In China, most Chinese New Year dishes come with a lucky symbolism. And chicken is often the must-have because its Mandarin pronunciation “ji” is similar to that of good fortune, “吉”.
Meanings aside, this One-pot Braised Chinese Soy Sauce Chicken recipe is fuss-free and packed with flavors. As a simple, home-made alternative to the classic roast chicken, this dish features tender protein, soaking up all the savory goodness of soy sauce, all in one pot.
Mongolian Chicken
Another all-time favorite American Chinese cuisine that’s perfect for celebrating Chinese New Year! The tender chicken pieces, perfectly stir-fried in a savory sauce, make this dish a delightful treat for the taste buds.
Home-made Peking Duck
Peking duck is one of the most well-known traditional Chinese dishes. And if you’ve ever set foot in a traditional, authentic Beijing restaurant, chances are they’ll have it as a signature dish.
Making a Peking duck at home is intimidating, as it requires an oven and a set of tools. But this recipe simplifies the steps and makes it doable. If you are tempted by the idea of elevating your Asian cooking game, this is the one to try.
Chinese Steamed Fish
Steamed fish is a Chinese New Year’s Eve staple. Fish, or 鱼 in Chinese, is pronounced similarly as 余, meaning surplus in English. It carries the wishes that the coming year will bring abundance, prosperity, and good fortune. This easy steamed fish recipe is not only a healthy and quick dinner idea but also a perfect good luck charm.
Low-Carb Szechuan Pepper Squid Recipe
Trying to stay on your ketogenic diet during Chinese New Year? Then don’t miss out on this one. This Low-Carb Szechuan Pepper Squid is tasty and will keep you on track. Tender squid rings with a kick of bold Szechuan peppercorns, all wrapped up in a crispy, golden coating, this dish is a smart, low-carb choice for a delicious appetizer or main course.
Side dishes for Chinese New Year
Chinese Dumplings
Dumplings are the perfect side of a meal on their own. Whether the pan-fried potstickers or the steamed dumplings, these packs of goodies are my go-to recipes. What makes this recipe so unique is the mixed texture of pork and cabbage. With a sweet and salty sauce, you have all the flavors you crave on one plate.
Chinese Soup Dumplings
Imagine sinking your teeth into a dumpling, and voila – savory filling meets a mouthful of hot, soul-soothing soup. This is what these Chinese Soup Dumplings offer as an experience.
Wonton Noodle Soup
If there’s one dish that captures the warmth much needed in winter, that will be a bow of comforting wonton soup. This dish is a main and a side or even a breakfast on its own. Learn how to do it by following the instructions here.
Flaky Scallion Pancakes
If you are wondering what to serve as a side on Chinese New Year’s Eve or breakfast the next day, these flaky pancakes may be the answer to your search. With a crispy exterior, soft and chewy interior, and an abundance of scallion goodness, this traditional Chinese street food may just be the game changer of your New Year.
No-dough Scallion Pancake
Have some leftover dumpling wraps? Time to use them to make some fuss-free scallion pancakes. With dumpling wraps doing the heavy lifting, you only need a few simple steps to make these crispy, flavorful pancakes.
Lettuce with Oyster Sauce
In Chinese culture, stir-fried lettuce is like a culinary good luck charm, especially around Chinese New Year. The Mandarin pronunciation of lettuce, shēngcài, sounds a whole lot like shēngcái, which means “to make money.” Yep, we’re literally cooking up prosperity here!
Besides the symbolism, this dish is quick and mighty tasty. The crisp lettuce is sautéed to perfection, with the oyster sauce bringing a rich umami punch.
Baby Bok Choy With Shiitake Mushroom
If you crave something easy and refreshing, this Baby Bok Choy dish will be ready in less than 20 minutes. But the crunchiness and aroma of the mushroom and sauce will last in your memory long after the meal is over.
Prawn Chow Mein
The Prawn Chow Mein recipe is ideal for your Chinese New Year festivities. Its quick and easy preparation fits perfectly with the joyful and bustling Chinese New Year, allowing you to spend more time with loved ones and less time in the kitchen.
Chicken Lo Mein
This recipe is a true gem, offering a simple yet flavorful meal ready in under 30 minutes. The ease of preparation makes it an ideal choice for a busy day of cooking a marathon without compromising the flavors. As an alternative to takeout Chinese food, this Chicken Lo Mein will bring the joy of home-made flavors to your New Year table.
Home Made Lo Bak Go – Chinese Turnip Cake
I never imagined myself making Lo Bak Go, or Chinese turnip cake, at home. But surprisingly, it’s not difficult at all! The slight sweetness of turnip melted in the soft texture of the cake, and the savory notes just took it to a whole new level.
Crispy Home-made Egg Rolls
Whether you’re snacking or making it an addition to your Chinese New Year party, these Crispy Home-made Egg Rolls are your low-key, delicious solution. Crunchy shell filled with a classic combo of bean sprouts, cabbage, carrots, and pork sausage, you’ve got a snack that’s gonna disappear real quick.
Chinese Egg Fried Rice With Vegetables
Another lucky dish packed with flavors. In China, egg fried rice is also called 金玉满堂, meaning a hall of gold and jade because of its golden color. This symbolic meaning gives egg fried rice a well-deserved place on the Chinese New Year’s Eve dining table. Add extra protein if you like, but this fried rice recipe is a complete meal on its own, with loads of chopped veggies and eggs coating every bit of the rice.
Authentic Chinese Sticky Rice
I remember when I was a kid, Chinese Sticky Rice was one of my absolute favorites. Packed with unmistakable aroma and mixed textures, it has something that regular rice just can’t compare with. That’s why I am thrilled to introduce you to this Lo Mai Fan recipe. If you are looking for an authentic rice dish to serve on Chinese New Year’s Eve, this is the one to try.
Chinese Chicken Herbal Soup
This Chinese Chicken Herbal Soup reminds me of the aroma of my mother’s kitchen. With herbs and chicken simmered to perfection, this soup recipe brings not just warmth but a sense of connection to generations past.
Chinese pastry and dessert recipes for the New Year
Black Sesame Tang Yuan
Black Sesame Tang Yuan, or Chinese Glutinous Rice Balls, are nutty, sweet, soft, and chewy spheres of joy. They are a staple for Chinese New Year as they symbolize reunion and togetherness.
As the black sesame brings that delightful nuttiness, the soft-and-chewy rice balls will steal the spotlight of any festivity.
Pineapple Cookies for Chinese New Year
if you’re looking to sprinkle some sweetness into your Chinese New Year, these Pineapple Cookies (凤梨酥) are the real deal. Bite-sized balls wrapped around a buttery shortbread with fruity pineapple jam, these traditional Asian pastry goodies provide a flavor combo you’ll never forget.
Crispy Peanut Puff
My mom once told me that when she was young, all families made their own Peanut Puffs a few days before Chinese New Year and enjoyed them as a snack throughout the festival.
While I have only had them a few times, these traditional sweet dumplings have always sat on my “recipes to try” list. If you are hooked by the nostalgic taste, roll your sleeves, and let’s make these sweet and cute purses together, shall we?
Chinese Almond Cookies
Looking to spice up your Chinese New Year spread? Try out these Chinese Almond Cookies! They’re dense, sandy, and oh-so-crunchy. Perfect for when you’re in the mood for a classic cookie with a twist.
But it’s not just about the taste. These little almond cookies are like little lucky coins, and who doesn’t want a bit of extra good fortune for the New Year?
Egg Free Ma Lai Go
This traditional Chinese steamed sponge cake is all about simplicity and deliciousness. The soft, spongy texture of the cake, combined with the natural sweetness of red dates, makes it a delightful treat for any festive occasion. For those looking for a no-bake dessert, this is the one for you.
Traditional Chinese Mung Bean Cake
Many Chinese believe that mung beans are for summer. But why not add a splash of green to your Chinese New Year dinner table? Enter the classic Mung Bean Cake, a nostalgic journey back to simpler times. This traditional recipe, unlike its modern counterparts, skips the peeling process and keeps things delightfully straightforward.
Eight Treasure Sticky Rice Pudding
A melange of glutinous rice, red bean paste, and red dates perfectly steamed to create a soft texture, this traditional Chinese dessert is downright addictive.
Lo Mai Chi – Coconut Peanut Mochi
Just like Christmas, Chinese New Year is a time to try all kinds of mouthwatering treats. And let me tell you, Lo Mai Chi is definitely one of my guilty pleasures. These soft and bouncy delights are flavors wrapped up in chewy goodness. Who can resist that sweet, crumbly peanut filling surrounded by a cozy layer of glutinous rice dumpling magic?
Nian Gao – Chinese New Year Cake
Nian Gao, or as we call it in Cantonese, Nin Gou (“higher year”), is like the chewy ticket to a better year. Symbolizing prosperity, these traditional sticky rice cakes are a delicious tradition you can’t miss on Chinese New Year.
Fried Nian Gao Potato Balls
Want a twist on the traditional Chinese glutinous rice cake? These Fried Nian Gao Sweet Potato Balls will be a game-changer for your Chinese New Year. Crunchy on the outside, soft and chewy on the inside, and filled with sweet Nian Gao, each ball is a mouthful of flavors and textures.
Appetizer and snack ideas for Chinese New Year
Chinese Smashed Cucumber Salad
The Chinese New Year’s Eve dinner is often packed with hearty dishes that, let’s face it, could be pretty heavy. So, time to freshen up your tastebuds! This Chinese Smashed Cucumber Salad will balance out the richness of the holiday season.
Easy Chinese Chicken On A Stick
If you are in a rush trying to put together a tasty meal, this is the one. This Chinese Chicken on a Stick recipe is so easy that you’ll wonder why you haven’t tried it sooner. Forget about hours of marinating – just whip up the sauce, coat the chicken, and pop those kebabs in the oven while it heats up.
Fried Sesame Ball
The Fried Sesame Ball, or 煎堆 in Chinese, is not just a snack but a tradition. When made in bulk, these golden goodies are like gold and cash filling up the house. It’s also super crunchy on the outside and chewy on the inside, a delightful treat for both kids and adults.
Ma Hua – Chinese Twisted Fried Dough
Ma Hua is the kind of snack perfect for sharing, munching, and enjoying the moment. The dough is shaped into these fantastic twists, fried to golden perfection, and then coated with crystallized sugar. It’s like a carnival of textures and flavors in every bite.
No Bake Egg Free Chinese Marshmallow Nougat
I’m not exactly a sweet tooth, but this Chinese candy has won me over. No oven needed, just home-made sweet goodness. The nougat’s crunch and the freedom to throw in your favorite nuts or dried fruits make it a hit. Make in bulk because both kids and adults will keep asking for more of these tasty nougats.
Have you tried these Chinese New Year recipes?
If so, comment below and let me know which you make and how it turned out! Happy cooking!
