Celebrate Chinese New Year with These 5 Iconic Dishes

Celebrate Chinese New Year with These 5 Iconic Dishes

Love Food Ready Meals – Chinese New Year, also known as Lunar New Year, is one of the most cherished celebrations in many Asian cultures. It’s not just about new beginnings—it’s also about togetherness, gratitude, and tradition. And what better way to honor these traditions than through food? In fact, the dishes served during this festive season are more than just meals; they are symbols of good fortune, happiness, and prosperity. With that in mind, let’s explore five iconic Chinese New Year dishes and learn how to make them step by step.

1. Siu Mie (Longevity Noodles)

To begin with, no Chinese New Year feast is complete without Siu Mie. This dish is all about long life and unbroken prosperity. The longer the noodle, the better! For this reason, you should never cut the noodles while cooking or eating them.

Ingredients:

  • 200g egg noodles
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp oyster sauce
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 carrot, julienned
  • 1 cup bok choy, chopped
  • 100g chicken or shrimp, sliced
  • 2 tbsp cooking oil

Instructions:

  1. First, boil the noodles according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and set them aside.
  2. Next, heat cooking oil in a wok or skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and stir-fry until aromatic.
  3. Add the chicken or shrimp and cook until golden brown. Then, toss in the bok choy and carrots, stir-frying until tender.
  4. After that, add the noodles to the wok and drizzle with soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil. Stir until everything is well coated.
  5. Serve immediately, remembering to leave the noodles unbroken for good luck.

2. Yu Sheng (Prosperity Toss Salad)

Meanwhile, Yu Sheng is a fun and symbolic dish that promotes prosperity and abundance. Tossing the salad together at the table is not only interactive but also meaningful. The higher you toss it, the greater your blessings for the year ahead.

Ingredients:

  • 200g fresh salmon, thinly sliced
  • 1 carrot, shredded
  • 1 cucumber, julienned
  • 1 radish, shredded
  • 1 handful of fried wonton strips
  • 1 pomelo or grapefruit, segmented
  • 2 tbsp plum sauce
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • 1 tbsp lime juice

Instructions:

  1. Start by arranging the shredded vegetables, pomelo, and salmon on a large platter.
  2. Then, drizzle the salad with plum sauce, sesame oil, and lime juice for flavor.
  3. Add fried wonton strips for a delightful crunch.
  4. Finally, gather your loved ones, and use chopsticks to toss the salad high in the air while chanting blessings for the new year.

3. Eight Treasure Soup

Another essential dish is Eight Treasure Soup. This rich and hearty soup contains eight symbolic ingredients, reflecting the lucky nature of the number eight in Chinese culture. Additionally, it represents harmony and abundance.

Ingredients:

  • 100g dried shiitake mushrooms
  • 100g lotus seeds
  • 50g red dates (jujubes)
  • 50g goji berries
  • 100g peanuts
  • 100g barley
  • 50g dried longan
  • 1.5L chicken stock

Instructions:

  1. Begin by soaking the mushrooms, lotus seeds, and barley overnight in water.
  2. The next day, bring the chicken stock to a boil in a large pot. Then, add the soaked ingredients along with red dates, goji berries, peanuts, and dried longan.
  3. Lower the heat and let the soup simmer for 1.5–2 hours, stirring occasionally to ensure all ingredients blend together.
  4. Once the soup is rich and flavorful, serve it warm. Not only is it delicious, but it also brings luck and good health.

4. Tang Yuan (Glutinous Rice Balls)

Equally important is Tang Yuan, a sweet dessert that symbolizes family unity and togetherness. The round shape of the rice balls represents completeness, making it a heartfelt addition to your celebration.

Ingredients:

  • 200g glutinous rice flour
  • 100ml water
  • 50g black sesame paste (or peanut butter)
  • 2 tbsp sugar
  • 1L water
  • 2 slices ginger

Instructions:

  1. First, combine the glutinous rice flour with water to form a soft dough.
  2. Divide the dough into small portions, flatten each one, and fill it with a spoonful of black sesame paste. Seal the balls carefully.
  3. Next, bring water to a boil in a pot with ginger slices and sugar to make a sweet ginger syrup.
  4. Drop the rice balls into the boiling syrup and cook until they float to the surface.
  5. Serve warm and enjoy this sweet symbol of unity.

5. Mochi

Lastly, Mochi is a chewy and sticky dessert that represents wholeness and family ties. This delightful treat is not only a favorite among children but also carries deep cultural significance.

Ingredients:

  • 200g glutinous rice flour
  • 150ml water
  • 50g sugar
  • Cornstarch for dusting
  • Sweet red bean paste (or your preferred filling)

Instructions:

  1. Begin by mixing glutinous rice flour, water, and sugar in a bowl until smooth.
  2. Steam the mixture for about 20 minutes, or until it becomes sticky and translucent.
  3. Dust your hands with cornstarch, take a small piece of dough, and flatten it. Place a spoonful of red bean paste in the center and carefully seal it into a ball.
  4. Repeat with the remaining dough and serve as a sweet and symbolic treat for the new year.

Celebrate the Year with Delicious Tradition

Chinese New Year isn’t just about feasting; it’s about embracing traditions and sharing meaningful moments with loved ones. These five iconic dishes bring a perfect blend of flavor, culture, and symbolism to your table. From the joyful toss of Yu Sheng to the comforting warmth of Tang Yuan, these recipes offer a delicious way to welcome the Lunar New Year.

May your year be filled with prosperity, happiness, and of course, good food!

Fandi Teguh
https://lovefoodreadymeals.com/