Chinese New Year Recipes You Have to Try!

Chinese New Year Recipes
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In Chinese culture, New Year is the salient holiday celebrated by millions around the globe. It is the beginning of the lunar year; thus, the exact date will vary each year based on the new moon. The background of this celebration is unbelievably interesting, as it involves various mythical legends, traditions, and customs.

The color red, dragons, and lions are a massive part of it, so prepare to see many motives involving this trio. When it comes to food, Chinese people choose each dish for its symbolic meaning related to luck, prosperity, and health. Here is a list of some iconic Chinese New Year recipes!

Jiaozi – Chinese Dumplings

Dumplings are my favorite dish from Chinese cuisine, so I simply needed to list them first! They symbolize wealth and prosperity, so don’t miss them for your New Year’s feast. This recipe calls for pork and shrimp mix, but you can definitely go with chicken or beef instead.

Jiaozi (Chinese Dumplings)
With the Chinese new year in just a few days I thought that it was about time to practice my dumpling making skills. Jiaozi or Chinese dumplings, consist of a filling, generally a ground meat.
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Jiaozi (Chinese Dumplings)

Yú – Chinese Style Whole Fish

Whole fish is a staple for Chinese New Year, and this recipe calls for striped bass. Spice it up with ginger, cilantro, soy sauce, and white pepper for the signature flavor. Everything is explained in depth, so it is foolproof!

Steamed Whole Fish, Chinese Style
A steamed whole fish is a favorite on any Chinese table. This Cantonese steamed fish recipe with soy, scallion and ginger a a must-try fish recipe. The tutorial on how to serve a Chinese steamed whole fish at the table is one-of-a-kind!
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Steamed Whole Fish, Chinese Style

Yee Sheng – Prosperity Toss Salad

This is probably the most exciting salad you can prepare ever, as every ingredient has its own meaning – I recommend you to search it up! This is a beautifully balanced salad with cucumber, carrot, daikon, mango, taro, salmon, and wonton strips sprinkled with amazing plum sauce dressing.

How To Prepare Yu Sheng / Yee Sang /Prosperity Toss Salad
Learn how to easily prepare this colorful, simple yet tasty yu sheng / prosperity toss salad to welcome the Chinese New Year with a prosperity toss (lo hei) without feeling overwhelmed. This recipe also includes two kinds of plum dressing you can choose from to toss with your prosperity salad.
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How To Prepare Yu Sheng / Yee Sang /Prosperity Toss Salad

Spring Rolls

Spring rolls are the most remarkable gem of Chinese cuisine; they are simply an iconic dish! Stuff your spring roll wrappers with minced meat, shrimp, bean sprouts, Chinese chives, shiitake mushrooms, and a few more ingredients. The seasoning and sauce are spot on!

Chinese Spring Rolls (春卷), Deep-Fried or Air-Fried
A tried and tested recipe for Chinese spring rolls. You don’t need to precook the filling. Two frying methods are provided. It also includes top tips to avoid a greasy taste.
Check out this recipe
Chinese Spring Rolls (春卷), Deep-Fried or Air-Fried

Chángshòu Miàn – Longevity Noodles

Long noodles signify a long life, so it is a must to have them on your New Year’s table. This is a simple dish to prepare, which pairs flawlessly with most of the other dishes you’re going to serve.

Longevity Noodles for Chinese New Year
Longevity Noodles for Chinese New Year! Longevity noodles symbolize a wish for longevity. These are a popular dish to make for Chinese New Year, along with dumplings, fish, spring rolls, sweet rice balls and more! During Chinese New Year, long noodles are eaten in all corners of China.
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Longevity Noodles for Chinese New Year

Tāngyuán – Sweet Rice Balls

This is definitely the cutest dish ever; I love these beautiful colors! They are glutinous rice flour-based and boiled in sugary water. The taste and texture are, indeed, very specific, but they are something you don’t eat on a daily basis.

Glutinous Rice Balls (Tang Yuan)
Glutinous Rice Balls (Tang Yuan). A warm, delicious and sweet Chinese dessert soup with glutinous rice balls. It’s vegan and simple to make.
Check out this recipe
Glutinous Rice Balls (Tang Yuan)

Fāgāo – Chinese Prosperity Cake

This dainty sponge cake is not your usual cake – it is rice-based and steamed, so it has a cloudy texture. You actually don’t need any special ingredients; they are really simple, as the key is in the prep process – check it out.

Fa Gao (Chinese Prosperity Cake)
Chinese Fa Gao (fāgāo – 发糕), AKA prosperity cake or fortune cake, is served at Chinese New Year, ceremonial events and weddings…
Check out this recipe
Fa Gao (Chinese Prosperity Cake)

Braised Mushroom with Bok Choy

This is a superb vegan option for a main course or a flawless side dish with any meat you’re serving. The richness of flavors comes from garlic, oyster, and soy sauce, plus the textures are incredible – mushrooms are meaty, while bok choy stays crispy and juicy. 

Braised Mushroom with Bok Choy (香菇菜心)
This dish comprises braised mushroom of meaty texture and blanched bok choy full of crunchiness. It’s a healthy and tasty side dish that only takes 10 minutes to cook.
Check out this recipe
Braised Mushroom with Bok Choy (香菇菜心)

Peking Duck

Pecking duck is one of the most iconic dishes in the world’s cuisine, so it is no wonder Chinese people like to prepare it for New Year’s Eve. It is, in fact, a symbol of welt and luxury. You will get an impeccable bite – crispy skin and succulent meat inside.

Peking Duck
Discover the joy of homemade Peking Duck! Crispy, flavorful, and surprisingly simple, this recipe brings a Chinese classic to your table.
Check out this recipe
Peking Duck

Eight Treasure Rice

The number 8 is considered fortunate in Chinese culture, so this sticky rice pudding has eight different toppings. The red bean paste filling is optional, and you can choose any nuts, dried or candied fruit you like for garnish!

Eight Treasure Rice Pudding (Ba Bao Fan, 八宝饭)
A delectable treat consisting of sticky rice, dried fruits, nuts and red bean paste, eight treasure rice pudding is a must-have for Chinese Lunar New Year.
Check out this recipe
Eight Treasure Rice Pudding (Ba Bao Fan, 八宝饭)

Tea Eggs

The name means just what you think – eggs boiled in tea (plus soy sauce and spices). It is definitely something you don’t see every day, making it even more special. P.S. I love this “cracked” look; they remind me of cartoon dinosaur eggs!

Chinese Tea Eggs – Savoring Spoon
Easy recipe for street-style Chinese Tea Eggs at home.
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Chinese Tea Eggs - Savoring Spoon

Braised Pork Belly

Slow-cooking pork belly in sauces will give you an incredibly tender bite with a sweet-savory smack. The secret is in the ingredient pairing, as you have garlic, ginger, anise, cinnamon, Szechuan peppercorn, Shaoxing wine, and soy sauce.

Chinese Braised Pork Belly (Hong Shao Rou) Recipe
Chinese braised pork belly, or hong shao rou, is one of the most popular dishes in China, and for good reason! Each bite melts in your mouth and explodes with the amazing flavor of the sweet and savory sauce!
Check out this recipe
Chinese Braised Pork Belly (Hong Shao Rou) Recipe

Lion’s Head Meatballs

This is a rather interesting name for meatballs, as they actually resemble a mythical lion – a symbol of strength. Made with minced pork, these meatballs are fabulously tender and flavorful. The broth gives them the final touch, so don’t skip it!

Chinese Lion’s Head Meatballs
This Chinese lion’s head meatball recipe is a hearty, comforting braise made with pork and bok choy that comes together in under an hour.
Check out this recipe
Chinese Lion’s Head Meatballs

Lotus Root Stir-Fry

I’ve never had lotus root stirfry before, but after seeing this recipe, I’m planning to change that. This is a simple recipe with lotus and a spicy component only, but you can definitely add more ingredients like carrots, bell peppers, or even meat.

Spicy lotus root stir-fry (辣炒莲藕)
A good-looking vegetarian dish with great flavour, this lotus root stir-fry with Sichuan chilli bean paste can be made in just a few mins.
Check out this recipe
Spicy lotus root stir-fry (辣炒莲藕)

Steamed Shrimp

If you’re a shrimp fan – this is the dish of your dreams. The most interesting thing is that shrimps symbolize happiness due to their resemblance to smiling faces – cute, right? The recipe calls for four ingredients only, so you know the taste is strong.

Chinese Steamed Shrimp – A Dash of Soy
Today I’m sharing with you a Chinese steamed shrimp recipe ”白灼虾” that you can make at home that is cheap, easy, and delicious.
Check out this recipe
Chinese Steamed Shrimp - A Dash of Soy

Braised Tofu with Red Bell Pepper

This is a flawless vegan option for your guests! The main focus of the dish is definitely signature spicy Chinese sauce, with scallions, ginger, garlic, chili, soy, sesame seeds, and Chinese five spice. 

Braised Tofu
This Braised Tofu is one of the best ways to cook tofu! Crispy pan-fried tofu is simmered in a deeply savory Chinese sauce. Gourmet but easy!
Check out this recipe
Braised Tofu

Spicy Eight Treasures Stir-Fry

One more dish with the happy number 8 for New Year’s Eve? Yes, please! You can alter the recipe to your preference and add anything you fancy; just make sure there are eight different ingredients. This blend is fantastic, though!

Chinese Spicy Eight Treasures Stir Fry
This Chinese Spicy Eight Treasures Stir fry is another everyday home cooking dish from the old days in Shanghai. The secret of this dish is a combination of 3 things: dried shrimp, loads of garlic and the substitution of spicy bean paste for the sweet bean paste
Check out this recipe
Chinese Spicy Eight Treasures Stir Fry

Braised Sea Cucumber with Chicken and Mushroom

Sea cucumbers are a rare ingredient with a unique, luxurious texture that can elevate any dish. This trio makes a fabulous base to add different spices and seasoning, such as star anise, ginger, wine, oyster, and soy sauce.

Braised Sea Cucumber with Chicken and Mushroom
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy. Sea cucumbers are braised with mushroom and chicken in aromatic and…
Check out this recipe
Braised Sea Cucumber with Chicken and Mushroom

Steamed Buns

You will definitely need some time to make these from scratch, but there is something very special in homemade baozi. The flavors are vibrant due to the loads of spices and seasonings in the recipe. P.S. You can use any steamer you have.

Chinese Steamed Pork Buns (包子 – Baozi)
This baozi recipe makes delicious, authentic Chinese steamed pork buns that can be enjoyed fresh or frozen and reheated for a quick and tasty meal or snack.
Check out this recipe
Chinese Steamed Pork Buns (包子 - Baozi)

Sticky Rice with Lotus Leaf

This is a complex dish with layers and layers of flavors. Well-seasoned sticky rice wrapped in aromatic lotus leaves is only a base; after this comes marinated chicken, dried shrimp, duck eggs, Chinese sausage, and bacon.

Lo Mai Gai (Chinese Sticky Rice Wrapped in Lotus Leaf) Recipe
Lo mai gai, the dim sum classic of steamed lotus leaves stuffed with sticky rice and delicious goodies, are irresistible from the moment you unwrap one.
Check out this recipe
Lo Mai Gai (Chinese Sticky Rice Wrapped in Lotus Leaf) Recipe

Braised Abalone

This is a special occasion dish, as abalone is a true delicacy. I love the idea of pairing it with broccoli and shiitake mushrooms, as they won’t overpower its distinctive smack. Cooking them in oyster sauce will give you a phenomenal silky consistency.

Braised Abalone and Broccoli in Oyster Sauce
Braised Abalone and Broccoli in Oyster Sauce is an excellent dish for special occasions, featuring a culinary delicacy. The abalone is braised until tender and then coated with a flavorful savory sauce.
Check out this recipe
Braised Abalone and Broccoli in Oyster Sauce

Buddha’s Delight

This is a traditional dish for the Chinese New Year, and it has rather intriguing ingredients. It is a beautiful medley of bean thread noodles, black moss, wood ears, Chinese mushrooms, lily buds, and a few more. Check it out!

Buddha’s Delight (Jai)
Usually served at Chinese New Year, Buddha’s Delight is a delicious traditional Chinese vegetarian dish, full of flavor and textures.
Check out this recipe
Buddha’s Delight (Jai)

Sesame Balls with Red Bean Paste

I love sesame seeds-based sweets because of their nutty caramel flavor. Besides signature sesame seed crunch, you will get a silky smooth filling made with red bean paste, which is a staple in Chinese cuisine.

Sesame Balls with Red Bean Paste
These crispy, chewy and nutty authentic Chinese sesame balls with red bean paste are popular for a reason—they are the perfect treat.
Check out this recipe
Sesame Balls with Red Bean Paste

Dragon’s Beard Candy

This is Chinese cotton candy, but you must admit, dragon’s beard is a way cooler name! To make this one, you need a few ingredients, loads of patience, and some skill. But the good news is – it will be fun!

Dragon’s Beard Candy
Dragon’s Beard Candy, also known as Chinese cotton candy, is a traditional Chinese sweet that dates back hundreds of years. It is sweet and slightly chewy, with a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Check out this recipe
Dragon’s Beard Candy

Eggplant with Garlic Sauce

Compared to regular eggplants, the Chinese variety is milder, less bitter, slightly sweet, and super tender. Because of these perks, they meld perfectly in sauces, making them rich and silky. This is absolutely flawless pairing!

Chinese eggplant with garlic sauce
Chinese eggplant with garlic sauce (Yu Xiang eggplant) is garlicky and delicious. A Chinese eggplant recipe made easy for home cooks!
Check out this recipe
Chinese eggplant with garlic sauce

Snow Skin Mooncakes

I saved the cutest for last! This is a traditional dessert with a soft, chewy texture. The filling is the best part, though, as you can infuse it with different flavors like matcha, taro, or fruit. Check out this base recipe! 

Snow skin mooncake with custard filling (冰皮月饼)
No-bake snow skin mooncakes are a simple, tasty alternative to traditional mooncakes. They consist of a tender, slightly chewy skin and a creamy custard filling. Follow my recipe to make some!
Check out this recipe
Snow skin mooncake with custard filling (冰皮月饼)

Chefs, a big thank you for these fantastic recipes. I loved reading the symbolic background of each one!

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