I absolutely love how these tangy and tasty Chinese New Year recipes put me in a party mood all year long. This list highlights China’s best flavors like piquant sauces, aromatic spices, and fragrant herbs.
I’ve gathered 24 delicious and easy recipes to help you recreate your favorite dishes at home. Let’s feast.
1. Chinese Almond Cookies
These totally addictive Chinese cookies are nutty and buttery. They represent the best kind of cookie in my opinion.
You can have them ready in only 15 minutes since they are so easy to make. The almond flour base offers a rich taste that is healthier than standard cookies but tastes even better.
2. Dan Dan Noodles
You will adore Dan Dan Noodles if you enjoy spice. This dish features spicy Sichuan noodles tossed in an intense chili sauce.
It definitely packs a punch without being mouth-burning spicy.
3. Sweet and Sour Pork
Sweet and sour pork remains a popular item on Chinese menus for a good reason. You can create this mouth-watering sweet and sour combination in your own kitchen using this DIY recipe.
It features fresh pineapple, sweet bell pepper, and juicy chunks of pork alongside fried rice. I bet you cannot resist a second bowl.
4. Fa Gao (Fortune Cake)
This moist, steamed treat resembles a cupcake. You simply cannot have good fortune without good food.
The top tends to split and crack just like a muffin which earns it the nickname “smiling cake.” This is your kind of recipe if you enjoy baked goods that grin back at you.
5. Scallion Pancakes
Chinese pancakes differ significantly from North American versions. They resemble a flatbread since they are crispy and thin.
You can easily make them from scratch by mixing and kneading the dough. Pan-fry them until they reach golden brown, crispy perfection.
6. Chow Mein
You can put homemade chow mein on the table in 30 minutes instead of ordering takeout. Keep this recipe on hand if you enjoy Chinese noodle dishes.
The bowl is full of irresistible healthy goodness like bean sprouts, mushrooms, bok choy, and crispy noodles.
7. Eight Treasure Rice Pudding
You definitely need dessert if you plan to cook a complete Chinese feast this season. I highly suggest this decadent sweet pudding since it is gluten-free and vegan-friendly.
The sticky rice gets stuffed with sweet bean paste before being topped with dried fruit. Wow your guests by serving it with aromatic chrysanthemum syrup.
8. Lettuce Wraps
This copycat recipe tastes even better than the real PF Chang’s Chicken Lettuce Wraps. You can serve seasoned spiced chicken inside crispy lettuce in only 20 minutes.
It makes for a delicious lunch or perfect light supper.
9. Szechuan Noodles
These noodles are completely addictive and better than takeout. Thick and soft noodles get tossed in spicy Szechuan sauce before a drizzle of sesame chili oil.
The dish is oh-so-good while being healthy and quick.
10. Sesame Noodles
Sesame noodles tossed in peanut sauce taste delicious whether served cold or hot. You can whip them up to serve as a satisfying side dish for supper.
I also like to make a batch ahead of time to enjoy as a cold salad after the flavors mingle and rest.
11. Nian Gao (Chinese New Year Sticky Rice Cake)
You must serve this sticky sweet cake if you host a New Year’s party. It symbolizes growth, advancement, and progress which makes it a tasty traditional way to start the year.
The classic recipe uses simple rice flours, water, and sugar. This version adds orange zest and ginger to take it up a notch.
Eat the rice cake immediately or let it cool down to pan-fry a thick slice.
12. Cashew Chicken
This nourishing stir-fry makes a quick and easy meal for mid-week dinners or New Year’s feasts. Juicy chicken simmers in garlic sauce before being served with crunchy roasted cashews.
The nuts add a delicious bite.
13. Wontons
This recipe is for you if you enjoy wontons but dislike the greasy fried versions. These veggie pastry parcels bake until they turn golden brown.
They taste just as good as traditional ones but are much healthier. No one will know the difference when you serve them alongside a sweet and sour dip.
It makes 34 which means 30 for you and 4 for your guests.
14. Chinese Noodle Soup
Chinese New Year occurs during cold and flu season in January or February. You can beat the bugs with a bowl of this tasty and nourishing soup if you feel sick this winter.
The recipe is incredibly easy with broth, noodles, veggies, and your choice of meat. Throw everything together with immune-boosting ginger and garlic to enjoy.
15. Veggie Spring Rolls
Vegetarian spring rolls are welcome at any dinner table regardless of whether you eat meat or follow a plant-based diet. They serve as the ultimate Chinese appetizer.
You can prep them the day before and fry them quickly when guests arrive to save time in the kitchen.
16. Lion’s Head Pork Meatballs
Lion’s Head meatballs are a traditional dish made differently depending on the region. This is the only recipe you need for your New Year’s feast since it delivers moist light meatballs with delicate flavor.
The pork mixes with aromatic flavorings, water chestnuts, and breadcrumbs before steaming to perfection. I suggest you make extra because you will need them.
17. Peanut Noodles
These peanut noodles are perfect for getting a dinner-party worthy meal on the table in minutes when you are rushing. Creamy peanut butter creates a rich peanut sauce.
It also has a bit of a bite thanks to a dash of lime juice and dark soy sauce.
18. Fortune Cookies
A Chinese feast is not complete without fortune cookies. This recipe gives you yummy cookies and a fun crafty project to tempt kids into the kitchen.
Eating the cookies is the best part but writing fun fortunes is a close second.
19. Long Life Noodles
Long life noodles symbolize good fortune in China. Tradition says that one bowl of this tasty dish helps you live a long life.
They are generally served at festive occasions for this reason. Enjoy eating them and save the recipe for your 100th birthday party.
20. Sichuan Boiled Fish
Sichuan cuisine offers a unique blend of piquant and fiery flavors. This recipe is for you if you enjoy flavorful fish.
Fresh fish fillets get seasoned with a peppery spicy marinade before being gently steamed until fragrant and flaky.
21. Sesame Seed Balls
Sesame seed balls are a classic Chinese sweet treat also known as Jian Diu. They taste like homemade candy being soft and sweet inside while crispy on the outside.
The ingredients include red bean paste, rice flour, and sugar. Deep fry the dough until golden and serve warm to enjoy the toasted nutty taste.
22. Steamed Buns
Buns turn wonderfully moist and fluffy when you steam them. They become ideal vehicles for soaking up dips and sauces.
You need a basket of these buns on the side if you plan a dinner to celebrate Chinese New Year.
23. Moo Shu Vegetables
You probably know moo shu pork but have you tried the vegetarian version? This dish drizzles classic sweet and salty hoisin sauce over stir-fried veggies instead of meat.
It is served with Mandarin pancakes and scrambled eggs. This is basically Chinese style breakfast-for-dinner.
24. Lo Mein
I have a riddle for you. What tastes amazing, takes 15 minutes, and uses whatever veggies you have in the fridge?
You can go to the top of the class if you answered “this lo mein.”