Every year, my family makes a huge deal out of Chinese New Year — possibly even bigger than Christmas or Thanksgiving. Video calling relatives from overseas is a must, and children (and college students like me) get money from parents for being well behaved.
Now that I’m in college, I must find ways to recreate this celebration, which is fast approaching on January 28th, and eating traditional Asian food is a must. If you’re also in need of some recipes to celebrate or just want an excuse to cook up some delectable Asian eats, here are 13 delicious recipes to help you to ring in Chinese New Year.
1. Teriyaki Ginger Chicken Stir Fry
You need to have at least one dish this Chinese New Year with ginger and one with teriyaki. So, why not combine them to elevate the deliciousness?
2. Vegetable Stir Fry with Tofu and Sesame Ginger Sauce
For all of the vegetarians out there, here’s an easy recipe that’ll leave you equally as satisfied as the meat eaters. It also covers the ginger requirement for Chinese New Year food.
3. Peanut Noodle Salad
This one is a recipe collaboration with Chef’d and Spoon, so you know it’s bound to be awesomely delicious. Serve this dish cold, and you’ll have that authentic Chinese ring to your cooking.
4. Matcha Pancakes
If you’re feeling more breakfast-y, whip up these fluffy pancakes, and in no time, you’ll have the celebration starting early and lasting all day.
5. Gochujang Cauliflower “Wings”
Your new year’s resolution is to be healthy (or vegan), but it does not mean you can’t enjoy Asian food. Gochujang is a spicy Korean chili paste that’s popular all over Asia, and it’s vegan. Make spicy “wings” for a low-carb alternative and an American-infused rendition of regular chicken wings.
6. Homemade Siu Mai
Dim sum is a staple, and you really can’t get more basic than siu mai dumplings. Filled with pork, vegetables, and wrapped in wontons, they’re the perfect appetizers to get the party started.
7. Thai Egg Fried Rice
Although it seems a little bland, toss some chopped carrots, celery, and diced chicken together, and you have an American’s favorite Chinese food: chicken friend rice.
8. Fortune Cookies
Make these the night before with family and friends. It’s a great way to bond, and baking is always a blast with company.
9. Japanese Cheesecake
On to more desserts, a Japanese cheesecake infuses the best of American desserts into an Asian-style cake. The texture reminds me of mousse — maybe that’s what a Japanese cheesecake really is?
10. Dumplings
If you do decide to order takeout, at least make the dumplings. They’re so famous, and the ingredients you’ll need are super basic. Plus, it’s written in superstition that if you eat dumplings on Chinese New Year, it means you’ll have good luck for the coming year.
11. Crunchy Sweet Sriracha Shrimp
Honestly one of the best flavor combinations out there. The sweet and crunchy texture complement each other so nicely, it’ll be the dish you not only make on occasions, but all year round.
12. Asian Lettuce Wraps
Another Chef’d and Spoon recipe that takes on the Asian version of a burrito. It’s super fresh, and you know it’s gonna be easy to prepare because it’s curated by Spoon.
13. Babaofan (Eight Treasures Rice)
The name may sound strange, but babaofan has a long-standing tradition that families should eat it together for Chinese New Year. It’s similar to a Christmas fruitcake with the added dried fruits and nuts, but it’s way more delicious because sweet red bean paste is secretly tucked inside of that dome.
Chinese New Year food is definitely not the same for every family, and this is only a small compilation of the abundant amount of great recipes you can make on that special day. However, if you’re celebrating the holiday or simply celebrating delicious international cuisine, this list has what you need.