These tangy and tasty dishes will totally put you in the mood for a party no matter the time of year. I absolutely love how these 24 recipes showcase the incredible flavors of China with piquant sauces and fragrant herbs.
You can easily recreate your favorite takeout dishes right at home with this delicious collection. It really is the best way to ring in the New Year with a massive feast.
1. Veggie Spring Rolls
These vegetarian treats are a hit at any dinner table regardless of your dietary preferences. They really stand out as the ultimate Chinese appetizer.
You can prepare them the day before to save precious time in the kitchen. Simply fry them up quickly when your guests finally arrive.
2. Chinese Noodle Soup
The Chinese New Year often lands right in the middle of cold and flu season. This tasty soup is the perfect way to beat those winter bugs if you are feeling under the weather.
It combines broth with noodles and plenty of veggies. I love how the generous amount of garlic and ginger helps give your immune system a boost.
3. Sesame Seed Balls
These classic sweet treats are also known as Jian Diu. I find them similar to homemade candy because they are soft on the inside but crispy on the outside.
The recipe uses rice flour and sugar alongside red bean paste. You should serve them warm to truly enjoy the nutty and toasted flavor.
4. Lion’s Head Pork Meatballs
This traditional dish varies slightly depending on the specific region. It delivers light meatballs packed with delicate flavors for your New Year feast.
The pork mixture includes breadcrumbs and water chestnuts for texture. You definitely need to steam them to perfection and make a large batch.
5. Chinese Almond Cookies
These buttery and nutty treats might just be the best kind of cookie out there. You can have them ready to eat in just 15 minutes.
The recipe uses almond flour to create a rich taste. They are a healthier option than your average cookie but still taste absolutely delicious.
6. Scallion Pancakes
These pancakes differ greatly from the fluffy North American variety you might know. They resemble a flatbread that is delightfully thin and crispy.
I was surprised by how easy they are to make from scratch. You just need to mix the dough and pan fry it until it turns golden brown.
7. Steamed Buns
Buns turn incredibly moist and fluffy when you steam them. They act as the perfect vehicle for soaking up delicious dips and sauces.
You really need a basket of these on the table for your celebration. They are an essential part of any Chinese New Year dinner.
8. Szechuan Noodles
These noodles are completely addictive and taste better than takeout. The recipe tosses soft thick noodles in a spicy Szechuan sauce.
A drizzle of sesame chili oil finishes the dish perfectly. It is a healthy and quick meal that tastes oh so good.
9. Eight Treasure Rice Pudding
You definitely need a good dessert if you are cooking up a complete Chinese feast. I highly recommend this decadent pudding that is both gluten free and vegan friendly.
The sticky rice contains a sweet bean paste stuffing and a dried fruit topping. Serve it with chrysanthemum syrup to really impress your friends.
10. Sweet and Sour Pork
This dish remains one of the most popular items on any Chinese menu for good reason. You can now make this mouthwatering mix right in your own kitchen using this DIY recipe.
It combines juicy pork chunks with fresh pineapple and sweet bell pepper. I dare you to stop at just one bowl.
11. Chow Mein
You can get homemade chow mein on the table in just 30 minutes instead of ordering takeout. This is the one recipe to keep handy if you love Chinese noodles.
It features bok choy and mushrooms mixed with bean sprouts. The result is a bowl of healthy goodness that is totally irresistible.
12. Peanut Noodles
These peanut noodles are the perfect solution for getting a worthy supper on the table in minutes. The rich sauce uses creamy peanut butter as a base.
I love the little bite it gets from a dash of lime juice and dark soy sauce.
13. Fortune Cookies
A Chinese feast simply is not complete without these classic cookies. This recipe gives you yummy treats and serves as a fun craft project for the kids.
Eating the cookies is obviously the best part. Writing your own fun fortunes comes in a close second.
14. Dan Dan Noodles
You will absolutely love these noodles if you are a fan of spice. The recipe involves tossing spicy Sichuan noodles in an intense chili sauce.
This amazing side dish packs a serious punch. It is spicy without being mouth burning.
15. Nian Gao (Chinese New Year Sticky Rice Cake)
This sweet sticky cake is a mandatory addition if you are hosting a New Year party. It symbolizes growth and progress to help get your year off to a fantastic start.
The version here upgrades the simple rice flour batter with orange zest and ginger. You can pan fry a thick slice after it cools or eat it right away.
16. Sichuan Boiled Fish
Sichuan cuisine is famous for its unique blend of piquant and fiery flavors. This recipe is perfect for anyone who likes their fish to be bold and flavorful.
The fresh fillets get seasoned with a peppery marinade. You simply steam them gently until they become fragrant and flaky.
17. Fa Gao (Fortune Cake)
Fortune cake is a steamed treat that resembles a moist cupcake. You really cannot have good fortune without some good food to go with it.
People also call it smiling cake because the top tends to split and crack. This is the perfect recipe if you like your baked goods to grin back at you.
18. Lettuce Wraps
This copycat recipe tastes even better than the real thing you get at PF Chang’s. You can serve up spiced chicken cradled in crisp lettuce in just 20 minutes.
It makes for a delicious lunch or a light supper. The seasoned meat is truly satisfying.
19. Cashew Chicken
This nourishing stir fry works just as well for mid-week dinners as it does for New Year feasts. It is a quick meal that is super easy to prepare.
The juicy chicken simmers in a garlic sauce for maximum flavor. Roasted cashews add a delicious nutty bite to the final dish.
20. Long Life Noodles
Long life noodles stand as a symbol of good fortune throughout China. Tradition says that eating just one bowl of this dish helps you live a long life.
They are generally served at all festive occasions for this very reason. You should save the recipe for your 100th birthday bash.
21. Sesame Noodles
These sesame noodles are delicious whether you eat them cold or hot. They are tossed in a peanut sauce that is incredibly satisfying.
You can whip them up as a side dish for supper. I also like making a batch ahead of time to enjoy as a cold salad.
22. Lo Mein
This dish takes only 15 minutes to make and tastes amazing. You can use whatever veggies you happen to have sitting in your fridge.
It is the perfect solution for a quick and adaptable meal. Go to the top of the class if you guessed this lo mein was the answer.
23. Wontons
This recipe is perfect if you hate the greasy fried variety of wontons. The veggie pastry parcels are baked in the oven until they turn golden brown.
I find they are just as good as the traditional kind but much healthier. The recipe makes 34 pieces which is enough for you and your guests.
24. Moo Shu Vegetables
You have likely heard of the pork version but the vegetarian take is worth a try. This dish drizzles the classic sweet and salty hoisin sauce over stir fried veggies instead of meat.
It is served with Mandarin pancakes and scrambled eggs. I think of it as breakfast for dinner in Chinese style.
