It's February, which means it's officially time to start planning for a grand Lunar New Year dinner. Of course, Lunar New Year is celebrated by many countries, which means there is a variety of that I could dive into for hours! This guide, however, focuses solely on Chinese New Year food traditions, something that is really dear to my family and heart (and stomach). So, if you're new to Lunar New Year or just want some inspiration for what to cook on that day, scroll through this quick guide!
But first, a little bit of background information on this holiday. It's based on the traditional Chinese calendar, and it marks the end of winter and start of spring. The first day of Chinese New Year begins on a new moon, and celebrations last for 15 days! Some common things you might see during these 15 days (and the days leading up to the big day) are: red lanterns, red envelopes (hongbao), fireworks, red clothing, dragon dances etc. Can you tell we really like red?
The most important aspect of Chinese New Year is luck, fortune, and family. Much of the traditions reflect these ideas—such as cleaning the house or handing out red envelopes. Not surprisingly, the food that we eat symbolizes luck and fortune as well!
Longevity Noodles
In Chinese culture, noodles symbolize a long life (which is why you shouldn't cut them while eating). You might also find that people eat them on their birthdays for the same reason: longevity! Want to make your own noodles? Try my recipe for homemade noodles.
Turnip Cakes (Luo Bo Gao)
Turnip cakes aren't just for dim sum. They're an important and traditional part of Chinese New Year dinners as well. This is because, in the Hokkien language, "radish" sounds like "good fortune." Making them from scratch can be a laborious process, but if you're up for the task, try my turnip cake recipe.
Dumplings (Jiaozi)
Dumplings, also known as jiaozi, are a Chinese New Year classic. They're traditionally eaten in northern China, though this tradition has spread beyond to other regions. Jiaozi come in all different types of shapes; they can be in the form of a crescent (see picture above), teardrop, triangle, the list goes on. My favorite way to stuff them is with a simple combination of pork, cabbage, scallions, white pepper, and a little bit of sesame oil.
Of course, there are also many ways you can cook them. For a quick and simple method, just boil them. For a crispy bottom, pan-fry. You might also see them steamed. Soy sauce and black vinegar are essential ingredients when eating them, but a little chili oil is nice too.
Tangyuan
These are the perfect dessert for a number of celebrations and festivals (such as the Winter Solstice)! They consist of glutinous rice flour stuffed with a sweet paste, most commonly black sesame paste. Other fillings might include red bean paste, peanut butter, and even chocolate! Tangyuan are first boiled and then served in a special clear soup.
Steamed Fish
Steamed fish is almost always on the dinner table, and it's usually whole too. This is because in Mandarin, the word for fish sounds similar to the word for surplus. Basically, you'll have a "surplus" at the end of the year, which is always good. You'll also want to have some leftover fish to eat the next day, so the surplus will carry over. Steamed with soy sauce, ginger, and scallion, it's a simple but delicious way to eat fish!
Mandarin Oranges
Eating mandarin oranges is believed to attract, you guessed it, wealth and fortune! If you ever go to a Chinese or Asian supermarket near Lunar New Year, you'll find boxes and boxes of oranges being sold. It's also often given as gifts too, and other citrus fruits are popular.
Chinese New Year's Cake (Nian Gao)
Let's end this guide with something sweet! Nian gao isn't your typical Western cake (flour, sugar, egg, etc.) because it's made from glutinous rice flour. The result is a bouncy, sticky, and sweet "cake" that represents a "higher year" (which is what nian gao sounds like in Mandarin). It often includes Chinese dates, andn it's steamed rather than baked.
But, it doesn't always have to be sweet! Nian gao can also be in the form of white, flat rice cakes that are stir-fried with vegetables and pork.
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