Chinese New Year Recipes

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Lillian ChouWe asked Lillian Chou, an American-Chinese food writer and chef currently living in Beijing, to put together a traditional Chinese New Year's dinner that's easy to make here in the States.

Chinese New Year is celebrated differently in each region of China but the core of the holiday -- chun jie, meaning "Spring Festival" -- is the same: a celebration of joy, reunification, and happiness, revolving around family. When the holiday approaches, everyone unites with their loved ones (for many, it's the only time of year a parent will see their only child) for a family dinner full of symbolism, cultural beliefs, and wishful aspirations for the New Year. Money, luck, longevity, and prosperity are represented in iconic foods like dumplings, chicken, fish, and custards.

Want to celebrate your own good fortune? Invite your friends and family over to share the delicious menu below, and raise a glass to the Year of the Rabbit. Happy New Year!

• Browse all Chinese New Year recipes.
• Check out a review of Helen Chen's Easy Chinese Stir-Fries.
• Read the BBC's guide to Chinese New Year's dishes on Slashfood.
• Get suggestions for Chinese New Year activites for you and your kids on Parentdish.

Lillian Chou

Pork and Scallion Dumplings

Dumplings resemble the shape of gold ingots, a form of currency once used in China. They symbolize fortune and wealth for the coming year, and eating them on New Year's is traditional in Northern China.

Lillian Chou

Tofu and Vegetable Soup with Cellophane Noodles

Some Chinese prepare a vegetarian meal or vegetarian course during the festival celebration as a way of honoring the new year with a mindful nod towards health, simplicity, and humility. You'll be surprised by the deep earthy flavor that dried mushrooms give this simple soup. And cellophane noodles -- also know as glass or mung bean noodles -- are available at Asian markets, health food stores, and some supermarkets.

Lillian Chou

Steamed Chicken with Ginger Sauce

For a traditional New Year celebration, a whole chicken is usually served with the head and feet still attached to symbolize wholeness and unity. You don't have to go to such extremes at home, of course. This version of the classic dish focuses on flavor, not presentation. Steaming the chicken keeps it moist and juicy, while scallion, ginger and cilantro add a bright, verdant punch.

Lillian Chou

Black Bass with Chili Sauce and Scallions

The Chinese character for fish sounds much like that for abundance -- therefore it's believed that eating it will bring in riches. But don't just try it for the omegas and good-for-you philosophy – the crisp texture of the skin bathed in a spicy-sweet sauce is reason enough.

Lillian Chou

Orange, Ginger, and Honey Custard

Golden custards are treasures on the Chinese table, and oranges and tangerines have names that sound like wealth and gold. Ovens are scarce in China, so steaming is the preferred method for many breads, cakes, and custards. Fresh orange and mint give this silky custard an appealing brightness.