Chinese New Year Recipes — Culinary Seasons

Chinese New Year or Lunar New Year as it is also known, is celebrated in Chinese speaking countries and ones that have been under Chinese rule in the past.

Although this may be traditionally the case, the tradition of celebrating the Lunar New Year extends past these countries. As people have migrated around the world, many countries, especially in Southeast Asia recognize the Lunar Calendar and celebrate the New Year.

Wealth, Prosperity & Longevity

Within the Chinese culture there are many foods that represent positive connotations in relationship to good luck in the New Year.

In many cases, the Chinese words for foods may sound similar to their positive luck counterpart. While in other cases, the shape, color or ingredient may resemble or represent items such as a coin, gold bar or a long life.

While there are many festive dishes made to celebrate the New Year; here are just a few to bring you good luck and prosperity.

  • Dumplings – symbolizes Wealth. Traditionally the shape is similar to a gold ingot.
  • Spring Rolls – resembling gold bars, they once again symbolize Wealth
  • Whole Chicken or Duck – symbolizes Wholeness and Unity
  • Steamed Fish (usually whole) – symbolizes an increase in Prosperity
  • Longevity Noodles – symbolizes Happiness and Longevity
  • Pork Belly or other preparations of Pork – symbolizes Strength, Wealth and Abundant Blessings

Give Some of Culinary Seasons Chinese Recipes a Try!

Dumplings

Dumplings are traditionally served steamed for the New Year celebration but pan frying them is always an option. Through pan frying them you attain a different texture and flavor. Take a look at these delicious recipes for dumplings, potstickers and wontons. Plus Dipping Sauces!

  • Spicy Ginger Chicken Potstickers
  • Chili Soy Dumpling Sauce

Wontons fall into this category as well, although they do not resemble the shape of a gold ingot as the dumplings do, they can be associated with wealth as well.

  • Pork Wontons in a Spicy Red Sauce

Traditionally wheat noodles are used for longevity noodle dishes. These long life noodles have a chewy, spongy texture and are about twice as thick when cooked as an egg noodle. They are typically about 2 feet long as well.

Egg noodles are also seen in recipes for longevity noodle dishes. They may not be as thick or as long as long life noodles but the tradition of eating the noodle whole without breaking or cutting is believed to give you a longer life.

Give this Dan Dan Noodle recipe a try to give yourself a longer life.

  • Dan Dan Noodles – Culinary Seasons Style