Chinese Feasts Without Fuss

1. Fortune’s Crown (Hong Shao Shi Zi Tou – Braised Pork Meatballs)

Kick off the New Year with this symbolic dish representing prosperity and success! To make the meatballs, mix ground pork with scallion-ginger-peppercorn water (added gradually) until absorbed. Season with salt, chicken powder, pepper, Chinese five-spice, and soy sauce. Stir vigorously in one direction until elastic, then mix in cornstarch (2 oz per 1 lb meat). Pro tip: Rub hands with oil to prevent sticking when shaping. Fry in 325°F oil until golden. For the braising sauce, sauté aromatics (star anise, cinnamon, bay leaf, dried chili, cilantro stems), add soy sauce, dark soy sauce, oyster sauce, and boiling water. Simmer meatballs for 2 hours until tender. Serve at Lunar New Year feasts for luck!

2. Crispy Sweet & Savory Ribs

Kids adore these sticky, fall-off-the-bone ribs! Clean ribs with a flour-water scrub, then blanch. Add to a pot with rock sugar, bay leaves, cinnamon, dried chilies, scallions, ginger, garlic, cooking wine, soy sauce, oyster sauce, sweet bean paste, fermented soybean paste, and a beer. Simmer for 40-50 minutes. The beer tenderizes the meat while the sauces create a rich glaze. Pair with steamed buns or rice!

3. Spring Bamboo Shoots in Fragrant Oil (You Men Sun)

Celebrate spring with this crunchy, aromatic dish. Smash fresh bamboo shoots with a knife and cut into chunks. Pan-fry in oil for 3 minutes until edges caramelize. Add sugar and soy sauce, then deglaze with Shaoxing wine. Simmer for 5 minutes, finish with sesame oil and scallions. A light, seasonal side that pairs perfectly with grilled fish.

4. Lotus Root Stuffed with Sticky Rice (Gui Hua Ou)

Symbolizing harmony, this dessert is a must for festivals! Choose lotus roots with intact ends. Stuff soaked glutinous rice into holes, secure with toothpicks, and simmer with ginger, red dates, brown sugar, and water for 50 minutes. Slice and drizzle with osmanthus honey. The floral sweetness and chewy texture make it irresistible!

5. Simplified Salt-Baked Duck

A 3-ingredient masterpiece! Rub a whole duck with coarse salt, stuff with ginger and scallions, and steam for 20 minutes. Slice and serve with the savory drippings. The salt locks in moisture, creating tender, juicy meat without fuss.

6. Mei Cai Kou Rou (Pork Belly with Preserved Mustard Greens)

Skip红烧肉—try this umami bomb! Sear un-blanched pork belly until golden. Add aromatics (ginger, star anise, etc.), soy sauces, and beer. Braise for 40 minutes, then layer with soaked preserved mustard greens. The greens cut through the richness, making this a hearty one-pot wonder.

7. Pan-Fried Bream with Zesty Sauce

A weeknight hero! Score the fish, pan-fry until crispy, then simmer with garlic, chilies, soy sauce, vinegar, and spices. Let the sauce reduce to a glaze. Serve with extra sauce for drizzling over rice—guaranteed empty plates!

8. Dragon Well Tea Shrimp (Long Jing Xia Ren)

Elegant and light! Marinate shrimp in egg white, cornstarch, and Longjing tea leaves. Quick-stir-fry, then toss in a tea-infused sauce. The tea’s floral notes elevate the shrimp, perfect for impressing guests.

9. Braised Shredded Tofu Skin (Da Zhu Gan Si)

A vegan-friendly Jiangsu classic! Simmer tofu shreds with ham, mushrooms, wood ear fungus, and shrimp broth. Finish with white pepper and sesame oil. The silky texture and layered flavors rival any meat dish!

10. Golden Crispy Wontons

Fill wonton wrappers with pork, shrimp, and water chestnuts. Fry until bubbly and golden. Dip in sweet chili sauce—a crowd-pleasing appetizer for game nights!

11. Lion’s Head Meatball Noodle Soup

Repurpose leftover meatballs in a hearty broth with bok choy and noodles. Top with chili oil for a comforting meal.

12. Sweet Osmanthus Rice Balls

End on a sweet note! Fill glutinous rice balls with black sesame paste, boil until floating, and serve in ginger syrup with osmanthus flowers. A warm, fragrant dessert for chilly evenings.