10 Chinese New Year Recipes To Celebrate the Year of the Wood Snake

The Chinese New Year is a time of joy, tradition, and culinary delights. In the year of the Wood Snake, which symbolises wisdom, adaptability, and growth, the celebrations are made even more special with an array of dishes steeped in symbolism and flavour. Whether you're hosting a festive feast or enjoying a quiet dinner with loved ones, these 10 recipes will help you ring in the new year with delicious memories.

1. Longevity Noodles (Cháng Shòu Miàn)

Symbolising long life and good fortune, longevity noodles are a must-have during Chinese New Year. These noodles are left uncut and cooked to perfection, often stir-fried with a mix of vegetables, prawns, or chicken.

Ingredients:

• Wheat noodles
• Soy sauce
• Garlic
• Ginger
• Seasonal vegetables (carrots, bok choy, mushrooms)

Directions: Stir-fry the noodles in a wok with garlic, ginger, and soy sauce, adding in your choice of vegetables or protein for a wholesome dish.

2. Steamed Fish (Zhēng Yú)

Fish represents abundance and surplus. For the best symbolism, serve the fish whole, as it signifies unity and good fortune.

Ingredients:

• Fresh whole fish (sea bass or tilapia)
• Ginger
• Spring onions
• Soy sauce

Directions: Steam the fish with ginger and spring onions, then drizzle with soy sauce and a splash of hot oil for a fragrant finish.

3. Dumplings (Jiǎo Zi)

Shaped like gold ingots, dumplings are a classic symbol of wealth. Fill them with minced pork, shrimp, or vegetables for a crowd-pleasing treat.

Ingredients:

• Dumpling wrappers
• Ground pork
• Chopped scallions
• Soy sauce
• Sesame oil

Directions: Wrap your filling in dumpling wrappers, then boil, steam, or pan-fry until golden. Serve with a tangy dipping sauce.

4. Spring Rolls (Chūn Juǎn)

Golden and crispy, spring rolls are said to bring prosperity due to their resemblance to gold bars.

• Ingredients:
• Spring roll wrappers
• Shredded vegetables (cabbage, carrots)
• Cooked chicken or shrimp
• Soy sauce

Directions: Fill the wrappers with the mixture, roll them tightly, and fry until golden brown. Serve with sweet chilli sauce.

5. Eight-Treasure Rice (Bā Bão Fàn)

A dessert full of symbolism, eight-treasure rice features sticky rice topped with a variety of dried fruits and nuts, representing happiness and prosperity.

Ingredients:

• Glutinous rice
• Red bean paste
• Dried fruits (dates, raisins)
• Nuts (walnuts, almonds)

Directions: Steam the rice, mix it with sugar, and layer it with red bean paste. Top with dried fruits and nuts for a stunning presentation.

6. Sweet and Sour Pork

This vibrant dish, with its balanced flavours, represents harmony and happiness in the new year.

Ingredients:

• Pork tenderloin
• Bell peppers
• Pineapple chunks
• Sweet and sour sauce

Directions: Coat the pork in cornstarch, fry until crispy, and toss with vegetables and pineapple in the sweet and sour sauce.

7. Turnip Cake (Luó Bo Gào)

Turnip cake is a savoury dim sum favourite made from daikon radish and rice flour. Its texture and flavour make it a delightful addition to any festive table.

Ingredients:

• Daikon radish
• Rice flour
• Chinese sausage
• Dried shrimp

Directions: Mix grated radish with rice flour and add cooked sausage and shrimp. Steam until set, then pan-fry slices until golden.

8. Glutinous Rice Balls (Táng Yuán)

These chewy rice balls served in sweet soup symbolise family unity and togetherness.

Ingredients:

• Glutinous rice flour
• Water
• Black sesame or peanut filling

Directions: Form the dough into balls, fill with sweet paste, and boil. Serve in a light syrup infused with ginger.

9. Kung Pao Chicken

Known for its bold flavours, Kung Pao Chicken is a spicy and savoury dish that brings a punch of energy to your celebration.

Ingredients:

• Diced chicken
• Peanuts
• Dried red chillies
• Soy sauce
• Vinegar

Directions: Stir-fry chicken with chillies and peanuts, then toss in a tangy sauce. Serve with steamed rice.

10. Mandarin Oranges

While not a recipe, mandarin oranges are essential for Chinese New Year as they symbolise wealth and good luck. Arrange them beautifully on your dining table for a burst of colour and fortune.

Tips for Hosting a Chinese New Year Feast

• Set the Scene: Decorate with red and gold for good fortune.
• Serve Family-Style: Encourage sharing to reflect unity.
• Don’t Forget the Tea: Pair your dishes with traditional Chinese teas for a complete experience.

Celebrate the Year of the Wood Snake by embracing its qualities of adaptability and wisdom, and enjoy these symbolic and delicious recipes with family and friends. Happy Chinese New Year!