26 Lunar New Year Recipes To Celebrate the Year of the Dragon

Foodomania
·6 min read
1

Chinese Lunar New Year foods

Lunar New Year (also known as Chinese New Year) falls on Saturday, February 10, 2024 this year and the holiday celebrates the beginning of a new year on the conventional Chinese calendar. This festival is a major holiday in Asia (specifically China and Taiwan) and calls for a celebration of the fresh flavors of the season. While it is still wintery, this holiday marks the beginning of the end of the colder days.

Related: 6 Easy Chinese New Year Traditions

The Lunar New Year festival usually lasts for 15 days and focuses on family reunions, but if you can't be with loved ones in person this year, at least you can make some delicious (and lucky) food at home. Keep reading for a list of must-makes dishes.

When Is Chinese New Year 2024?

This year, the Chinese New Year falls on Sunday, February 10, 2024.

What Is the Chinese New Year Animal of 2024?

There are 12 cycles in the Chinese New Year and 2024 marks the Year of the Dragon.

What To Eat for Chinese New Year 2024

Chinese new year is a time for dumplings, egg rolls, spring rolls and plenty of noodles, but many other Chinese delicacies are popularly consumed throughout the country. According to Michelin-starred Chef Ho Chee Boon, of Empress by Boon in San Francisco, this is a time to embrace auspicious menu items inspired by authentic Cantonese cuisine. "For Lunar New Year we will be serving crab roe steamed buns (Xiao Long Bao), live Boston lobster with sweet chili sauce, peanut rice mushrooms, lotus seeds, egg tarts and more," he explains. "Lobster is always popular in Chinese New year menus because the word lobster when pronounced in the Chinese language sounds just like the word dragon, which in Chinese culture signifies good luck, strength and health. And egg tarts are yellow in presentation, almost like gold, which symbolizes wealth."

As for some traditional desserts with significant meanings, Boon suggests making Chinese rice pudding since this refers to family togetherness as it’s round in shape.

Related: 100 Chinese New Year Wishes to Honor the Lunar New Year 

In addition to a traditional Chinese rice pudding recipe below, you'll also find recipes for dim sum and more classics like Dan Dan noodles, sliced tofu salad, Chinese New Year cake (Nian Gao), whole steamed fish, Chinese hot pot and crispy pork belly.

As one of the largest countries, every region in China has its own recipes and flavors, so while it isn't possible to compile thousands of authentic recipes, we've narrowed down the list to 26 of the best Lunar New Year recipes to usher in the Year of the Dragon!

Related: Shoppers Are Racing to Costco for a 1,171-Piece LEGO Dragon for Chinese New Year

Best Lunar New Year 2024 Recipes

<p>Foodomania</p><p>Dessert is usually an important part of the Chinese New Year festivities, and Tang Yuan is an auspicious recipe that symbolizes harmony and reunion. </p><p><strong>Get the recipe: </strong><strong><a href="https://parade.com/1328279/kavitharamaswamy/tang-yuan-with-sesame-filling/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Tang Yuan (Sweet Rice Balls with Sesame Filling) Recipe;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Tang Yuan (Sweet Rice Balls with Sesame Filling) Recipe</a></strong></p>
<p>Planta</p><p>Dan Dan Noodles or <em>dandanmian</em> is a noodle dish originating from Chinese <a href="/1195618/kavitharamaswamy/how-to-make-szechuan-sauce/" data-ylk="slk:Sichuan;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Sichuan</a> cuisine.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="/1249180/kelli_acciardo/dan-dan-noodles/" data-ylk="slk:Dan Dan Noodles;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Dan Dan Noodles</a></strong></p>
<p>A Spicy Perspective</p><p>For many, the hot pot is the centerpiece of Spring Festival dinners.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://www.aspicyperspective.com/chinese-hot-pots/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Chinese Hot Pot;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Chinese Hot Pot</a></strong></p><p><strong>Related: <a href="https://www.i929fm.com/lifestyle/chinese-2023-222205369.html" data-ylk="slk:When Is Chinese New Year 2023?;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas;outcm:mb_qualified_link;_E:mb_qualified_link;ct:story;" class="link yahoo-link">When Is Chinese New Year 2023?</a></strong></p>
<p>China Sichuan Food</p><p>The recipe introduced here creates paper thin skins and tender meat.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://www.chinasichuanfood.com/chinese-roasted-chicken/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Chinese Roasted Chicken (烧鸡);elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Chinese Roasted Chicken (烧鸡)</a></strong></p>
<p>Eat Boutique</p><p>In addition to the joy of eating delicious food like the dumplings, the making process is a family bonding activity too.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://eatboutique.com/2011/08/21/authentic-chinese-dumplings/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Authentic Chinese Dumplings;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Authentic Chinese Dumplings</a></strong></p>
<p>Daily Cooking Quest</p><p>Fish is a must for the Chinese New Year because it symbolizes surplus and wealth.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://dailycookingquest.com/chinese-pan-fried-fish-with-soy-sauce.html" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Chinese Pan Fried Fish with Soy Sauce;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Chinese Pan Fried Fish with Soy Sauce</a></strong></p>
<p>Erren's Kitchen</p><p>Though the origin of noodles is heavily disputed, there’s no doubt that noodles are a staple in Chinese cuisine.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://www.errenskitchen.com/perfect-chinese-noodles/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Perfect Chinese Noodles (Lo Mein;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Perfect Chinese Noodles (Lo Mein</a>)</strong></p>
<p>Omnivore's Cookbook</p><p>Tofu brings happiness and fortune for the entire family.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://omnivorescookbook.com/sliced-tofu-salad/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Chinese Sliced Tofu Salad;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Chinese Sliced Tofu Salad</a></strong></p>
<p>Omnivore's Cookbook</p><p>Fish is believed to bring surplus and wealth.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://omnivorescookbook.com/recipes/authentic-chinese-steamed-fish" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Chinese Steamed Fish;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Chinese Steamed Fish</a></strong></p>
<p>Omnivore's Cookbook</p><p>Duck is meant for loyalty! This works well as an entree.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://omnivorescookbook.com/crispy-chinese-duck-breast/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Crispy Chinese Duck Breast;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Crispy Chinese Duck Breast</a></strong></p>
<p>Omnivore's Cookbook</p><p>This is the addictive Sichuan saliva chicken just like Chinese restaurants serve!</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://omnivorescookbook.com/saliva-chicken" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Real-Deal Sichuan Chicken in Red Oil Sauce;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Real-Deal Sichuan Chicken in Red Oil Sauce</a></strong></p>
<p>Omnivore's Cookbook</p><p>Try slow-roasting to create melt-in-the-mouth tender and juicy siu yuk with perfect, crispy crackling. It is way easier than you thought!</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://omnivorescookbook.com/siu-yuk/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Slow Roasted Crispy Pork Belly;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Slow Roasted Crispy Pork Belly</a></strong></p><p><strong>Related: <a href="https://parade.com/1178650/marynliles/chinese-names/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:150 Traditional Chinese Names for Boys and Girls;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">150 Traditional Chinese Names for Boys and Girls</a></strong></p>
<p>Pressure Cooker Recipes</p><p>You have to try this authentic Chinese New Year cake!</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://www.pressurecookrecipes.com/nian-gao-chinese-new-year-cake/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Nian Gao (Chinese New Year Cake);elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Nian Gao (Chinese New Year Cake)</a></strong></p>
<p>Pups with Chopsticks</p><p>You'll find this Chinese tomato egg stir-fry on many Chinese home dinner tables. It’s quick, cheap and made with very simple ingredients!</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://pupswithchopsticks.com/chinese-tomato-egg-stir-fry/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Cantonese Chinese Tomato and Egg Stir-Fry;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Cantonese Chinese Tomato and Egg Stir-Fry</a></strong></p>
<p>Pups with Chopsticks</p><p>All you need are 15 minutes, to make this traditional beef and onion stir-fried noodles!</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://pupswithchopsticks.com/soy-sauce-beef-onion-fried-noodles/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Beef and Onion Fried Noodles;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Beef and Onion Fried Noodles</a></strong></p>
<p>Pups with Chopsticks</p><p>A cross between a roasted chicken and Peking duck, this Peking chicken recipe is for days when you have that craving for a Peking duck, but chicken is all you have to work with! </p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://pupswithchopsticks.com/oven-roasted-five-spice-peking-chicken/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:5-Spice Peking Chicken;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">5-Spice Peking Chicken</a></strong></p>
<p>Pups with Chopsticks</p><p>A traditional Chinese sweet and sour pork recipe (Cantonese Style) made with crispy pork, pineapple, peppers and onions tossed in a sticky sweet and sour sauce!</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://pupswithchopsticks.com/sweet-and-sour-pork/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Chinese Sweet and Sour Pork;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Chinese Sweet and Sour Pork</a></strong></p>
<p>Pups with Chopsticks</p><p>Steamed Chinese Spare Ribs recipe with fermented black beans that is quick and easy to make and big on flavor—this no longer has to be a dim sum-only dish!</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://pupswithchopsticks.com/chinese-steamed-pork-ribs-black-beans/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Steamed Chinese Spare Ribs;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Steamed Chinese Spare Ribs</a></strong></p>
<p>Recipe Girl</p><p>This Asian Vegetable Stir Fry recipe is packed with vegetables like broccoli, carrots, mushrooms, bell pepper and cabbage. The veggies are stir-fried with a simple Asian-style sauce.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://www.recipegirl.com/asian-vegetable-stir-fry/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Asian Vegetable Stir Fry;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Asian Vegetable Stir Fry</a></strong></p>
<p>RecipeTin Eats</p><p>Made with a simple yet flavor-loaded Char Siu sauce, pork is marinated to infuse it with flavor and then roasted until caramelized.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://www.recipetineats.com/chinese-barbecue-pork-char-siu/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Char Siu (Chinese Barbecue Pork);elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Char Siu (Chinese Barbecue Pork)</a></strong></p>
<p>RecipeTin Eats</p><p>This is a CRUNCHY version of Chow Mein. You’ll love how the sauce soaks the noodles so some of it is soft, while some of it stays crispy.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://www.recipetineats.com/crispy-noodles-with-chicken/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Chinese Crispy Noodles (Chow Mein);elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Chinese Crispy Noodles (Chow Mein)</a></strong></p><p><strong>Related: <a href="https://www.i929fm.com/lifestyle/learn-animals-chinese-zodiac-one-222704077.html" data-ylk="slk:Chinese New Year Animals;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas;outcm:mb_qualified_link;_E:mb_qualified_link;ct:story;" class="link yahoo-link">Chinese New Year Animals</a></strong></p>
<p>RecipeTin Eats</p><p>Tossed in a savory, sweet, garlicky Asian marinade, then baked in the oven and basted until deeply golden and very, very sticky.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://www.recipetineats.com/sticky-chinese-chicken-wings/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Sticky Baked Chinese Chicken Wings;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Sticky Baked Chinese Chicken Wings</a></strong></p>
<p>Steamy Kitchen</p><p>In this Chinese Egg Rolls recipe, you’ll learn how to make authentic egg rolls with a light, crispy skin.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://steamykitchen.com/13029-chinese-egg-rolls-recipe.html" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Chinese Egg Rolls;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Chinese Egg Rolls</a></strong></p>
<p>The Novice Chef Blog</p><p>Potstickers are easier to make than you thought!</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://thenovicechefblog.com/chinese-dumplings-potstickers/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Chinese Dumplings (Potstickers);elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Chinese Dumplings (Potstickers)</a></strong></p>
<p>The Woks of Life</p><p>Use this homemade spring roll recipe to make the Cantonese version of spring rolls that you know and love from dim sum restaurants!</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://thewoksoflife.com/homemade-spring-rolls/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Cantonese Spring Rolls;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Cantonese Spring Rolls</a></strong></p>
<p>The Woks of Life</p><p>The chicken is marinated in cornstarch, and after it’s been steamed, it has a silky, luxurious texture!</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://thewoksoflife.com/steamed-chicken-mushrooms-dried-lily-flowers/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Chinese Steamed Chicken;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Chinese Steamed Chicken</a></strong></p>

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