Chinese New Year is a time of celebration, tradition, and, most importantly, food! This festive occasion brings families in the kitchen together. Preparing DIY dishes is not only an enjoyable moment with you and your family who share quality time together. It also ensures everyone enjoys a family meal tailored to their tastes. This blog will guide you through making popular Chinese New Year dishes with easy-to-follow recipes. Let’s get cooking!
DIY Chinese New Year Recipes
Yu Sheng (Prosperity Toss)
Ingredients and Mixing Ratio:
- Fresh salmon slices: 200g
- Shredded carrot: 1 cup
- Shredded radish: 1 cup
- Pickled ginger: ½ cup
- Crushed peanuts: ½ cup
- Sesame seeds: 2 tbsp
- Plum sauce: 3 tbsp
- Lime juice: 2 tbsp
- Five-spice powder: 1 tsp
- Crispy golden crackers: 1 pack
Instructions:
- Prepare all ingredients by shredding, slicing, and arranging them in small bowls.
- On a large round plate, arrange shredded carrot, radish, and other toppings in a circular pattern.
- Place fresh salmon slices neatly on top of the arranged ingredients.
- Sprinkle crushed peanuts, sesame seeds, and five-spice powder evenly across the dish.
- Mix plum sauce and lime juice in a small bowl, then drizzle evenly over the toppings.
- Just before serving, add crispy golden crackers, and encourage everyone to toss the ingredients together while saying auspicious wishes aloud for prosperity.
Bak Kwa (Sweet BBQ Pork)
Ingredients and Mixing Ratio:
- Minced pork: 500g
- Soy sauce: 2 tbsp
- Oyster sauce: 1 tbsp
- Sugar: ¼ cup
- Honey: 2 tbsp
- Chinese five-spice powder: 1 tsp
- Shaoxing wine: 1 tbsp
- Salt: ½ tsp
- Red food coloring (optional): 1-2 drops
Instructions:
- Combine minced pork, soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, honey, five-spice powder, Shaoxing wine, and salt in a large bowl. Mix thoroughly until smooth.
- Optional: Add 1-2 drops of red food coloring for a traditional appearance.
- Spread the mixture evenly on a parchment-lined baking tray to about 3mm thickness.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 160°C for 15 minutes until firm. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.
- Cut the semi-cooked sheet into square or rectangular pieces.
- Grill or broil the slices over medium heat until caramelized and slightly charred, flipping halfway for even cooking.
Nian Gao (Glutinous Rice Cake)
Ingredients and Mixing Ratio:
- Glutinous rice flour: 400g
- Brown sugar: 200g
- Water: 300ml
- Coconut milk: 200ml
- Vegetable oil: 2 tbsp
- Banana leaves: for lining the pan
Instructions:
- In a saucepan, dissolve brown sugar in water over low heat, stirring constantly. Let the syrup cool.
- In a mixing bowl, combine glutinous rice flour, coconut milk, vegetable oil, and the cooled sugar syrup. Mix until smooth and lump-free.
- Line a round or rectangular pan with banana leaves and lightly grease them with oil.
- Pour the batter into the pan, spreading it evenly.
- Steam the batter over low heat for 6-8 hours, ensuring the water level in the steamer is maintained.
- Let the Nian Gao cool completely before slicing. For added flavor, pan-fry the slices until golden before serving.
Pineapple Tarts
Ingredients and Mixing Ratio:
- Unsalted butter: 250g
- Powdered sugar: 50g
- Egg yolks: 2
- Plain flour: 350g
- Cornflour: 50g
- Pineapple jam: 300g
Instructions:
- Cream butter and powdered sugar in a mixing bowl until light and fluffy. Add egg yolks and beat until well incorporated.
- Sift plain flour and corn flour together, then gradually fold into the butter mixture until a smooth dough forms. Chill the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
- Roll the dough out on a floured surface to about 5mm thickness. Use cookie cutters to shape the tarts as desired.
- Place a small ball of pineapple jam on each tart and gently press to secure.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 170°C for 15-20 minutes until the edges turn golden brown.
Tang Yuan (Sweet Glutinous Rice Balls)
Ingredients and Mixing Ratio:
- Glutinous rice flour: 200g
- Water: 100ml
- Black sesame paste: 50g (or peanut butter as an alternative)
- Sugar: 2 tbsp
- Ginger slices: 3-4
- Water for syrup: 500ml
- Rock sugar: 50g
Instructions:
- Mix glutinous rice flour with water until a smooth, pliable dough forms. Divide and roll into small balls.
- Flatten each ball slightly and place a small amount of black sesame paste in the center. Seal and reshape into a ball.
- Boil water in a pot and cook the rice balls until they float to the surface, indicating they are done.
- In another pot, prepare the syrup by boiling 500ml water with ginger slices and rock sugar until fragrant.
- Serve the rice balls in a bowl with the hot ginger syrup.
Cooking these traditional Chinese New Year Recipes at home allows you to enjoy the festive flavors while creating memorable moments with your loved ones. From tossing Yu Sheng for prosperity to indulging in sweet Tang Yuan, these dishes bring joy and meaning to the celebration. If you’re looking for hassle-free options, Hungry Hub offers exclusive dining experiences and takeaway packages tailored for the Chinese New Year Recipes. Book now to enjoy festive feasts without the prep work!
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