Like many festivals, feasting is a big part of the Chinese New Year celebrations. We’ve picked out 8 easy-to-follow recipes to fill your reunion dinner table. Some may take a bit more effort to prepare, but it’s all worthwhile when you see the satisfied grins on your family’s faces.
1. Crispy Fried Pumpkin with Salted Egg Yolk
Photo credit: Food52
Chinese New Year is the perfect time to celebrate the Singaporean obsession with salted egg yolk as the savoury yolk lends dishes an auspicious dusting of gold. Feel free to toss in more chilli for a spicier finish.
Find the recipe here.
2. Lion’s Head Pork Meatballs (狮子头)
Despite the majestic name, these meatballs are quite easy to make. This Shanghainese specialty comes many versions. You can swop the broth with dark sauce or add in vermicelli to make it a full meal.
Find the recipe here.
3. Sichuan Boiled Fish (水煮鱼)
Photo credit: The Woks of Life
Adding a fiery kick to the reunion dinner, this popular Sichuan dish will be a hit among fans of mala hotpot as it uses the same tongue-numbing peppercorns. Fish is traditionally enjoyed over Chinese New Year as it sounds like “surplus” in Chinese and is associated with abundance.
Find the recipe here.
4. Oven-Roasted Five Spice Peking Chicken
Photo credit: Pups with Chopsticks
A dinner table staple, chicken is usually cooked whole during Chinese New Year to signify prosperity, completeness, and family togetherness. Inspired by the popular duck dish, this recipe promises a flavourful bite topped with crispy skin.
Find the recipe here.
5. Triple Egg Spinach Broth
Gift your family a healthful start to the year with this wholesome dish. Boiled in nourishing chicken stock, the greens are given a further boost with the addition of wolfberries, a superfruit with a long list of health benefits. You can use the Thermos® Shuttle Chef® to prepare this dish and save leftovers in the Thermos® Food Jar.
Find the recipe here.
6. Braised Ee-Fu Noodles
Photo credit: Noob Cook
Noodles are a symbol of longevity in Chinese culture, so cutting the long strands are a big no-no, especially during the festive period. You can easily make this a vegetarian-friendly recipe by using homemade vegetable broth and leaving out the meat.
Find the recipe here.
7. Ginger Cane Sugar Sweet Potato
It’s important to end your reunion dinner on a sweet note as it denotes happiness and contentment. Wash down the meal with this warming sweet soup that also aids digestion thanks to the ginger. If you’re preparing a large quantity, use the Thermos® Shuttle Chef® to keep it piping hot.
Find the recipe here.
8. Mango Sago & Grapefruit
For a chilled dessert to conclude the meal, this perennial favourite is studded with delightful nuggets of fresh mango that emanate a cheery yellow shade to represent prosperity. If you’re having dessert buffet-style, be creative by serving coconut-mango paste in a Thermos® Carafe alongside bowls of mango cubes and sago for a fun DIY setup.
Find the recipe here.