24 Lunar New Year Recipes Sure To Bring You Good Fortune In The Year Of The Snake

The Lunar New Year is a time of celebration, family gatherings, and delicious feasts. As we welcome the Year of the Snake, it’s the perfect opportunity to bring fortune and prosperity to your table with these delightful recipes. Each dish is steeped in tradition and is believed to bring good luck, prosperity, and happiness in the coming year. Whether you’re hosting a grand feast or enjoying an intimate dinner, these recipes will surely add flavor and fortune to your celebration.

1. Longevity Noodles

Long and uncut, longevity noodles symbolize a long life and prosperity. These golden strands are often stir-fried with vegetables, creating a dish that’s both tasty and meaningful. The bright colors of carrots and peppers add a vibrant touch to your table. Traditionally served during the Lunar New Year, this dish is simple yet flavorful. It’s best to prepare the noodles just before serving to maintain their texture, ensuring each bite is perfect. A sprinkle of sesame seeds and a dash of soy sauce elevate the flavors, making it a delightful treat for all.

2. Peking Duck

Peking Duck is a classic delicacy loved for its crispy skin and tender meat. This iconic dish is often a centerpiece during festive celebrations, symbolizing fidelity and happiness. The preparation involves several steps, but the result is worth the effort. The duck is seasoned, air-dried, and roasted, creating a mouthwatering aroma that fills the room. Serve with thin pancakes, hoisin sauce, and sliced spring onions for the perfect wrap. Each bite carries a burst of flavors, making it a memorable addition to your New Year’s feast.

3. Sweet Rice Balls (Tangyuan)

Tangyuan, or sweet rice balls, are traditional treats symbolizing family unity and togetherness. These chewy delights are filled with sweet sesame or peanut paste, making each bite a flavorful surprise. The rice balls are cooked in boiling water until they float, then served in a sweet ginger syrup. The warmth of the ginger complements the soft, sweet filling, creating a comforting dessert. Enjoying Tangyuan with loved ones is a cherished tradition, bringing warmth and closeness to the celebration of the Lunar New Year.

4. Spring Rolls

Golden and crispy, spring rolls are a beloved appetizer believed to bring prosperity. Their color resembles gold bars, symbolizing wealth and good fortune. Filled with a mix of vegetables or meat, they offer a satisfying crunch with every bite. Spring rolls are versatile and can be tailored to suit personal tastes. Serve them with a sweet chili sauce for a touch of spice that enhances their flavor. Whether enjoyed as a starter or a side, spring rolls are sure to bring joy and prosperity to your New Year celebration.

5. Fish (Yú)

In Chinese culture, fish represents abundance and surplus, making it a must-have for the New Year feast. The word for fish, ‘yú,’ sounds like ‘surplus,’ signifying prosperity and luck. Traditionally, the fish is steamed with ginger and soy sauce, allowing the natural flavors to shine. It’s often served whole, symbolizing unity and completeness. The dish is usually the last to be eaten, ensuring that the family has more than enough in the coming year. Enjoy this symbolic dish and welcome abundance into your life.

6. Dumplings (Jiaozi)

Dumplings, or jiaozi, are a staple for Lunar New Year, symbolizing wealth and prosperity. Their shape resembles ancient Chinese gold ingots, believed to bring riches to those who partake. Dumplings can be filled with various ingredients such as pork, shrimp, or vegetables, offering a delightful variety of flavors. Whether boiled, steamed, or pan-fried, they are delicious in every form. Sharing these with family and friends is a cherished tradition, fostering connections and goodwill as you enjoy the festive celebration together.

7. Lion’s Head Meatballs

Lion’s Head Meatballs are a traditional favorite known for their savory flavor and symbolic meaning. The large, round meatballs represent strength and good fortune, akin to the majestic lion. Made from ground pork and seasoned to perfection, these meatballs are simmered in a flavorful broth. The addition of bok choy around them resembles a lion’s mane, enhancing the visual appeal. This dish is often enjoyed during family gatherings, bringing warmth and joy. Its robust flavors and hearty texture make it a satisfying dish to ring in the New Year.

8. Eight-Treasure Rice

Eight-Treasure Rice is a visually stunning dessert that symbolizes wealth and good fortune. It’s made with glutinous rice and an array of eight ingredients, such as red dates, lotus seeds, and walnuts. The combination of textures and flavors makes it a delightful treat, perfect for the New Year. Each ingredient is carefully arranged on top of the sticky rice, creating an artistic and appetizing display. This dish is served warm, offering a sweet and satisfying end to the festive meal. Enjoy this unique dessert and embrace the abundance of the Year of the Snake.

9. Lotus Root Soup

Lotus Root Soup is a nourishing dish believed to bring health and harmony. The lotus root, with its unique pattern of holes, represents abundance and purity. The soup is typically prepared with pork ribs and simmered until all the flavors meld together. Goji berries add a touch of sweetness, enhancing the overall taste. This comforting soup is often served during family gatherings, providing warmth and sustenance. Its clear broth and wholesome ingredients make it a popular choice for welcoming the Lunar New Year with wellness and joy.

10. Nian Gao (Sticky Rice Cake)

Nian Gao, or sticky rice cake, is a traditional dessert that symbolizes progress and growth. The word ‘gao’ sounds like ‘tall’ or ‘high,’ indicating advancement in the coming year. This sweet treat is made from glutinous rice flour and is often steamed to a chewy texture. It can be enjoyed plain or with fillings like red bean paste. Served in slices, Nian Gao is a popular gift during the Lunar New Year, conveying wishes for success and prosperity. Its delightful sweetness and soft texture make it a cherished part of the festivities.

11. Braised Pork Belly

Braised Pork Belly is a comforting dish that symbolizes family unity and strength. The tender, juicy pork belly is cooked slowly in a savory sauce, absorbing the rich flavors. The braising process ensures the meat is succulent and flavorful, making it a favorite for festive occasions. Often garnished with green onions, this dish is visually appealing and delicious. It’s a favorite at family gatherings, encouraging togetherness and joy. The harmonious blend of flavors and textures makes it a satisfying addition to your New Year’s feast, promising warmth and happiness.

12. Sesame Balls (Jian Dui)

Sesame Balls, or Jian Dui, are delightful treats symbolizing happiness and completeness. These golden spheres are crispy on the outside, with a chewy interior filled with sweet red bean paste. Fried to perfection, they are often served during festive gatherings, bringing smiles to all who partake. The round shape denotes unity and harmony, making them a perfect addition to the New Year celebration. Enjoy these treats as a dessert or snack, and embrace the joy and sweetness they bring to the festivities.

13. Buddha’s Delight

Buddha’s Delight is a nourishing vegetarian dish enjoyed during the Lunar New Year. It’s filled with assorted mushrooms, tofu, and vegetables, symbolizing health and harmony. This colorful medley is stir-fried to perfection, allowing each ingredient’s natural flavors to shine. The dish is often enjoyed by families seeking balance and mindfulness in the new year. Packed with nutrients and flavors, Buddha’s Delight is not only satisfying but also aligns with the spirit of renewal and wellness that the New Year embodies. Relish in this wholesome delight and start the year afresh.

14. Red-Cooked Chicken

Red-Cooked Chicken is a savory dish known for its rich flavor and auspicious color. The red hue symbolizes good luck, making it a popular choice for the Lunar New Year feast. The chicken is braised in a mixture of soy sauce, sugar, and spices, creating a flavorful sauce that coats each piece. Often garnished with cilantro and chili slices, this dish is a feast for both the eyes and palate. The tender and juicy chicken is not only delicious but also embodies the joy and prosperity of the New Year celebration.

15. Garlic Chive Dumplings

Garlic Chive Dumplings are a flavorful choice during the Lunar New Year, representing prosperity and wealth. The green color of the chives signifies new growth and renewal. These dumplings can be steamed or pan-fried, offering a contrast of textures that excite the taste buds. Filled with a mixture of garlic chives and pork or shrimp, each bite is a burst of flavor. Sharing these dumplings with loved ones strengthens bonds and brings a sense of togetherness. Enjoy these delicious parcels and welcome prosperity in the Year of the Snake.

16. Steamed Lotus Leaf Rice

Steamed Lotus Leaf Rice is a fragrant dish believed to bring harmony and balance. Wrapped in lotus leaves, the rice absorbs a unique aroma that enhances the flavors within. Typically filled with mushrooms, chicken, and Chinese sausage, this dish is a savory delight that pleases the senses. The lotus leaf is opened at the table, releasing an enticing scent that whets the appetite. This dish is perfect for sharing, embodying the spirit of unity and joy. Enjoy this aromatic treat and embrace the harmony it brings to your Lunar New Year feast.

17. Sautéed Bok Choy

Sautéed Bok Choy is a simple yet nutritious dish symbolizing prosperity and vitality. The green leaves represent new beginnings, perfect for the New Year. Quickly sautéed with garlic, this dish retains its crisp texture and vibrant color. It’s a refreshing addition to any feast, balancing richer, heavier dishes with its lightness. Often served as a side, it complements a variety of flavors and ensures a well-rounded meal. Relish in the simplicity and nourishment of sautéed bok choy, and start the Year of the Snake with a fresh perspective.

18. Pineapple Tarts

Pineapple Tarts are bite-sized delights that symbolize prosperity and sweetness. The word for pineapple sounds like ‘prosperity arrives,’ making these tarts a popular festive treat. The buttery, flaky crust encases a sweet pineapple filling, creating a delightful contrast of textures. These tarts are often gifted to friends and family, spreading joy and good fortune. Enjoy them with a cup of tea or as an after-meal treat, and indulge in their sweet promise of prosperity in the Year of the Snake. These tarts are sure to bring smiles to all who taste them.

19. Shrimp with Garlic Sauce

Shrimp with Garlic Sauce is a flavorful dish that symbolizes happiness and success. The word for shrimp sounds like laughter, bringing joy to those who enjoy it. Cooked with a spicy garlic sauce, the shrimp are succulent and bursting with flavor. The heat from the chili enhances the seafood’s natural sweetness, creating a balance that delights the palate. Garnished with green onions, this dish is as visually appealing as it is delicious. Serve this joyful dish and fill your New Year celebration with laughter and success.

20. Rice Flour Cake (Ba Bao Fan)

Ba Bao Fan, or Rice Flour Cake, is a traditional dessert symbolizing prosperity and unity. Made with sticky rice and adorned with dried fruits and nuts, it is both beautiful and delicious. The ingredients are carefully arranged to create an intricate pattern atop the cake, adding visual appeal to its delightful taste. This dessert is served during the New Year with the hope of abundance and togetherness. Share this sweet treat with loved ones and embrace the joy and prosperity it brings to your celebrations.

21. Ginger Scallion Lobster

Ginger Scallion Lobster is a luxurious dish that symbolizes prosperity and celebration. The vibrant red color of the lobster signifies luck and joy in the New Year. Stir-fried with ginger and scallions, this dish combines aromatic flavors with the tender sweetness of lobster. The presentation is stunning, making it a showstopper at any festive meal. Indulge in this sumptuous dish and savor the happiness and prosperity it promises. Whether shared with family or guests, it’s a delightful way to ring in the Year of the Snake with style and flavor.

22. Sweet and Sour Pork

Sweet and Sour Pork is a beloved dish known for its balance of flavors and auspicious red color. It symbolizes joy and happiness, making it ideal for festive occasions. The crispy pork pieces are coated in a tangy sauce that excites the taste buds. Pineapple chunks and bell peppers add sweetness and color, enhancing the dish’s appeal. This flavorful combination is a crowd-pleaser, perfect for sharing with loved ones. Celebrate the New Year with this classic dish, and invite joy and laughter to your table.

23. Mango Pudding

Mango Pudding is a refreshing dessert symbolizing happiness and sweetness. Its sunny color and creamy texture make it a delightful end to any meal. Made with fresh mango puree and cream, it offers a tropical twist that brightens the palate. Served chilled, this dessert is perfect for balancing the rich flavors of a festive feast. Top with fresh mango cubes for an extra burst of flavor and a sprig of mint for freshness. Enjoy this sweet treat as you celebrate the Lunar New Year, and savor the happy moments it brings.

24. Almond Cookies

Almond Cookies are crisp delights that symbolize happiness and prosperity. The round shape represents unity, making them a fitting treat for family gatherings. With a rich almond flavor and a tender crumb, these cookies are a satisfying snack or dessert. They are often shared among friends and family during the New Year, spreading joy and good fortune. Enjoy them with tea or give them as gifts to cherish the connections they represent. These cookies are sure to bring smiles and sweet moments to your Lunar New Year celebration.