Top 20 Chinese New Year Recipes

An indispensable New Year dish for many families, dumplings are delicious when made from scratch. Soft wrappers encase flavorful fillings, and they can be boiled, pan-fried, or steamed.

Degree of Difficulty: Medium

Core Techniques: Wrapping, boiling/pan-frying/steaming

Key Equipment: Rolling pin, pot, steamer

Beginner-Friendly Variation: Use store-bought wrappers to save time

A legendary centerpiece for festive meals, this simplified Peking duck recipe delivers crispy skin and tender meat without needing special equipment.

Degree of Difficulty: Hard

Core Techniques: Roasting, glazing, slicing

Key Equipment: Roasting pan, basting brush, sharp knife

Beginner-Friendly Variation: Substitute duck breasts for a smaller, easier version

Symbolizing abundance, this tender whole fish is seasoned lightly and steamed, making it quick and elegant for any celebratory meal.

Degree of Difficulty: Easy

Core Techniques: Steaming, seasoning

Key Equipment: Steamer or wok with rack, knife

Beginner-Friendly Variation: Use fillets instead of whole fish for convenience

Aromatic, slightly sweet, and smoky, Char Siu is a classic Cantonese dish perfect for festive gatherings, served warm or at room temperature.

Degree of Difficulty: Medium

Core Techniques: Marinating, roasting

Key Equipment: Oven, roasting pan

Beginner-Friendly Variation: Use pork tenderloin for faster cooking

Symbolizing long life and prosperity, these noodles are lightly braised and can be prepped ahead for a stress-free celebration.

Degree of Difficulty: Easy

Core Techniques: Boiling, stir-frying

Key Equipment: Pot, wok or skillet

Beginner-Friendly Variation: Use dried noodles instead of fresh for easier storage

Giant pork meatballs simmered with Napa cabbage create a hearty, banquet-style dish perfect for Chinese New Year.

Degree of Difficulty: Medium

Core Techniques: Mixing, simmering

Key Equipment: Large pot, mixing bowl

Beginner-Friendly Variation: Make smaller meatballs for quicker cooking

Rich and melt-in-your-mouth pork belly served over preserved mustard, making a flavorful and festive centerpiece.

Degree of Difficulty: Hard

Core Techniques: Steaming, braising

Key Equipment: Steamer, deep pot

Beginner-Friendly Variation: Slice pork belly thinner for faster steaming

Tender, juicy, and aromatic, this roast chicken uses a simple five-spice seasoning for a bold, festive flavor.

Degree of Difficulty: Easy

Core Techniques: Roasting, seasoning

Key Equipment: Oven, roasting pan

Beginner-Friendly Variation: Use chicken thighs for faster cooking

Simple to prepare, this chicken dish is cooked with savory Sha Cha sauce, delivering a fragrant and delectable result.

Degree of Difficulty: Easy

Core Techniques: Stir-frying, simmering

Key Equipment: Wok or skillet

Beginner-Friendly Variation: Use store-bought Sha Cha sauce for convenience

Quick and elegant, this shrimp dish is steamed with garlic and vermicelli, perfect for a festive table.

Degree of Difficulty: Easy

Core Techniques: Steaming, assembly

Key Equipment: Steamer, bowl

Beginner-Friendly Variation: Use pre-peeled shrimp to save prep time

A classic Cantonese dish, soy sauce chicken is flavorful, visually appealing, and can be easily made at home for a festive meal.

Degree of Difficulty: Easy

Core Techniques: Braising, simmering

Key Equipment: Pot, ladle

Beginner-Friendly Variation: Use chicken thighs for even juicier results

Tender, gelatinous pork belly cubes cooked in soy sauce, rice wine, and spices, offering comforting, rich flavors.

Degree of Difficulty: Medium

Core Techniques: Braising, simmering

Key Equipment: Deep pot or wok

Beginner-Friendly Variation: Use leaner pork cuts for a lighter dish

Well-balanced sweet and sour sauce makes these ribs irresistible, a beginner-friendly festive favorite.

Degree of Difficulty: Easy

Core Techniques: Frying, simmering

Key Equipment: Wok, spatula

Beginner-Friendly Variation: Oven-bake ribs for less oil usage

Tender fish fillets poached in a spicy, flavorful broth, topped with Sichuan spices for a bold, addictive taste.

Degree of Difficulty: Medium

Core Techniques: Poaching, seasoning

Key Equipment: Pot, ladle

Beginner-Friendly Variation: Use mild chili peppers for less heat

A vibrant Sichuan cold dish with tender chicken and a spicy, aromatic sauce, perfect for festive starters.

Degree of Difficulty: Medium

Core Techniques: Boiling, marinating

Key Equipment: Pot, mixing bowl

Beginner-Friendly Variation: Prepare sauce ahead of time to reduce day-of prep

Crispy fried shrimp seasoned with aromatic spices, easy to make at home with restaurant-quality results.

Degree of Difficulty: Easy

Core Techniques: Frying

Key Equipment: Wok, slotted spoon

Beginner-Friendly Variation: Air-fry shrimp for a healthier alternative

Pan-fried tofu blocks stuffed with pork and shrimp filling, served with a savory sauce for a delicious festive dish.

Degree of Difficulty: Medium

Core Techniques: Stuffing, pan-frying

Key Equipment: Skillet, knife

Beginner-Friendly Variation: Replace meat with mushrooms for a vegetarian version

Classic Sichuan dish with tender tofu in a spicy, aromatic sauce, often served with minced meat.

Degree of Difficulty: Medium

Core Techniques: Stir-frying, simmering

Key Equipment: Wok, spatula

Beginner-Friendly Variation: Use mushrooms instead of meat for vegan-friendly Mapo tofu

A simple, quick, and flavorful dish combining tender shrimp and fluffy scrambled eggs.

Degree of Difficulty: Easy

Core Techniques: Stir-frying

Key Equipment: Wok, spatula

Beginner-Friendly Variation: Use pre-cooked shrimp for faster prep

Crispy spring rolls can be deep-fried or air-fried, making them perfect appetizers for New Year celebrations.

Degree of Difficulty: Easy

Core Techniques: Rolling, frying

Key Equipment: Rolling board, skillet or air fryer

Beginner-Friendly Variation: Freeze after rolling and fry on the day of serving