Sunday, January 22nd ushers in the Chinese Lunar New Year 2023. In the Chinese calendar, that’s New Year 4721, the Year of the Rabbit.
To celebrate, we’re offering some of the best Chinese recipes on the site from legends such as Grace Young and Terry Tan–incredible dumplings, fish, shellfish, pork, and noodles.
In Chinese astrology, the rabbit is considered the luckiest of all the twelve animals. Born in 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, or 2011, rabbits are known to be quiet, graceful, alert, quick, kind, intelligent, patient, and responsible.
So to all of LC’s rabbits, (and the rest of the Chinese zodiac), we can’t think of seven better dishes to kick off your year full of luck, prosperity, and love.
兔年快乐
Fried Pork Dumplings
These fried pork dumplings are filled with ground pork, napa cabbage, chives, soy sauce, fresh ginger, and sesame oil. They’re fried in just a bit of oil and then steamed. On the side is a piquant dipping sauce.
Stir-Fried Lettuce
Stir-fried lettuce with soy sauce and sesame oil is unexpectedly and thrillingly tasty. You probably already have a head of romaine just waiting to be used, so you can experience it for yourself.
This was surprisingly delicious. Tasted [like] a delicate but hearty Chinese green, but easy to find in the American supermarket. Will definitely make again.
bodi l.
Sichuan Peppercorn Prawns
These Sichuan peppercorn prawns are a quick and easy authentic Chinese dish of dry-fried prawns with just the right amount of numbing heat from toasted Sichuan peppercorns.
Steamed Cod with Ginger and Scallions
This steamed cod with ginger and scallions is an easy, Asian-inspired weeknight dish made with cod that’s gently cooked in a simple yet flavorful sauce of rice vinegar, soy sauce, and ginger.
This recipe is delightful and highly recommended. The flavors are subtle but completely permeate the cod. Steaming helps the cod flesh retain moisture. (If you’ve ever had the misfortune to sample overcooked cod you’ll know how tragic it can be.)
We served this as part of a dinner with fish head soup, choy sum, and steamed rice. Perfection!
alena
Chinese Roast Pork
This Chinese roast pork recipe turns out a crisp, crackling BBQ pork belly just like what you find in Chinatown. Like most Chinese barbecue, it’s impossibly tender, slightly sweet, and surprisingly easy to make at home. Here’s how.
Cantonese Noodles with Mushrooms and Ham
Rice noodles are quickly stir-fried with shiitakes, soy sauce, and sesame oil. An easy, satisfying weeknight meal.
These Cantonese noodles were delicious, very nice. I added some snow peas for color with the bean sprouts, just nice and simple. Thanks!
lynh
Chocolate Sesame Balls
Warm, luscious chocolate sesame balls, made with rice flour and dark chocolate coated in sesame seeds and deep-fried, is a traditional Chinese dessert. Think Chinese profiteroles.
Chinese New Year Food FAQs
Since white is considered an unlucky color, white foods, such as tofu, rice, cauliflower, and eggs are generally not served during New Year festivities. Squid and crab are also avoided.
Lunar New Year lasts from the emergence of the new moon, which is on January 22, 2023, and ends on the day of the full moon, on February 5. The first day is known as “Spring Festival,” and the final day is “Lantern Festival.”
Oranges and tangerines are often exchanged between friends and family at New Year as a symbol of good luck. Foods with vibrant colors, such as orange or red, and foods that are round are considered lucky.
Curious about the history behind other lucky foods? Find out all about them in this article on the lucky foods to eat at New Year’s and the ones to avoid.