Easy Recipes For Beginners

It’s yet again the beginning of another year, which means it’s time for new year gatherings and celebrations again. With the latest (slight) ease in restrictions, you can now invite your friends and family for a cosy get-together — and what’s a party without a filling feast? 

In the spirit of the new year, there is no better time than now for you to put your cooking skills to the test. If you’re an amateur at cooking, fear not as we’ve put together some amazing, extravagant recipes that will definitely make your guests think otherwise. Even if you’re a seasoned chef, these recipes might still wow you.

1. Seafood Boil

This recipe is super easy to make for a fresh feast to welcome the new year. Inspired by Southern Cajun flavours and with Singaporean and SouthEast Asian spice notes, this seafood boil recipe is the star of any party. Not forgetting the most important step —  be sure to drizzle some Singaporean Chilli Crab butter sauce on the seafood boil before serving. 

Recipe: https://themeatmen.org/seafood-boil-with-chilli-butter-sauce/ 

Preparation Time: 15 minutes. Serves 4-6. 

2. Pen Cai

This braised treasure pot of goodness may seem complicated at first glance, but is actually easy to follow, and definitely worth your time. Within just an hour, you’ll be able to serve an extravagant pot filled to the brim with multiple layers of braised meat and fresh seafood. Feel free to add your own choice of ingredients to cater to your guests’ preferences as well. 

Recipe: http://themeatmen.org/pen-cai/ 

Preparation Time: 1 hour. Serves 4. 

3. Chanko Nabe (Japanese Steamboat)

What’s a new year’s dinner without everyone’s favourite steamboat? Here we have a special Japanese rendition for you: Chanko Nabe, also known as ‘Sumo Stew’. Just like any other steamboat dinner, this dish will allow for a great time of catch-up while waiting for the seafood, vegetables, and meat to be cooked in the seasoned broth. 

For this dish, we’ve also made our own chicken stock, with a range of vegetables and home-made meatballs to go with the other ingredients! Follow this recipe and you’ll soon have yourself a rich, warm and soothing pot of goodness.

Recipe: https://themeatmen.org/chanko-nabe/ 

Preparation Time: 45 minutes. Serves 4. 

4. Crab Tang Hoon

Next up, we have Crab Tang Hoon, an all-time favourite zi-char classic. With its unique springy texture, the Tang Hoon will satisfy noodle cravings with every slurp. 

Cooking this dish is easier than you think. Just stir fry the Tang Hoon and allow it to absorb the fragrance from the sauce mixture and chicken stock, and you’re already halfway there. All that’s left to do is to combine the noodles and fresh meaty crabs together, and let the flavours work their magic.

5. Ngoh Hiang from Scratch

Ngoh Hiang, sometimes known as Lor Bak, is a popular dish that is often seen on the table during Chinese New Year gatherings. Just imagine taking a satisfying bite of that golden brown goodness, dipped into some sweet and sour sauce. 

To get the perfect meaty flavour, you’ll need a range of ingredients such as pork loin, five spice powder, and dried beancurd skin. For the best results, allow the pork to marinate overnight if you have the time. 

Recipe: https://themeatmen.org/ngoh-hiang/ 

Preparation Time: 15  minutes. Serves 8-10 rolls. 

6. Beer Roasted Pork Knuckle

Add a twist to the conventional Chinese New Year dishes and try this recipe – an appetising beer roasted pork knuckle that’s restaurant-worthy. Whipping up this Western dish may be slightly time-consuming, but we guarantee it will be worth the effort. 

Simply roast some apples and potatoes with the pork, and add in your preferred amount of dark beer for that extra oomph. Lastly, pair the dish with some sauerkraut, and it is now ready to be enjoyed. 

Recipe: https://themeatmen.org/beer-roasted-pork-knuckles/ 

Preparation Time: 3 hours. Serves 4.

7. Sichuan Roast Duck

Roasting duck at home might seem daunting, but this 35-minute recipe for Sichuan Roast Duck will have you cooking like a pro.

Just think of that tender, juicy meat, alongside the charred crispy skin — what’s not to love?  All you need are a few ingredients and an oven that is big enough for the duck. Top it off with some coriander, and you’ll soon be dropping jaws at the dinner table in no time at all. A tip is to allow the meat to marinate for a longer amount of time, so that the flavours can sip better into the meat!

Recipe: https://themeatmen.org/sichuan-fragrant-roast-duck/  

Preparation Time: 35 minutes. Serves 4. 

Recipes for the New Year

If you’re looking to whip up an extravagant, home-cooked meal that will awe your guests at the dinner table, these easy-to-follow recipes are perfect for you. With these fun and simple recipes, you’ll be able to kick start the new year with a scrumptious and unforgettable feast. 

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Some other recipes you might like: 

• Quick and Easy Hot Pot Soup Base   
• Longevity Noodles with Chinese Leeks  
• Abalone with Spinach in Oysters Sauce 

P.S. We’ve got recipes for all your Singaporean and Asian favourites on our Youtube channel. Subscribe and share with your friends!

P.P.S. Can’t find a recipe you like? Drop us a comment or ping us on our socials. 

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