Ringing in the New Year
Lunar New Year is all about tradition and togetherness, and, of course, food— lots and lots of food! It’s the time for family reunions, fresh beginnings, ang paos, and cheeky auspicious puns that we all laugh along to.
This year, we’ve compiled symbolic ingredients and flavourful recipes that wish abundance and prosperity unto you and your loved ones. From abalone pao fan and braised duck to nian gao and tau kwa pau, we’ve got something for everyone.
1. Abalone Pao Fan
There’s something so comforting about a bowl of pao fan—warm, simple and feels like home, whether it’s part of a grand annual reunion dinner or a regular rainy day. Accentuating the warmth of this dish is the star ingredient — abalone! A prized delicacy that is believed to bring wealth and prosperity for the new year.
Fun fact: Abalone is referred to as one of the “Four Treasures of the Sea”, alongside sea cucumber, shark fin, and fish maw. So, be sure to include some of these into your reunion spread.
Recipe:
Preparation Time: 1 hour 10 minutes. Serves 4-5 pax
2. Teochew Steamed Fish
Growing up half Teochew, I’m no stranger to the lightly tangy flavour of steamed fish, infused with tofu, ginger and salted plums. For me, it’s the hallmark of homecooked food, bringing back fond memories of family dinners with everyone gathered round the table, chopsticks clinking and condiments passed around.
Recipe:
Preparation Time: 30 minutes. Serves 4-5 pax.
3. Golden Pumpkin Pen Cai
Looking to add a touch of flair to your festive seafood feast? Try adding pumpkin to the mix. And if you’re a spice lover like me, there are also Mala and Mild Spicy variations by Eu Yan Sang. I can’t wait to try this recipe, and as the saying goes — more pencai, more huat!
Recipe:
Preparation Time: 1 hour. Serves 3-4 pax.
4. Seafood Yi Pin Guo (品锅)
Here’s another scrumptious seafood-based recipe. All you need is one big pot to satisfy all your stomach’s craving and heart’s desire. Go all out with adding fish maw, sea cucumbers, prawns, scallops and abalone.
Recipe:
Preparation Time: 1 hour 40 minutes. Serves 4-5 pax.
5. Rice Cooker Sticky Rice (糯米飯)
My favourite part of Lunar New Year is the potluck spread, where an array of dishes come together. Nuo mi fan is one of my go-to’s, and you can bet that I’ll be helping myself to some at any gathering. The best part? Topping the fragrant rice with crispy fried shallots!
Recipe:
Preparation Time: 1 hour. Serves 3-4 pax.
6.Bird’s Nest Soup with Crab & Scallop
If you’re familiar with shark’s fin soup, this bird’s nest soup is a classic alternative for your Lunar New Year dinner. It’s a bowl brimmed with nutrition, to kick you off for the year ahead. Rich in collagen and antioxidants, this soup isn’t just a treat for your taste buds, but also boosts immunity and vitality for the Year of the Snake.
Recipe:
Preparation Time: 1 hour 30 mins. Serves 4 pax.
7. Beer Braised Duck (啤酒鸭)
As a fan of Sichuan spice and an occasional booze, this braised duck dish is the ultimate umami combo. What’s more? This dish is surprisingly easy to pull off. Join us in spicing up new year celebrations with this recipe.
Recipe:
Preparation Time: 1 hour. Serves 3-4 pax.
8. Stuffed Lotus Root
We’ve all heard all about lotus root soup, but what about deep-fried lotus root stuffed with minced pork? Crispy on the outside, and tender on the inside, this makes the perfect starter, especially when dipped in vinegar soy sauce.
In Cantonese, Lotus root (leen ngau)is phonetically similar to “Year of Plenty” (丰年), making it not just a delicious snack, but a blessing for a prosperous year to come!
Recipe:
Preparation Time: 30 mins. Serves 3-4 pax.
9. Black Pepper Prawn Glass Noodle
Fancy something satisfying and slightly spicy? This one-pot dish (which can also be cooked banquet-style) is what you’re looking for. Whether you’re cooking with one or for a group of friends, this super versatile recipe is bound to serve up a great meal and a great time.
Recipe:
Preparation Time: 30 minutes. Serves 3-4 pax
10. Salted Vegetable Duck Soup
Craving something warm and nourishing? This calls for a hearty bowl of Itek Tim: a medley of stewed duck meat, pickled vegetables, plums, ginger and tomatoes, offering a tinge of savoury and sour.
Rooted in Peranakan culture, this Nyonya dish is a fusion of Chinese and Malay culinary influences, which you can enjoy with belacan (if you want) afterwards.
Recipe:
Preparation Time: 2 hours. Serves 4-5 pax
11. Fried Nian Gao (年糕)
The right balance of gooey, crisp and sweetness (thanks to the coconut sugar) goes a long way, and this after-meal snack hits the sweet spot to close off a heavy Lunar New Year feast!
Fun fact: This is glutinous rice cake is traditionally made in large quantities for families to enjoy together, fostering a community that not only sticks (粘 nian) but rises high (高 gao) together. A pretty apt name for a dish that phonetically translates to “year high” don’t you think?
Recipe:
Preparation Time: 30 minutes. Serves 3-4 pax
12. Airfryer Tau Kwa Pau (豆干包) Soup
What’s super crispy on the outside and silky soft on the inside? Tau kwa pau, of course!
This is another Nyonya dish, usually served as a snack or appetiser during special occasions. What makes it stand out is the balance of textures; the crispy exterior with the softest dough, and the flavourful filling to tie it all together.
Tip: Use an airfryer to achieve a perfect golden crisp, or if you prefer the traditional way, steaming or frying.
Recipe:
Preparation Time: 2 hours 30 minutes. Serves 3-4 pax
13. Cantonese Fried Bee Hoon
A beloved household favourite, this quick and easy dish is a nostalgic childhood staple that can be recreated for your Lunar New Year dinner tables! The combination of crispy rice vermicelli and sticky hot gravy brings back waves of comfort, as it was my favourite after-school snack.
If you’ve had enough of rice vermicelli noodles from your reunion meals, switch it out with your other favourite noodles! A good noodle runner up is ee mee.
Recipe:
Preparation Time: 30 minutes. Serves 3-4 pax
14. Mustard Green Stew (菜尾)
After all that cooking and the feasting, it’s no surprise that our kitchens are filled with ingredients that didn’t make it to the pot. But don’t worry, we’ve got a recipe that might just solve that problem for you.
In Hokkien dialect, chai buey means leftovers. This Lunar New Year, put your leftovers from the night before to good use by turning them into a hearty stew for your next day’s meal. Accompany it with steamed rice and you’ll be filled in the stomach (and heart!).
Recipe:
Preparation Time: 1 hour 30 minutes. Serves 3-4 pax.
Easy party recipes
As the year draws to a close, it’s a great time to look back and appreciate what 2023 has brought our way. Let’s embrace the season by sharing good food and quality time with our family and friends.
At The Meatmen, we extend warm wishes for a joyful holiday season, whether you’re celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah, or simply cherishing the end of 2023 with your loved ones. We hope these recipes will elevate your end-of-year celebrations, and add a special touch to your year-end festivities.
May your December be filled with delightful feasts, laughter, and heartwarming conversations around the table. And may these cherished moments become enduring memories that linger far beyond the last bite.
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