🧧 Lunar New Year Feast Menu

by | Jan 18, 2026 | Uncategorized | 0 comments

Complete Recipes, Cooking Instructions & Symbolism

新年快乐 (Xin Nian Kuai Le)! Happy New Year!
恭喜發財 (Gong Xi Fa Cai)! Wishing you prosperity!

Menu Overview (Serves 6-8)

Appetizers

  • Chinese Almond Cookies
  • Shrimp Egg Rolls

Main Dishes

  • Cantonese Steamed Fish (Essential!)
  • Spicy Shrimp Stir Fry
  • Fried Lotus Root with Pork

Dumplings

  • Wonton Soup

Noodles & Rice

  • Crispy Noodles with Seafood
  • Shrimp Fried Rice

🍪 APPETIZERS

Chinese Almond Cookies

Symbolism: Sweet treats represent sweetness and joy for the new year

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp baking soda
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tsp almond extract
  • Whole almonds for topping
  • 1 egg yolk (for egg wash)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. Mix flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a bowl.
  3. Cream butter and sugar until fluffy (3-4 minutes).
  4. Beat in egg and almond extract.
  5. Gradually mix in dry ingredients until dough forms.
  6. Roll dough into 1-inch balls, place on baking sheet 2 inches apart.
  7. Flatten slightly with your palm, press one almond in the center.
  8. Brush with egg yolk mixed with 1 tsp water.
  9. Bake 15-18 minutes until golden brown edges.
  10. Cool on wire rack.

Make-Ahead Tip: These can be made 3-4 days in advance and stored in an airtight container.

Shrimp Egg Rolls

Symbolism: Golden color represents wealth and prosperity

Ingredients:

  • 12 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 12 egg roll wrappers
  • 1 tbsp sake or rice wine
  • 1 tsp soy sauce
  • 1/2 tsp ginger, grated
  • Salt and pepper
  • Oil for deep frying
  • Sweet chili sauce for serving

Instructions:

  1. Make a shallow cut along the back of each shrimp, then make 2-3 small cuts on the belly side.
  2. Press shrimp gently to straighten them out.
  3. Marinate shrimp with sake, soy sauce, ginger, salt, and pepper for 10 minutes.
  4. Place wrapper diamond-style. Put shrimp in center horizontally.
  5. Fold bottom corner over shrimp, fold in sides, then roll tightly. Seal edge with water.
  6. Heat oil to 350°F (175°C).
  7. Fry egg rolls 2-3 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
  8. Drain on paper towels and serve hot with dipping sauce.

🐟 MAIN DISHES

Cantonese Steamed Fish (ESSENTIAL DISH!)

Symbolism: Whole fish represents abundance and prosperity. The Chinese word for fish (鱼 yú) sounds like “surplus,” meaning you’ll have plenty in the new year. Leave some fish on the plate to symbolize surplus!

Ingredients:

  • 1 whole fish (1.5-2 lbs): sea bass, snapper, or tilapia
  • 3-4 dried shiitake mushrooms, soaked and sliced
  • 3 green onions (2 for steaming, 1 julienned for garnish)
  • 2-inch piece ginger, julienned
  • 3 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 2 tbsp neutral oil
  • Cilantro for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Clean fish, pat dry, and make 3-4 diagonal cuts on each side.
  2. Place 2 green onions (cut into sections) on a heat-proof plate.
  3. Put fish on top, stuff cavity with half the ginger.
  4. Mix soy sauce, wine, and sugar. Pour over fish.
  5. Top with shiitake mushrooms and remaining ginger.
  6. Set up steamer with boiling water. Steam fish 10-12 minutes (depending on size) until flesh is opaque and flakes easily.
  7. While fish steams, heat oil until smoking hot.
  8. Remove fish from steamer, discard green onions underneath.
  9. Top with fresh julienned green onions and cilantro.
  10. Pour hot oil over the top (it will sizzle!).

Important: Don’t overcook! Fish is done when a knife slides easily through the thickest part.

Spicy Shrimp Stir Fry (Ebi Chili)

Symbolism: Shrimp in Cantonese is “ha,” which sounds like laughter (笑哈哈). Eating shrimp brings happiness and joy!

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 2 tbsp ketchup
  • 1 tbsp chili garlic sauce (adjust to taste)
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp sake
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1-inch ginger, minced
  • 2 green onions, chopped
  • 2 tbsp oil

Instructions:

  1. Mix sauce: ketchup, chili garlic sauce, soy sauce, sake, sugar, and chicken broth.
  2. Mix cornstarch slurry separately.
  3. Pat shrimp dry, season with salt and pepper.
  4. Heat wok or large skillet over high heat with 1 tbsp oil.
  5. Stir-fry shrimp 2-3 minutes until just pink. Remove and set aside.
  6. Add remaining oil, stir-fry garlic and ginger until fragrant (30 seconds).
  7. Pour in sauce mixture, bring to simmer.
  8. Add cornstarch slurry, stir until thickened.
  9. Return shrimp to wok, toss to coat, add green onions.
  10. Cook 1 more minute. Serve immediately.

Fried Lotus Root with Pork

Symbolism: The holes in lotus root represent an open mind and seeing clearly into the future. They also symbolize abundance.

Ingredients:

  • 1 medium lotus root, peeled
  • 1/2 lb ground pork
  • 3 dried shiitake mushrooms, soaked and minced
  • 2 green onions, minced
  • 1 tsp ginger, grated
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp sake
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • Salt and pepper
  • Cornstarch for coating
  • Oil for deep frying

Batter:

  • 1/2 cup flour
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch
  • 1/2 cup cold water
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions:

  1. Slice lotus root into 1/4-inch rounds (you’ll need even numbers to sandwich).
  2. Soak in water with a splash of vinegar to prevent browning.
  3. Mix pork, mushrooms, green onions, ginger, soy sauce, sake, sesame oil, salt, and pepper.
  4. Pat lotus root slices dry, dust lightly with cornstarch.
  5. Spread pork mixture between two slices, press firmly together.
  6. Make batter by whisking flour, cornstarch, water, and salt until smooth.
  7. Heat oil to 340°F (170°C).
  8. Dip each sandwich in batter, fry 4-5 minutes until golden brown.
  9. Drain on paper towels. Cut in half to show the beautiful cross-section!

🥟 DUMPLINGS

Wonton Soup

Symbolism: Wontons shaped like gold ingots or money pouches bring wealth and good fortune!

Wonton Filling:

  • 1/2 lb ground pork
  • 1/4 lb shrimp, chopped
  • 2 dried shiitake mushrooms, soaked and minced
  • 2 green onions, minced
  • 1 tsp ginger, grated
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 1 tsp cornstarch
  • Salt and white pepper
  • 30 wonton wrappers

Soup:

  • 6 cups chicken broth
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • Baby bok choy or napa cabbage
  • Green onions for garnish

Instructions:

Making Wontons:

  1. Mix all filling ingredients until well combined.
  2. Place 1 tsp filling in center of wrapper.
  3. Wet edges with water, fold diagonally to form triangle.
  4. Bring two bottom corners together, overlap slightly, press to seal (like a nurse’s cap).
  5. Keep covered with damp towel while working.

Making Soup:

  1. Bring a large pot of water to boil for cooking wontons.
  2. In another pot, heat chicken broth with soy sauce and sesame oil.
  3. Add bok choy to broth, simmer 2-3 minutes.
  4. Cook wontons in boiling water 4-5 minutes until they float and filling is cooked.
  5. Transfer wontons to broth with slotted spoon.
  6. Garnish with green onions and serve hot.

Make-Ahead: Freeze uncooked wontons on a tray, then store in freezer bags for up to 1 month.

🍜 NOODLES & RICE

Crispy Noodles with Seafood

Symbolism: Long noodles represent longevity and must never be cut! The longer the noodle, the longer your life.

Ingredients:

  • 8 oz fresh or dried egg noodles
  • 1/2 lb mixed seafood (shrimp, squid, scallops)
  • 1/4 lb pork, sliced thin
  • 2 cups napa cabbage, chopped
  • 1 cup bean sprouts
  • 1 carrot, julienned
  • 4 shiitake mushrooms, sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp oyster sauce
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water
  • Oil for frying

Instructions:

  1. Cook noodles according to package directions, drain well, toss with a little oil.
  2. Heat 3 tbsp oil in large skillet, spread noodles in even layer.
  3. Fry without stirring 4-5 minutes until bottom is golden and crispy. Flip, fry other side. Transfer to serving plate.
  4. In wok, stir-fry garlic, then add pork, cook until no longer pink.
  5. Add seafood, stir-fry 2 minutes.
  6. Add vegetables, stir-fry 2-3 minutes.
  7. Mix broth, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sugar. Pour into wok.
  8. Add cornstarch slurry, stir until sauce thickens.
  9. Pour seafood and vegetable mixture over crispy noodles.
  10. Serve immediately while noodles are still crispy!

Shrimp Fried Rice

Symbolism: Rice represents wealth and fertility. Fried rice is served at the end to ensure everyone is satisfied and full.

Ingredients:

  • 4 cups cold cooked rice (day-old is best)
  • 1/2 lb shrimp, peeled and chopped
  • 3 eggs, beaten
  • 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
  • 3 green onions, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp oyster sauce
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • White pepper to taste
  • 3 tbsp oil

Instructions:

  1. Break up cold rice with your hands to separate grains.
  2. Heat wok over high heat with 1 tbsp oil.
  3. Scramble eggs until just set, break into pieces, remove from wok.
  4. Add 1 tbsp oil, stir-fry shrimp until pink (2 minutes). Remove.
  5. Add remaining oil and garlic, stir-fry until fragrant.
  6. Add rice, press and toss to break up clumps.
  7. Stir-fry 3-4 minutes until rice is heated through and slightly crispy.
  8. Add peas and carrots, stir-fry 2 minutes.
  9. Return eggs and shrimp to wok.
  10. Add soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil. Toss well.
  11. Add green onions and white pepper, stir for 30 seconds.
  12. Serve hot!

📋 COOKING TIMELINE

2-3 Days Before:

  • Make Chinese Almond Cookies
  • Make and freeze wontons if desired

1 Day Before:

  • Prepare all marinades
  • Chop vegetables, store in containers
  • Make fried rice (can be reheated)
  • Soak shiitake mushrooms

Day Of – 3 Hours Before:

  • Prepare lotus root pork sandwiches (don’t fry yet)
  • Make wonton soup broth
  • Prepare seafood and sauce for crispy noodles

1 Hour Before Guests Arrive:

  • Fry egg rolls, keep warm in low oven
  • Fry lotus root, keep warm
  • Set up steamer for fish

30 Minutes Before Serving:

  • Cook crispy noodles base
  • Reheat fried rice if made ahead
  • Steam the fish (this should be served fresh!)

Last 15 Minutes:

  • Stir-fry shrimp in spicy sauce
  • Finish crispy noodles with seafood topping
  • Cook wontons and assemble soup

🎊 Serving Order & Traditions

  1. Start with appetizers – Cookies and egg rolls as guests arrive
  2. Main dishes served family-style – All at once on the table
  3. Fish served whole – Don’t flip the fish (bad luck)! Eat from top, then remove bones to eat bottom
  4. Leave some food on plates – Symbolizes surplus and abundance
  5. Noodles and rice last – As fillers to make sure everyone is satisfied
  6. End with fruit – Oranges and tangerines represent good luck (not in these recipes, but traditional!)

🧧 Good Luck Traditions

  • Wear red – The color of good fortune
  • Give red envelopes (hong bao) – With lucky money amounts (even numbers, avoid 4)
  • Clean before New Year – Sweep away bad luck, but don’t clean on New Year’s Day or you’ll sweep away good fortune!
  • Say auspicious phrases:
    • 恭喜發財 (Gong Xi Fa Cai) – Wishing you prosperity
    • 年年有餘 (Nian Nian You Yu) – Abundance year after year
    • 心想事成 (Xin Xiang Shi Cheng) – May all your wishes come true

🍽️ Shopping List Summary

Proteins:

  • Whole fish (1.5-2 lbs)
  • Large shrimp (2 lbs total)
  • Ground pork (1 lb)
  • Pork belly or sliced pork (1/4 lb)
  • Mixed seafood (1/2 lb)

Produce:

  • Green onions (10-12)
  • Ginger (large piece)
  • Garlic (1 head)
  • Napa cabbage
  • Bok choy
  • Bean sprouts
  • Carrots
  • Lotus root (1 medium)
  • Cilantro (optional)

Pantry:

  • Soy sauce
  • Oyster sauce
  • Sesame oil
  • Shaoxing wine/sake
  • Chicken broth
  • Cornstarch
  • Flour
  • Sugar
  • Ketchup
  • Chili garlic sauce

Special Items:

  • Dried shiitake mushrooms
  • Wonton wrappers
  • Egg roll wrappers
  • Fresh or dried egg noodles
  • Almonds (whole, for cookies)
  • Almond extract

May this feast bring you prosperity, happiness, and good fortune in the new year!

新年快乐! 🧧🐉✨