Chinese New Year, or the Spring Festival, is a time for family, traditions, and delectable feasts. If you're looking to make this celebration unforgettable while keeping it simple, you're in the right place! This guide will share delicious ideas, complete with ingredients and step-by-step instructions to help you create an impressive spread for your loved ones.

Read more How to Hire a Private Chef in Singapore: Your Ultimate Guide to get Private Chef

 

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1. Lucky Appetizers

a. Spring Rolls

Golden spring rolls symbolize wealth and prosperity, resembling gold bars.

Ingredients:

• Spring roll wrappers (12 pieces)
• 1 cup shredded cabbage
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1/2 cup bean sprouts
• 1/2 cup cooked shrimp or chicken (optional)
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• Vegetable oil (for frying)

Instructions:

1. Heat sesame oil in a pan. Sauté cabbage, carrots, and bean sprouts until tender. Add soy sauce and cooked protein if desired.
2. Let the filling cool. Place a wrapper on a flat surface, add 2 tablespoons of filling, and roll tightly, folding the edges in.
3. Heat oil in a deep pan and fry the rolls until golden brown. Drain on paper towels and serve with sweet chili sauce.

 

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b. Dumplings

Dumplings represent unity and wealth and are a family favorite.

Ingredients:

• Dumpling wrappers (20 pieces)
• 1/2 lb ground pork
• 1 cup finely chopped napa cabbage
• 1 tbsp minced ginger
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1 egg (beaten, for sealing wrappers)

Instructions:

1. Mix pork, cabbage, ginger, soy sauce, and sesame oil in a bowl.
2. Place a teaspoon of filling in the center of a wrapper. Wet the edges with egg, fold in half, and pinch to seal.
3. Steam for 10 minutes, or pan-fry for a crispy bottom. Serve with soy dipping sauce.

 

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2. Soups to Warm the Soul

a. Hot and Sour Soup

This flavorful soup balances tangy and spicy flavors.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups chicken or vegetable stock
• 1 cup mushrooms (sliced)
• 1/2 cup bamboo shoots (julienned)
• 1/2 cup firm tofu (cubed)
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tsp chili oil
• 2 tbsp cornstarch (mixed with water)
• 1 egg (beaten)

Instructions:

1. Heat stock in a pot and add mushrooms, bamboo shoots, and tofu. Simmer for 5 minutes.
2. Stir in soy sauce, vinegar, and chili oil. Slowly add cornstarch mixture to thicken.
3. Drizzle in beaten egg while stirring. Serve hot with scallions.

 

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b. Egg Drop Soup

This comforting soup is quick and easy to make.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 eggs (beaten)
• 1 tbsp cornstarch (mixed with water)
• 1/2 tsp white pepper
• 2 scallions (sliced)

Instructions:

1. Heat chicken broth to a simmer. Stir in cornstarch mixture to thicken.
2. Slowly drizzle in beaten eggs while stirring gently to create ribbons.
3. Season with white pepper and garnish with scallions.

 

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3. Meaningful Main Dishes

a. Longevity Noodles

Long noodles symbolize long life, so avoid cutting them!

Ingredients:

• 12 oz long noodles (e.g., egg noodles)
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1 cup sliced bell peppers
• 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms
• 1/2 lb shrimp or chicken (optional)
• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp oyster sauce
• 1 tbsp sesame oil

Instructions:

1. Cook noodles according to package instructions and set aside.
2. Stir-fry vegetables and protein in sesame oil until cooked.
3. Add cooked noodles, soy sauce, and oyster sauce. Toss well and serve.

 

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b. Sweet and Sour Fish

Fish symbolizes abundance and prosperity.

Ingredients:

• 1 whole fish or 4 fillets (e.g., tilapia or snapper)
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1 cup pineapple chunks
• 1/2 cup bell peppers (sliced)
• 1/2 cup sweet and sour sauce
• Vegetable oil (for frying)

Instructions:

1. Coat fish with cornstarch and fry until golden. Set aside.
2. Stir-fry pineapple and bell peppers, then add sweet and sour sauce.
3. Pour sauce over the fish and serve immediately.

 

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4. Festive Desserts

a. Nian Gao (Sticky Rice Cake)

Nian Gao is a traditional dessert that symbolizes progress.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups glutinous rice flour
• 1 cup water
• 1 cup brown sugar

Instructions:

1. Dissolve sugar in water over low heat. Let cool.
2. Mix sugar water with rice flour to form a smooth batter.
3. Pour into a greased pan and steam for 45 minutes. Cool before serving.

 

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b. Sesame Balls

These crispy, chewy balls are a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup glutinous rice flour
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/3 cup water
• Sweet red bean paste (for filling)
• Sesame seeds
• Oil (for frying)

Instructions:

1. Mix rice flour, sugar, and water to form a dough. Divide into balls.
2. Flatten each ball, add a teaspoon of red bean paste, and seal.
3. Roll balls in sesame seeds and fry until golden.

 

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5. Easy Beverages

a. Jasmine Tea

• Steep jasmine tea leaves in hot water for 3–5 minutes. Serve warm.

b. Plum Juice

• Simmer dried plums with water and sugar to taste. Chill or serve warm.

 

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Why Choose Chef Vision?

• Customized Menus: Crafted to suit your preferences and honor CNY traditions.
• Expert Culinary Skills: Chefs with expertise in preparing authentic and symbolic Chinese dishes.
• Hassle-Free Service: Focus on celebrating while your chef takes care of everything from planning to plating.

Celebrate in style and book a professional chef to ensure your gathering is both memorable and stress-free. Book a chef with Chef Vision today and make your Chinese New Year truly unforgettable!

Read more Top 3 Platforms to Find a Private Chef in Singapore

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