25+ Delicious Chinese Snack Recipes for a Prosperous New Year

1 week agoLast Updated: December 10, 2024

20 minutes read

As the Chinese New Year approaches, it’s time to prepare for a celebration filled with family, friends, and of course, delicious food.

One of the highlights of the occasion is the array of Chinese snacks that bring both flavor and symbolism to the table.

These snacks are often filled with cultural significance, representing good luck, prosperity, and happiness for the year ahead.

Whether you’re hosting a festive gathering or simply enjoying a cozy meal at home, these 25+ Chinese New Year snack recipes will elevate your celebration.

From crispy spring rolls to sweet red bean paste buns, each recipe offers a unique taste of tradition that will leave everyone craving more.

In this post, we’ll share a variety of recipes that are not only delicious but also easy to prepare, making them perfect for your New Year’s feast.

25+ Delicious Chinese Snack Recipes for a Prosperous New Year

Chinese New Year is a time for joy, reunion, and a fresh start, and the snacks you serve play an essential role in setting the tone for the festivities.

From savory to sweet, these 25+ Chinese New Year snack recipes will bring flavor, luck, and warmth to your celebration.

The tradition of enjoying these snacks goes beyond taste; it’s about sharing moments with loved ones and honoring the customs that have been passed down through generations.

Whether you’re making these snacks for the first time or you’re a seasoned pro, these recipes will help make your New Year’s celebration even more special.

May the year ahead be filled with health, wealth, and abundant happiness, one delicious bite at a time!

Crispy Spring Rolls (春卷)

Crispy Spring Rolls are a beloved Chinese New Year snack, symbolizing wealth and prosperity due to their golden, crunchy exterior, resembling gold bars. These deep-fried rolls are filled with a savory mixture of vegetables, meat, or both, making them a perfect treat for festive celebrations. The delightful crunch and rich filling make them irresistible and a perfect appetizer for any New Year gathering.

Ingredients:

10 spring roll wrappers
1 cup shredded cabbage

1 cup shredded carrots
1/2 cup cooked shrimp (optional)
1/4 cup mushrooms, finely chopped

1/4 cup cooked chicken, finely chopped
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tsp sesame oil

1/2 tsp ginger, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
Oil for frying

Instructions:

Prepare the filling: In a large pan, heat sesame oil over medium heat. Add ginger and sauté until fragrant. Then, add cabbage, carrots, mushrooms, and any other optional ingredients like shrimp or chicken. Stir-fry for 5-7 minutes until softened. Season with soy sauce, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat and let the mixture cool.
Assemble the rolls: Lay one spring roll wrapper on a flat surface with a corner pointing towards you. Spoon 2-3 tablespoons of the filling onto the wrapper. Fold in the sides, then roll it up tightly, sealing the edge with a bit of water.

Fry the spring rolls: Heat oil in a deep frying pan or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully fry the spring rolls in batches for about 4-5 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
Drain and serve: Remove the rolls from the oil and drain on paper towels. Serve with a dipping sauce of your choice, such as sweet chili or soy sauce.

Crispy Spring Rolls are a quintessential Chinese New Year snack, offering a satisfying crunch and a burst of savory flavor. They are easy to customize with your favorite fillings and make for a crowd-pleasing appetizer. Whether served as a snack or appetizer, these golden delights are a sure way to bring luck and happiness into the New Year.

Sweet Sesame Balls (芝麻球)

Sweet Sesame Balls are a traditional Chinese dessert that symbolizes family unity and the arrival of a prosperous new year. The golden, crispy outer layer and sweet, chewy filling make these sesame balls a perfect treat for your festive celebrations. Filled with sweet red bean paste and coated in black sesame seeds, these treats offer a perfect balance of textures and flavors.

Ingredients:

1 cup glutinous rice flour

1/2 cup water
2 tbsp sugar
1/4 tsp salt

1/2 cup red bean paste
1/4 cup black sesame seeds
Oil for frying

Instructions:

Prepare the dough: In a bowl, mix glutinous rice flour, water, sugar, and salt until a smooth dough forms. Knead the dough for 5-10 minutes until it is elastic and not too sticky. If the dough is too wet, add more rice flour, a little at a time.
Shape the sesame balls: Divide the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter. Flatten each ball slightly and place a teaspoon of red bean paste in the center. Seal the dough around the paste and roll it back into a smooth ball.

Coat with sesame seeds: Roll the dough balls in the black sesame seeds until fully coated.
Fry the sesame balls: Heat oil in a deep frying pan or wok over medium heat. Fry the sesame balls in batches for about 4-5 minutes, or until they puff up and turn golden brown. Remove and drain on paper towels.
Serve: Let the sesame balls cool slightly before serving. They are best enjoyed warm, with a chewy and sweet center.

Sweet Sesame Balls are a delicious treat to add to your Chinese New Year spread. With their crispy exterior and chewy, sweet filling, they bring a sense of joy and sweetness to the celebration. These bite-sized delights are perfect for sharing with loved ones, making them a symbol of good fortune and togetherness.

Chinese Five-Spice Peanuts (五香花生)

Chinese Five-Spice Peanuts are a savory, crunchy snack often enjoyed during the Chinese New Year for their auspicious symbolism. The five-spice powder, which includes star anise, cloves, Chinese cinnamon, Sichuan peppercorns, and fennel seeds, creates a complex flavor profile that makes these peanuts highly addictive. They’re simple to make and a great accompaniment to other snacks at your New Year’s party.

Ingredients:

1 cup raw peanuts (unshelled or shelled)
1 tbsp vegetable oil
1 tsp Chinese five-spice powder

1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp sugar
1/4 tsp ground white pepper

Instructions:

Prepare the peanuts: If using raw unshelled peanuts, you can dry roast them in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, or until they’re golden and fragrant. If using shelled peanuts, skip the roasting step and proceed to frying.
Fry the peanuts: Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the peanuts and fry for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they turn golden brown and crispy. Remove them from the oil and drain on paper towels.

Season the peanuts: While the peanuts are still warm, sprinkle them with Chinese five-spice powder, salt, sugar, and white pepper. Toss them well to coat evenly.
Serve: Let the peanuts cool to room temperature before serving. They can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week.

Chinese Five-Spice Peanuts offer a unique flavor experience with their spicy, savory, and slightly sweet seasoning. This snack is perfect for adding a flavorful crunch to your Chinese New Year festivities, and its easy preparation makes it ideal for sharing with family and friends. Whether served as an appetizer or snack, these peanuts will surely be a hit at your celebration.

Steamed Dumplings (蒸饺)

Steamed Dumplings are a classic Chinese New Year snack, representing wealth and prosperity due to their coin-like shape. These delicate dumplings are filled with a savory mixture of pork and vegetables and are steamed to perfection, creating a soft, juicy bite. A symbol of family unity and good fortune, they are an essential part of many Chinese New Year celebrations and can be enjoyed by everyone in the family.

Ingredients:

1 lb ground pork

1/2 cup chopped napa cabbage
1/4 cup chopped scallions
1 tbsp ginger, minced

2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tsp sesame oil
1/2 tsp salt

1/4 tsp white pepper
30 dumpling wrappers
Water for steaming

Instructions:

Prepare the filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the ground pork, chopped cabbage, scallions, minced ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, and white pepper. Stir well until the mixture is fully combined.
Fill the dumplings: Place a dumpling wrapper on a flat surface. Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the filling into the center of each wrapper. Wet the edges of the wrapper with a bit of water and fold the wrapper in half to form a half-moon shape. Press the edges together to seal.

Steam the dumplings: Bring a large pot of water to a boil and set up a bamboo steamer over it. Arrange the dumplings in the steamer, ensuring they don’t touch each other. Steam the dumplings for about 10-12 minutes, or until the wrappers become translucent and the filling is cooked through.
Serve: Serve the dumplings hot with a dipping sauce made of soy sauce and a touch of vinegar or chili oil.

Steamed Dumplings are an iconic Chinese New Year treat that combines rich, savory flavors with soft, tender wrappers. These dumplings not only offer delicious taste but also represent hope for wealth and happiness in the coming year. They’re a wonderful way to bring family and friends together to celebrate, making them an essential part of the festive season.

Lotus Seed Paste Mooncakes (莲蓉月饼)

Lotus Seed Paste Mooncakes are a traditional Chinese dessert enjoyed during the New Year, often associated with harmony and unity. Filled with a smooth, sweet lotus seed paste, these mooncakes are typically enjoyed with tea. Their round shape symbolizes completeness and family togetherness. These soft, golden pastries are a great way to celebrate the Chinese New Year with a rich, flavorful bite.

Ingredients:

1 cup lotus seed paste

1 tbsp vegetable oil
1 tbsp golden syrup (or honey)
1/2 tsp salt

2 cups mooncake dough (store-bought or homemade)
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Instructions:

Prepare the filling: In a bowl, combine lotus seed paste, vegetable oil, golden syrup, and salt. Mix well until the paste is smooth and easy to work with. Divide the paste into small portions, about 1-2 tablespoons each.
Shape the mooncakes: Roll the mooncake dough into small balls, slightly larger than the lotus seed paste portions. Flatten the dough into a disc shape. Place a portion of lotus seed paste in the center, then wrap the dough around it to seal the paste inside. Roll the filled dough into a smooth ball.
Form the mooncake: Using a mooncake mold, press the dough ball to shape it into a mooncake with a decorative pattern. If you don’t have a mold, you can use a simple cookie cutter for a more rustic look.

Bake the mooncakes: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the mooncakes on a baking sheet and brush them with a thin layer of egg wash. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
Serve: Let the mooncakes cool before serving. They are perfect when paired with tea for a festive treat.

Lotus Seed Paste Mooncakes are a delicacy that brings a sense of celebration and tradition to the Chinese New Year table. Their soft texture and sweet filling symbolize unity and happiness, making them a meaningful addition to your holiday spread. Whether enjoyed with family or offered as a gift, these mooncakes are a delightful way to welcome the new year.

Chinese Sweet Potato Balls (地瓜球)

Chinese Sweet Potato Balls are a popular snack in Taiwan and southern China, known for their chewy, crispy texture and sweet, aromatic flavor. Made from mashed sweet potatoes and coated with tapioca flour, these golden, bite-sized balls are deep-fried until they’re perfectly crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside. These sweet potato balls are not only a treat for your taste buds but also a symbol of good fortune and happiness for the new year.

Ingredients:

2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed

1/2 cup tapioca flour
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 tsp vanilla extract (optional)

Pinch of salt
Oil for frying

Instructions:

Cook the sweet potatoes: Steam or boil the sweet potatoes until soft, about 15-20 minutes. Once cooked, mash them thoroughly until smooth.
Make the dough: In a bowl, mix the mashed sweet potatoes with tapioca flour, sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Knead the mixture until it forms a smooth dough. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more tapioca flour.
Form the balls: Take small portions of the dough and roll them into balls, about 1 inch in diameter. Ensure the balls are smooth and uniform in size.

Fry the sweet potato balls: Heat oil in a frying pan or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully drop the sweet potato balls into the oil and fry them for 4-5 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and crispy. Remove them from the oil and drain on paper towels.
Serve: Let the sweet potato balls cool slightly before serving. They are best enjoyed warm, with a crispy exterior and chewy interior.

Chinese Sweet Potato Balls are a delightful, sweet snack that is both chewy and crispy. Their golden color and sweet flavor bring joy and good fortune, making them a perfect addition to your Chinese New Year celebrations. Whether served at home or shared with friends, these sweet treats are sure to be a favorite at any festive gathering.

Spring Rolls (春卷)

Spring Rolls are a popular Chinese snack, symbolizing wealth and prosperity during Chinese New Year due to their golden, crispy exterior resembling gold bars. These rolls are typically filled with a savory mixture of vegetables and meat, wrapped in thin rice paper and deep-fried to perfection. Whether served as an appetizer or a snack, spring rolls bring a delightful crunch and are always a crowd-pleaser during festive gatherings.

Ingredients:

1/2 lb ground pork or chicken

1/2 cup shredded cabbage
1/4 cup shredded carrots
1/4 cup shiitake mushrooms, finely chopped

2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tsp sesame oil
1/2 tsp white pepper

1/4 tsp salt
20 spring roll wrappers
Oil for frying

Instructions:

Prepare the filling: In a pan, heat a bit of oil and sauté the ground meat until fully cooked. Add the cabbage, carrots, and mushrooms, and cook for another 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender. Season the mixture with soy sauce, sesame oil, white pepper, and salt. Let it cool completely.
Wrap the spring rolls: Lay a spring roll wrapper flat on a clean surface. Spoon about 1-2 tablespoons of the filling near the center of the wrapper. Fold the sides inward, then roll up tightly, sealing the edges with a bit of water.

Fry the spring rolls: Heat oil in a wok or deep fryer over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully fry the spring rolls in batches, turning occasionally until golden and crispy, about 4-5 minutes.
Serve: Drain the fried spring rolls on paper towels and serve hot with a dipping sauce of soy sauce and vinegar or sweet chili sauce.

Spring Rolls are an irresistible and iconic part of the Chinese New Year spread, representing wealth and prosperity. Their crispy texture and savory filling make them a beloved snack, perfect for any festive gathering. Enjoying these spring rolls with loved ones adds to the joy and blessings of the holiday, making them an essential dish for welcoming the new year.

Fried Sesame Balls (炸芝麻球)

Fried Sesame Balls (Jian Dui) are a classic Chinese dessert enjoyed during the New Year, symbolizing happiness and wealth. These golden, crunchy treats are made from glutinous rice dough filled with sweet red bean paste and coated with sesame seeds. Once fried, they become crispy on the outside with a chewy, sweet interior, making them a delightful treat to end your Chinese New Year feast.

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups glutinous rice flour

1/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup warm water
1/2 cup red bean paste

1/4 cup sesame seeds
Oil for frying

Instructions:

Prepare the dough: In a bowl, combine the glutinous rice flour and sugar. Slowly add the warm water, stirring until the mixture forms a dough. Knead the dough for about 5 minutes until it becomes smooth.
Fill the sesame balls: Take a small piece of dough (about 1 tablespoon) and flatten it in your palm. Place a small spoonful of red bean paste in the center and carefully seal the dough around the paste to form a ball. Roll the filled dough balls in sesame seeds to coat them evenly.
Fry the sesame balls: Heat oil in a wok or deep fryer over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, gently lower the sesame balls into the oil and fry them until they are golden brown, about 4-6 minutes. Be sure to turn them occasionally to ensure they cook evenly.

Serve: Let the sesame balls cool slightly before serving. Enjoy the crispy exterior and chewy interior with a sweet red bean filling.

Fried Sesame Balls are a favorite Chinese New Year snack that combines a crispy exterior with a sweet, chewy filling. They are a symbol of good fortune and happiness and are perfect for celebrating the arrival of the new year. Whether enjoyed as a dessert or snack, these golden treats bring joy and are sure to be a hit at any festive gathering.

Chinese Almond Cookies (杏仁饼)

Chinese Almond Cookies are traditional Chinese New Year treats that are both crunchy and fragrant, with a delicate almond flavor. These cookies are often served during the holiday to wish for a sweet and prosperous year ahead. With their slightly crumbly texture and nutty undertone, they are a perfect snack to enjoy with tea and offer a lovely finishing touch to your New Year celebration.

Ingredients:

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup powdered sugar

1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

1/2 tsp almond extract
1/4 cup whole almonds
1 egg yolk

Instructions:

Prepare the dough: In a bowl, combine the flour, powdered sugar, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, cream the butter until smooth. Add the almond extract and egg yolk to the butter, mixing until well combined. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until a dough forms.
Shape the cookies: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Gently press a whole almond into the center of each cookie.

Bake the cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
Serve: Allow the cookies to cool completely before serving. Enjoy the crisp, almond-flavored cookies with a cup of tea.

Chinese Almond Cookies are a delightful and fragrant treat, perfect for celebrating Chinese New Year. Their crisp texture and sweet almond flavor symbolize wishes for prosperity and sweetness in the coming year. These cookies are simple to make but full of meaning, making them a wonderful addition to your holiday festivities.

Chinese Steamed Dumplings (蒸饺)

Steamed dumplings are a staple in Chinese New Year celebrations, symbolizing wealth and good fortune. Their shape resembles ancient gold ingots, making them a symbol of prosperity for the coming year. These dumplings are filled with a mixture of pork, vegetables, and seasonings, then steamed to perfection. They offer a flavorful bite with a soft, chewy wrapper and are always a favorite during family gatherings and feasts.

Ingredients:

1/2 lb ground pork
1/4 cup chopped cabbage
2 tbsp chopped scallions
1 tbsp grated ginger
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tsp sesame oil
1/2 tsp sugar
30 dumpling wrappers
Soy sauce and vinegar for dipping

Instructions:

Prepare the filling: In a large bowl, combine the ground pork, chopped cabbage, scallions, ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, and sugar. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
Fill the dumplings: Lay a dumpling wrapper on a flat surface. Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the filling in the center of the wrapper. Wet the edges of the wrapper with a little water, then fold the wrapper in half and pinch the edges to seal, creating a crescent shape. Repeat with the remaining wrappers and filling.
Steam the dumplings: Bring a pot of water to a boil and set up a steaming rack. Arrange the dumplings on the rack, ensuring they are not touching. Steam the dumplings for about 12-15 minutes, or until they are fully cooked through.
Serve: Remove the dumplings from the steamer and serve hot with soy sauce and vinegar for dipping.

Chinese Steamed Dumplings are a delicious and symbolic food for Chinese New Year, bringing wishes for wealth and prosperity. Their savory filling and soft, chewy wrapper make them a delightful snack or appetizer. Enjoy these dumplings with family and friends as you celebrate the start of a new year full of blessings and happiness.

Chinese New Year Pineapple Buns (菠萝包)

Pineapple Buns are a beloved Chinese pastry known for their sweet, crisp topping and soft, fluffy interior. Despite the name, these buns don’t actually contain pineapple but are named for their resemblance to the fruit’s textured skin. These buns are a popular snack during Chinese New Year celebrations, symbolizing good luck and wealth due to their round shape and golden, crunchy topping.

Ingredients:

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 tsp salt
1 packet active dry yeast
3/4 cup warm milk
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 egg
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 cup sugar (for topping)
1/4 cup unsalted butter (for topping)
1/4 cup all-purpose flour (for topping)
1 tbsp golden syrup (or corn syrup)

Instructions:

Prepare the dough: In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. In a separate bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm milk and let it sit for 5 minutes. Add the yeast mixture to the dry ingredients, followed by the softened butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Knead the dough until smooth, then cover and let it rise for about 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
Prepare the topping: In a bowl, mix together the topping ingredients—sugar, butter, flour, and golden syrup—until smooth. Set aside.
Shape the buns: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 12 equal portions. Shape each portion into a ball and place on a lined baking sheet. Flatten each ball slightly and top with a thin layer of the pineapple topping mixture. Use a knife to make a crisscross pattern on top to mimic the pineapple’s texture.
Bake the buns: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the buns for 15-18 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
Serve: Allow the buns to cool slightly before serving. They are best enjoyed warm and can be paired with a cup of tea.

Chinese Pineapple Buns are a delicious treat that adds a touch of sweetness and tradition to your Chinese New Year celebrations. The golden, crunchy topping and soft interior make them irresistible, while their round shape and golden color symbolize good fortune and wealth. These buns are perfect for sharing with friends and family, bringing warmth and happiness to your festive gathering.

Sweet Rice Cake (年糕)

Sweet Rice Cake, or Nian Gao, is a classic Chinese New Year dish that symbolizes growth, prosperity, and the promise of a better year ahead. Made from glutinous rice flour and sugar, this chewy, sweet treat is often enjoyed during the festival and is believed to bring good luck and fortune. It can be enjoyed as a dessert or snack and is a must-have during New Year celebrations.

Ingredients:

2 cups glutinous rice flour
1 cup sugar
2 cups water
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 tsp salt

Instructions:

Prepare the batter: In a bowl, combine the glutinous rice flour, sugar, and salt. Gradually add the water, stirring constantly until the mixture is smooth. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Steam the rice cake: Pour the batter into a lightly greased cake pan or bowl. Set up a steamer over medium heat and steam the rice cake for about 1 hour, or until it becomes firm and set. Check occasionally to ensure there is enough water in the steamer.
Serve: Once the rice cake has cooled to room temperature, cut it into slices. Serve as a sweet treat for dessert or snack.

Sweet Rice Cake (Nian Gao) is a beloved dessert that symbolizes growth, prosperity, and the hope for a brighter year ahead. Its chewy texture and sweet flavor make it a perfect treat to enjoy during Chinese New Year celebrations. Whether served as a snack or dessert, this cake will bring good fortune and happiness, making it a key part of the holiday festivities.

Chinese Scallion Pancakes (葱油饼)

Chinese Scallion Pancakes, or Cong You Bing, are a savory, crispy flatbread filled with fragrant scallions. They are a popular snack in Chinese cuisine, especially during the Chinese New Year, symbolizing wealth and prosperity due to their layered, rolled structure. The dough is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, and the scallions add a burst of fresh flavor. These pancakes are easy to make and perfect for serving during festive meals.

Ingredients:

2 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup boiling water
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 cup vegetable oil
4-5 scallions, finely chopped
1/4 tsp white pepper

Instructions:

Make the dough: In a mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Slowly pour in the boiling water while stirring continuously. Once the dough begins to form, use your hands to knead it until smooth. Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for 30 minutes.
Roll out the dough: After resting, divide the dough into 4 equal portions. Roll each portion into a flat, thin circle (about 6 inches in diameter).
Add the filling: Brush a thin layer of oil over the rolled dough. Sprinkle the chopped scallions and white pepper evenly over the surface.
Form the pancake: Roll the dough into a log, then coil it into a tight spiral. Flatten the coil with your hands, then roll it out again into a thin pancake.
Fry the pancakes: Heat a tablespoon of oil in a pan over medium heat. Fry each pancake for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden and crispy.
Serve: Cut the pancakes into wedges and serve hot. You can pair them with soy sauce or a dipping sauce of your choice.

Chinese Scallion Pancakes are an incredibly satisfying snack that perfectly complements any Chinese New Year celebration. The crispy exterior and savory, aromatic filling symbolize wealth and a prosperous year ahead. Their simplicity and delicious flavor make them a favorite among all generations, ensuring they’re always a hit at the table during festive meals.

Chinese Red Bean Paste Buns (豆沙包)

Red Bean Paste Buns, or Dou Sha Bao, are soft, fluffy buns filled with sweet red bean paste, a traditional favorite during Chinese New Year celebrations. The red bean paste inside symbolizes good luck and wealth, while the soft, pillowy texture of the buns makes them irresistible. These buns are often steamed to create a delicate, light texture that is perfect for both dessert and as a snack.

Ingredients:

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup sugar
1 packet active dry yeast
1/2 cup warm water
1 tbsp vegetable oil
1/4 tsp salt
1 cup red bean paste (store-bought or homemade)

Instructions:

Prepare the dough: In a bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. In a separate bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water and let it sit for 5-10 minutes to activate. Add the yeast mixture and vegetable oil to the flour mixture and knead until a smooth dough forms. Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rise for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Shape the buns: Punch down the dough and divide it into 10 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a small ball and flatten it into a disc. Place a spoonful of red bean paste in the center and pinch the dough around the paste to seal it, forming a round bun.
Steam the buns: Arrange the buns on a parchment-lined steamer tray, leaving space between them. Steam over medium heat for about 15-20 minutes, or until the buns are puffed and fully cooked.
Serve: Serve the buns warm for a soft, sweet treat that is perfect for any occasion.

Chinese Red Bean Paste Buns are a delightful and meaningful treat for the Chinese New Year. Their soft, fluffy texture and sweet filling make them the perfect symbol of sweetness and prosperity in the coming year. Sharing these buns with loved ones during the New Year celebration is a wonderful way to wish for happiness and good fortune.

Chinese Sweet and Sour Lotus Root (糖醋藕)

Sweet and Sour Lotus Root is a traditional Chinese dish often served as a side dish or snack during the Chinese New Year. The crisp texture of the lotus root is complemented by a tangy and sweet sauce, creating a perfect balance of flavors. Lotus root is considered a symbol of purity and strength, and this dish is popular for its unique texture and delicious taste, making it a perfect addition to any festive meal.

Ingredients:

1 medium lotus root, peeled and sliced
2 tbsp vegetable oil
2 tbsp sugar
2 tbsp rice vinegar
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp water
1 tsp sesame oil
1 tbsp sesame seeds (optional)
1/4 tsp chili flakes (optional, for a spicy kick)

Instructions:

Prepare the lotus root: Slice the peeled lotus root into thin rounds. In a pot of boiling water, blanch the lotus root slices for about 5 minutes, or until just tender. Drain and set aside.
Make the sauce: In a small bowl, mix together the sugar, rice vinegar, soy sauce, water, and sesame oil. Stir well until the sugar dissolves.
Cook the lotus root: Heat the vegetable oil in a wok or large pan over medium heat. Add the lotus root slices and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes. Pour the prepared sauce over the lotus root and cook for another 3-5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and coat the lotus root.
Serve: Garnish with sesame seeds and chili flakes (if using) before serving. Enjoy the sweet and sour flavor with the crispy lotus root.

Chinese Sweet and Sour Lotus Root is a fantastic addition to any Chinese New Year feast. Its crunchy texture paired with the tangy-sweet sauce represents harmony and balance—essential qualities for a prosperous and healthy year ahead. This dish is a great way to incorporate a unique and nutritious ingredient into your New Year’s celebration, adding both flavor and symbolism to the table.

Note: More recipes are coming soon!

1 week agoLast Updated: December 10, 2024

20 minutes read