Chinese New Year 2016 Recipes

Introduction

As someone who loves cooking, I’m always excited to explore new recipes and cuisines. With Chinese New Year 2016 just around the corner, I thought it would be the perfect opportunity to delve into some delicious Chinese dishes. In this article, I’ll be sharing my favorite Chinese New Year recipes, along with some interesting facts and tips.

Curiosities, Statistics and Facts About Chinese New Year 2016 Recipes

• Chinese New Year 2016 falls on February 8th.
• It is the Year of the Monkey.
• Chinese New Year is the longest and most important celebration in the Chinese calendar.
• Chinese families gather together for annual reunion dinners on New Year’s Eve.
• It’s traditional to eat dumplings during Chinese New Year, as they symbolize wealth and prosperity.
• Red is the dominant color during Chinese New Year, as it represents good luck and fortune.
• Chinese New Year celebrations last for 15 days.

My Favorite Chinese New Year Recipes

Here are some of my favorite Chinese New Year recipes that I’m sure you’ll love:

1. Dumplings

As I mentioned earlier, dumplings are a staple during Chinese New Year celebrations. Here’s my recipe for delicious dumplings:

• Ingredients:
• 1 pack dumpling wrappers
• 1 pound ground pork
• 1 cup chopped napa cabbage
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 2 teaspoons minced ginger
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• Instructions:
1. Mix together the ground pork, chopped napa cabbage, soy sauce, sesame oil, minced ginger, salt, and sugar in a large bowl.
2. Take a dumpling wrapper and place a spoonful of the pork mixture in the center.
3. Wet the edges of the wrapper with water and fold it in half, pressing the edges together to seal.
4. Repeat with the remaining dumpling wrappers and pork mixture.
5. Boil the dumplings in a large pot of water for 6-8 minutes, or until they float to the surface.
6. Remove the dumplings from the water with a slotted spoon and serve hot with soy sauce or dipping sauce of your choice.

2. Kung Pao Chicken

Kung Pao Chicken is a spicy and flavorful dish that’s sure to impress your guests. Here’s how to make it:

• Ingredients:
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into small cubes
• 1/2 cup peanuts
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon chili paste
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Instructions:
1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over high heat.
2. Add the chicken cubes and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes, or until golden brown.
3. Add the chopped bell peppers, onion, and garlic to the skillet and stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, cornstarch, chili paste, sugar, and salt.
5. Pour the sauce over the chicken and vegetables in the skillet and stir-fry for another 1-2 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.
6. Stir in the peanuts and serve hot over rice.

3. Longevity Noodles

Longevity noodles are a must-have during Chinese New Year celebrations, as they symbolize long life. Here’s my recipe:

• Ingredients:
• 1 pound fresh Chinese egg noodles
• 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms
• 1/2 cup sliced carrots
• 1/2 cup sliced bamboo shoots
• 1/4 cup sliced green onions
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Instructions:
1. Cook the noodles according to the package instructions.
2. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add the sliced mushrooms, carrots, bamboo shoots, green onions, and minced garlic to the skillet and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, sugar, and salt.
5. Drain the cooked noodles and add them to the skillet with the vegetables.
6. Pour the sauce over the noodles and vegetables and stir-fry for another 1-2 minutes, or until everything is heated through.
7. Serve hot.

Expert Quotes

Here’s what some experts have to say about Chinese New Year recipes:

Chinese New Year is a time for family, friends, and delicious food. Dumplings, Kung Pao Chicken, and Longevity Noodles are all traditional dishes that are sure to please any crowd.

One of the things I love about Chinese New Year is the opportunity to experiment with new flavors and ingredients. Don’t be afraid to try something new!

Personal Experiences

Chinese New Year is a special time for me and my family, as we always gather together for a big feast. One year, I decided to make homemade dumplings for the first time, and it was definitely an adventure. It took me a few tries to get the folding technique just right, but the end result was delicious and my family was impressed.

Another year, I decided to make Kung Pao Chicken for our New Year’s Eve dinner. I had never cooked with chili paste before, and I was a little nervous about how spicy it would be. But it turned out to be the perfect amount of heat, and everyone loved it.

Longevity Noodles are a must-have for our Chinese New Year celebrations, and they always remind me of my grandmother. She used to make them every year, and I’ve kept up the tradition in her honor.

FAQs

What are some traditional Chinese New Year foods?

Some traditional Chinese New Year foods include dumplings, fish, spring rolls, noodles, and rice cakes.

What does the Year of the Monkey signify?

The Year of the Monkey signifies intelligence, cleverness, and innovation.

What are some other popular Chinese dishes?

Other popular Chinese dishes include fried rice, stir-fry, hot and sour soup, and moo shu pork.

What are some tips for cooking Chinese food?

Some tips for cooking Chinese food include using high heat, preparing ingredients in advance, and using a wok or large skillet.

What are some common Chinese New Year traditions?

Some common Chinese New Year traditions include giving red envelopes filled with money, cleaning the house before the New Year, and setting off fireworks.