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    Home » Recipes » Recipe Roundups

    36 Easy Chinese New Year Recipes - The Year of the Snake

    January 17, 2025 · Published: January 17, 2025 By: Asian Inspired Eats 4 Comments

    This collection of 36 Easy Chinese New Year Recipes features a variety of popular Chinese dishes for celebrating this festive Asian holiday. From heartwarming soups to tasty appetizers to traditional main dishes and desserts, there's something here for everyone to enjoy!

    A white bowl of Chinese Curry Chicken with red chili peppers on top and on the side along with a Chinese spoon on top of a white wooden board. this recipe

    When is the 2025 Chinese new year?

    It's the Year of the Snake! The Lunar New Year officially begins on January 29th at sundown, and ends on February 12th. People all over the world celebrate the new year in accordance with the traditional lunar calendar. It's the biggest holiday in China, with celebrations lasting for weeks!

    Some of the traditions and festivities include gifting money in red paper envelopes, and lighting firecrackers. But by far, the best tradition is always the food. It's a time to feast! So, join along and celebrate with this roundup of delicious, Chinese recipes that you can make at home in your own kitchen!

    Chinese Soups

    A large bowl filled with Chinese egg drop soup on top of a gray surface with a white spoon and beige napkin on the side.

    Chinese egg drop soup

    This velvety, Chinese Egg Drop Soup is so beyond easy to make! If you're craving a bowl of cozy soup during these chilly months, this velvety, restaurant-style soup is just what you need. It's easy, satisfying, nourishing, and healthy!

    Read more about the origins of Chinese egg drop soup!

    Two bowls filled with wonton soup and chopsticks and a white spoon on the side.

    Easy wonton soup

    This easy and healthy Wonton Soup recipe uses store-bought, frozen potstickers (wontons) for a quick and delicious Asian soup that you'll savor all winter long. This classic Chinese soup is full of healthy vegetables and homemade broth that's ready in just 15 minutes!

    Watch the video, and learn how easy it is to make this restaurant-style Wonton Soup!

    A large white bowl filled with Chinese hot and soup soup with a small bowl of sliced scallions on the side.

    Classic hot and sour soup

    This Classic Hot and Sour Soup recipe is quick and easy to make, and full of delicious flavors. No need for Chinese takeout when you can make this at home in your own kitchen!

    Chinese Appetizers

    Vegan Avocado Egg Rolls stacked on a white marbled plate on top of a blue board with a small bowl of sour cream in the background.

    Air fryer avocado egg rolls

    Crispy on the outside, tender and delicious on the inside, these healthy, Air Fryer Avocado Egg Rolls have all the flavor, but none of the guilt. These vegan, Chinese homemade egg rolls are so perfect for entertaining!

    Pork Potstickers held by chopsticks on a black plate with a clear glass bowl of dipping sauce on a dark wooden board

    Easy pork potstickers

    These easy Pork Potstickers are filled with ground pork, fresh ginger and garlic. This "better-than-takeout" Chinese appetizer includes a soy dipping sauce recipe for even more flavor in every bite!

    Chinese eggplant dip

    Wait until you see how easy it is to make this Chinese Eggplant Dip! Roast up the Chinese eggplant, purple onions, garlic cloves, and red bell peppers. Throw it into a food processor along with some sesame oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sambal oelek, and fresh cilantro. That's it! No, really that's it!

    A poster image for the 2025 Chinese New Year, year of the snake, yellow background and a red snake.

    What is the year of the snake?

    If you were born in 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, or 2025, you are known as a Snake. The snake symbolizes wisdom, intuition, and transformation, while offering personal growth and change opportunities.

    A round blue plate with two chinese steamed pork buns and a bamboo steamer on the side placed on top of a gray surface.

    Chinese steamed pork buns

    These pillowy Chinese Steamed Pork Buns are restaurant quality, but homemade in your own kitchen! Learn how to make this popular street food recipe for the Chinese New Year!

    A white bowl filled with Chinese salt and pepper chicken wings on a gray surface with a linen napkin on the side.

    Salt and pepper chicken wings

    Crispy, golden, and finger-licking good, these are going to be the best Salt and Pepper Chicken Wings you’ve ever made! With only five pantry ingredients, these flavorful, but budget-friendly, wings are going to become a favorite appetizer or game-day snack! And, they're baked, not fried!

    Air fryer crab rangoon lined up on a plate with a small white bowl of sweet chili dipping sauce in the middle of the plate.

    Air fryer crab rangoon

    Crab Rangoon is a Chinese take-out favorite, and now you can make your own at home in your air fryer! Wonton wrappers are filled with real crab meat, cream cheese, scallions, garlic, and soy sauce and air-fried until crispy. It's so much healthier than deep frying!

    Crispy salt and pepper tofu cubes piled on top of sauteed vegetables on a round blue plate with a small bowl of salt on the side.

    Crispy salt and pepper tofu

    This vegetarian Crispy Salt and Pepper Tofu appetizer is crispy on the outside and silky on the inside. So perfect for entertaining! When you make this Chinese dish for the first time, BE WARNED! -- you will become obsessed! I promise you, this tofu nibbler will be on the top of your list of faves.

    Watch the video to learn how to make this popular, Crispy Salt and Pepper Tofu!

    Chinese Main Dishes

    A pair of chopsticks on top of a white bowl filled with Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef on white rice, with a bowl of Mongolian beef in the background on top of a gray surface.

    Slow cooker mongolian beef

    This Chinese-style, Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef recipe features tender flank steak marinated in a slightly sweet and savory sauce with garlic, ginger, brown sugar, and soy sauce. This easy slow cooker recipe is perfect for those busy weeknights!

    Chinese salt and pepper shrimp in a black bowl with sautéed vegetables and herbs, and a pair of chopsticks on top on a gray surface with a gray linen on the side.

    Chinese salt and pepper shrimp

    Chinese Salt and Pepper Shrimp are crispy, spicy, and aromatic. Pan-fried shrimp are tossed in a sauté of spicy chili peppers, garlic, and herbs in this easy, restaurant-style shrimp recipe that comes together in just 30 minutes!

    A white bowl of Chinese Curry Chicken with red chili peppers on top and on the side along with a Chinese spoon on top of a white wooden board.

    Chinese curry chicken

    Chinese Curry Chicken is a traditional Chinese New Year dish that will dance in your mouth! Made with tender chicken thighs, aromatic red curry paste, turmeric powder, tangy lemongrass, and a bit of heat from dried chili peppers, it's a one-pot meal that's a cinch to prepare!

    Watch the video to learn how easy it is to make this traditional Chinese Curry Chicken dish!

    Slow cooker honey garlic chicken over white rice topped with sliced scallions placed in two white bowls with a pair of chopsticks on top and a small bowl of sesame seeds on the side, on a marble surface.

    Slow cooker honey garlic chicken

    This easy, Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken recipe features tender, succulent chicken infused with the mouthwatering flavors of sweet honey and aromatic garlic, all simmered to perfection in your handy slow cooker!

    Chinese five spice pork tenderloin slices in a black bowl with brown rice and a pair of chopsticks.

    Chinese five spice pork tenderloin

    This Chinese Five Spice Pork Tenderloin is an easy and incredibly flavorful dinner recipe. The Chinese five spice combined with the garlic and pork, and the sauce... OMG! Enjoy it with steamed rice and your favorite side dish, then save the leftovers for sandwiches, soups, or salads.

    Watch the video to learn how to make this flavorful Chinese Five Spice Pork Tenderloin dish!

    Pork Lo Mein in two black bowls with chopsticks and a green napkin on top of a white board.

    Instant pot pork lo mein

    This quick and easy Instant Pot Pork Lo Mein comes together in just 20 minutes in your Instant Pot. Featuring tender pieces of pork, crispy veggies, and a knock-out sauce, it's the perfect family meal for those busy weeknights!

    Pieces of crispy, golden brown chicken chili on a white plate topped with chopped scallions.

    Crispy chili chicken

    Crispy shredded chicken is coated in a sweet and spicy chili sauce in this easy Crispy Chicken Chili recipe. Not only is this Chinese dish a real crowd pleaser, but it’s delicious and very simple to put together. It’s the perfect meal to make when you’re in the mood for Chinese fake-out take-out!

    Chicken chow mein

    This is a super tasty Chicken Chow Mein recipe with succulent pieces of marinated chicken and lots of fresh veggies, tossed in a yummy umami sauce that requires just 20 minutes of cooking and prep time!

    Beef and broccoli stir fry and white rice in a round blue bowl and a wok filled with stir fry, with a pair of wooden chopsticks and a linen napkin on the side, on top of a white wooden board.

    Stir-Fry Beef and Broccoli

    This classic Stir-Fry Beef and Broccoli is so easy to prep and cook! And, for all of you steak and broccoli lovers, the flavor is outstanding! No need to order Chinese take-out when you can make this at home in just 30 minutes!

    Cauliflower fried rice with crab topped with a fried egg and drizzled with sriracha sauce in two bows on top of a white wooden board with a linen napkin on the side.

    Easy cauliflower fried rice with crab

    A drizzle of sriracha sauce completes this healthy Cauliflower Fried Rice with Crab. And that fried egg on top! So good! This super flavorful recipe will have you convinced that it's the really white rice. It's that good!

    Two round white plates with General Tso's Shrimp and Tofu with a pair of blue and white chopsticks on top and a side of white rice, on a marble surface.

    Skinnyish General Tso's Shrimp and Tofu

    My Skinnyish General Tso's Shrimp and Tofu is a lighter version of General Tso's classic Chinese recipe! Still full of amazing flavor, this lower-fat version is not battered and deep fried, but stir-fried with my special sweet and spicy sauce.

    Panda express eggplant tofu in two white bowls with white rice and chopsticks and sauces on the side.

    Panda express eggplant tofu copycat

    This copycat recipe of Panda Express Eggplant Tofu combines crispy tofu, fried eggplants, and red peppers with a sticky sweet and spicy sauce. It's packed with layers of flavor, and it's vegan and gluten free!

    Garlic noodles with shrimp on top with chopsticks in a white bowl and another bowl in the background on top of a linen napkin.

    Garlic noodles with shrimp

    Asian-inspired, flavorful garlic butter noodles are tossed in a fish sauce/oyster sauce mixture, along with juicy, seared shrimp and green onions in this Chinese Garlic Noodles and Shrimp dish. It's a delicious, easy weeknight dinner!

    Chinese Salads and Side Dishes

    A large black bowl filled with Chinese chicken salad featuring shredded chicken, shredded carrots, broccoli slaw, scallions, water chestnuts and chow mein noodles, with a pair of brown chopsticks on top and a linen napkin on the side.

    Chinese chicken salad

    This vibrant, Easy Chinese Chicken Salad recipe features shredded chicken, crunchy vegetables and Chow Mein noodles, tossed in a tangy Asian dressing. If you love a quick and easy chicken salad, then this recipe is for you!

    Smashed cucumber salad in a gray bowl with wooden chopsticks on top and a small white bowl of chili oil and a checkered napkin on the side.

    Smashed cucumber salad

    This popular Chinese Smashed Cucumber Salad is so healthy and refreshing. Tossed in a zingy dressing, this beautiful salad comes together in just 10 minutes. And, there are only a handful of ingredients in this salad, making it beyond easy to prepare!

    Chinese scallion pancakes on a white plate, on top of a black baking rack.

    Chinese scallion pancakes

    Chinese Scallion Pancakes often make an appearance on dim sum menus, and are served as street food in China. These scallion pancakes are savory, chewy, crispy from the outside, and flaky from the inside. Perfect as an appetizer or side dish!

    Chinese Garlic Green Beans on a round white plate with a pair of brown chopsticks and green beans in a frying pan on the side with a napkin.

    Chinese garlic green beans

    This stir-fry Chinese Garlic Green Beans recipe is a super easy side dish! The green beans are blistered until tender, and tossed with tons of garlic and a spicy Asian sauce that is out of this world!

    Cut up squares of Chinese turnip cake on various plates with black bean sauce in a bowl on the side on top of a wooden board.

    Chinese turnip cake

    This traditional steamed Chinese turnip cake is made with daikon radish, Chinese sausage, shiitake mushrooms, dried shrimp, and dried scallops. It's a delicious side dish that's traditionally served during the Chinese New Year because it's associated with good luck!

    Cooked whole baby bok choy on a plate sprinkled with red pepper flakes.

    Baby bok choy with ginger and garlic

    This beautiful side dish, Baby Bok Choy with Ginger and Garlic, is loaded with nutrients and antioxidants. It's a superfood that's quick and easy, and so delicious! Baby bok choy is a colorful accompaniment to most Asian entrees.

    Crispy tofu cubes in a sweet and sour sauce on a round white plate with chopsticks, with a red napkin on the side.

    Healthy vegetarian sweet and sour tofu

    This Chinese-inspired, Vegetarian Sweet and Sour Tofu will rock your world! It's my take on the classic Chinese sweet and sour recipe, but with a healthier twist. It's the perfect balance of heat, sweet, and acid!

    Chinese Desserts

    Chinese almond cookies stacked on a round plate, with a small bowl of whole almonds on the side.

    Easy Chinese egg tarts

    These gorgeous Chinese Egg Tarts have a sweet egg custard middle encased in puff pastry dough. They're like little sunshine custards! You'll find these sweet treats at most Chinese restaurants, especially during the Chinese New Year.

    Chinese almond cookies stacked on a round plate, with a small bowl of whole almonds on the side.

    Chinese almond cookies

    It's traditional to make these Chinese Almond Cookies during the Chinese New Year to give as gifts to family and friends. But these delicious gems are great to enjoy all year round! These almond cookies are crunchy and flavorful, with buttery goodness in every bite!

    Coconut mango tapioca pudding layered in a glass dessert cup with other puddings in the background.

    Coconut mango sago tapioca pudding

    Coconut Mango Sago Tapioca Pudding uses tapioca pearls, mango, and coconut milk to make a dessert that's both beautiful and delicious! Layers of creamy, silky coconut tapioca pudding and mango topped with grated coconut create the perfect Chinese-inspired treat.

    Homemade fortune cookies with a red Chinese takeout box on top of a white surface.

    Homemade fortune cookies

    What could be more festive for celebrating the Chinese New Year than Homemade Fortune Cookies? This easy and fun recipe walks you through the steps, but you'll have to create your own fortunes to stuff inside!

    Skewers of Tanghulu Chinese candied fruit on a baking sheet including skewers of strawberries, grapes, and blueberries.

    Tanghulu candied fruit

    Tanghulu Chinese Candied Fruit is an irresistible Chinese street food consisting of skewered fruit coated in hardened sugar syrup. This creates a sweet, crunchy shell around the fruit that makes for the perfect bite every time! It's also a favorite among Chinese children and adults alike!

    Golden Chinese pineapple tarts cooling on a baking rack with a batch of tarts on a baking tray in the background.

    Homemade pineapple tarts

    Make the best melt-in-your mouth, golden Homemade Pineapple Tarts with this easy recipe. These tarts (a.k.a. buns) are a Chinese bakery classic enjoyed all year round, but are most popular during the Chinese New Year.

    Frequent FAQ's

    What does the red envelope mean for Chinese New Year?

    Chinese New Year red envelopes are a traditional gift for children or older people during Chinese New Year. In China, those who receive a red envelope are wished another safe and peaceful year.

    What foods are eaten on Chinese New Year?

    Traditional New Year foods include longevity noodles, a whole steamed fish for abundance, sticky rice balls for togetherness, dumplings, pork, and more.

    A collage of images of Chinese dishes for the Chinese New Year.

    May these delicious, 36 Easy Chinese New Year Recipes usher in good luck and happiness for you and your family! “Guo Nian Hao” 新年快乐, as they say in China!

    Want more recipes like this?

    If you liked this roundup of delicious Chinese recipes, you're going to want these Asian-inspired, roundup recipes too!

    • 15 Fast and Easy Thai Recipes
    • 18 Easy Asian Fried Rice Recipes
    • 20 Healthy Asian Salad Recipes
    • 17 Ways to Make Sushi at Home
    A photo collage grid of popular Chinese New Year dishes, from soups to appetizers to main dishes to desserts.

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Lisa Mayles says

      January 29, 2024 at 8:17 am

      I’ve made a bunch of these Chinese recipes that have turned out great! I’m going to make some of these new ones for a family party. They look amazingly delicious!

      Reply
      • Asian Inspired Eats says

        January 29, 2024 at 8:19 am

        Love that you've tried some of these already! This larger collection of Chinese-inspired recipes should give you plenty to work with for your family party! Let me know how they turn out!

        Reply
    2. Cyndee Kramer says

      January 16, 2023 at 8:23 am

      I’m so excited to try these Chinese recipes! I’m tired of takeout and never know what ingredients I’m putting in my mouth! I’ll post some pics once I make some of these. Happy Chinese New Year! ❤️

      Reply
      • Asian Caucasian says

        January 16, 2023 at 8:25 am

        I'm excited for you to try these Chinese recipes too! I hope you find them healthier, and easy to prepare. I agree, no more takeout!

        Reply

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    A photo collage grid of popular Chinese New Year dishes, from soups to appetizers to main dishes to desserts.
    A photo collage grid of popular Chinese New Year dishes, from soups to appetizers to main dishes to desserts.