Lunar New Year Recipe Roundup

Lunar New Year arrives not with a whisper, but with movement (no wonder January feels like it passed so quickly). It is a celebration shaped by memory and meaning, where the table becomes a gathering place for intention, reflection, and most of all, hope.

As the calendar turns, 2026 ushers in the Year of the Horse. Known for its symbolism of strength, freedom, and perseverance, the Horse encourages us to move boldly into the year ahead- guided by purpose, fueled by the promise of new beginnings, and sustained by shared meals that are rich with tradition.

This curated collection of Lunar New Year recipes recognizes time-honored customs while embracing the rhythm of a modern feast- a table where symbolism meets flavor.

Lucky Foods for Lunar New Year

Journalist Jennifer 8. Lee wrote, "Food is an intimate language that everyone understands, everyone shares. It is the primary ambassador of first contact between cultures, one that transcends spoken language..."

Like with every culture, food lies at the heart of Lunar New Year celebrations, each dish chosen not only for its flavor, but for the intention it carries into the year ahead. These lucky foods are our guide for this year's menu:

Dumplings symbolize wealth and prosperity because their shape is reminiscent of ancient gold ingots.
Noodles represent longevity because of their length and should never be cut.
Fish signifies abundance and surplus, as the word "fish" sounds like "prosperity" in Chinese.
Spring Rolls represent wealth and prosperity since they are fried to look like gold bars.

Appetizers to Begin the Celebration

Bulgogi Eggrolls - These sweet and spicy Korean Beef (Bulgogi) Eggrolls feature beef marinated in fresh ginger, lots of garlic, fresh chili paste, brown sugar, and soy sauce. This creates a delicious combination of sweet and spicy set against a savory umami background. Wrapped in crisped fried eggroll wrappers, these are perfect for your New Year's gathering.
Steamed Pork Dumplings - I'm a sucker for a juicy dumpling packed with a meaty stuffing that's equal parts luscious flavor and rich aroma. Whether dropped in soup, tossed with noodles, or served as a side to a larger entrée, a good dumpling is a feast for the senses. These dumplings feature a pork and roasted garlic filling, prepared with fresh ginger, Korean red pepper, and sesame oil, folded into steamed wrappers.
Fried Pork Wontons - These air-fried teriyaki wontons are stuffed with a mix of pork sausage, fresh ginger, and chili paste. Delicious on their own with a bit of homemade duck sauce or chili-honey sauce, these are also great tossed with noodles!

Noodles for Longevity

Ramen Noodle Stir Fry - We've taken the noodles portion of the 'ramen equation,' combining it with chicken, assorted vegetables, a medley of seasonings, and then stir-frying that together to create a deliciously complex 'Ramen Stir Fry.'
Sweet & Spicy Orange Beef with Rice Noodles - These silky rice noodles are topped with sirloin marinated in a sweet and spicy orange sauce, then plated with broccoli florets and kale for a vibrant, wholesome dish.
Soba Noodle Stir Fry - This quick & easy Soba Noodle Stir Fry is tossed with beef and veggies for a wholesome and satisfying meal that's perfect for any night of the week.

Soups for Purity and New Beginnings

Ramen and Beef Soup - This beef and noodle soup is layered with savory flavors- from the 'pleasant brine' of nori seaweed, to a delicious mix of teriyaki, soy sauce, ginger, and sesame oil, today's soup features a medley of familiar umami flavors.
Wonton Soup - We're unraveling the secrets to crafting the perfect Wonton Soup, and we'll be doing so with a delicious blend of a rich, aromatic broth and delicately handcrafted wontons.
Seaweed and Ginger Soup - This bowl combines the bright notes of fresh ginger and sweet onion, with savory chicken broth and a hint of spice from red pepper. All of that combines beautifully with the 'saltwater brine' of nori seaweed. To serve, we ladled it over chicken and white rice.

Main Dishes for a Prosperous Feast

Shrimp Tempura - Using only simple ingredients and requiring just a few easy steps, if you can fry up some jumbo shrimp, I promise you can make this popular Japanese dish. While our shrimp tempura is hearty enough to serve as a main course on its own, maybe alongside white rice or a seaweed salad, it's also light enough to serve in bento boxes or as a side to heavier dishes.
Wanja-jeon - Translates to Korean Beef & Tofu Patties, ours are made with a twist. These patties are a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for any occasion, especially Lunar New Year.
Spicy Korean Pork - Thinnly sliced pork is prepared with a gochujang marinade that's equal parts sweet, spicy, and smoky. This platter is perfect wrapped in Mandarin Pancakes or served plated over greens or rice.

Meatless Main Dishes to Impress

Easy Fried Salt and Pepper Tofu - This recipe cooks up crispy cubes of golden-brown tofu, complete with the delightful aroma of sizzling garlic, ginger, and scallions.
Crispy Tofu Steaks - These 'steaks' are the perfect foundation for so many delicious dishes. They're hearty and satisfying, yet light and crisp. Served alongside a spicy sauce, over noodles, or in a Bao bun, these are a great meatless option.
Honey Garlic Tofu and Noodles - Tofu is a perfect canvas for flavor. There are a million ways to serve and enjoy this versatile ingredient. One of my favorites is this honey garlic marinated recipe. Serve with noodles or rice, or even a bowl of soup!

Dipping Sauces for Bold Flavors

Easy Homemade Sweet and Spicy Chili Sauce Recipe

Sweet and Spicy Chili Sauce - This delicious sauce uses six simple ingredients and can be prepared in minutes. It serves deliciously as a condiment for things like veggies and dumplings, is great as a mix-in for rice, and is perfect as a glaze for cooking chicken or pork.
Sesame Chili Sauce - Sweet, spicy, and just a bit nutty, this Sesame Chili Sauce is a simple yet delicious addition to everything from noodles to salmon to sliced veggies. It's not just great for dipping or drizzling, but also marinating.
Chili Crisp Sauce - If you're looking to add some lusciously sweet sizzles to your next meal, look no further. This simple and delicious recipe takes just minutes to make, uses just five super basic ingredients, and can be prepared ahead of time for added convenience.
Homemade Teriyaki Sauce - Perfect for beginners and seasoned cooks alike, our teriyaki sauce stands out for its simplicity, deep flavor, and flexibility.

Sweet Treats to Ring in the New Year

Chinese Egg Tarts - These creamy Chinese Egg Tarts are ultra-light and easy to make with a lightly sweet custard baked into flaky pastry shells. They're one of our most popular Lunar New Year recipes for a reason.
Almond Cookies - Some recipes reflect different cultures, but are at their core quite similar, which is a beautiful example of unity. Our almond cookies are similar to the traditional Chinese variation- buttery and crumbly, symbolizing good fortune with their coin-like shape and almond topping.

Whether honoring cherished traditions or creating new ones, the Lunar New Year table is an invitation to gather, to move forward with intention, and to welcome possibility.

May your Lunar New Year be filled with abundance, vitality, and dishes that nourish both body and spirit- a joyful beginning to the year ahead.