8 Best Chinese-American Inspired Recipes To Cook For CNY 

Are you a beginner in the kitchen but want to impress your family and friends with some delicious Chinese New Year dishes? Look no further! We have compiled a list of the 8 best CNY recipes that are perfect for beginners. Whether you're craving dumplings, chicken, shrimp, beef, or tofu, we've got you covered. These recipes are easy to follow and require basic ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. From the classic Chinese dumplings to the flavorful Kung Pao shrimp, each dish is packed with authentic flavors that will transport you to the heart of China. So, put on your apron and get ready to celebrate the Lunar New Year with these mouthwatering dishes. Let's get cooking!

Classic Chinese Dumplings

Let's dive into the world of mouthwatering dumplings, a must-try classic for any beginner cook during Chinese New Year! Dumplings, also known as jiaozi, are a staple dish that symbolizes wealth and prosperity. Making dumplings from scratch might seem intimidating, but it's actually quite simple. First, prepare the filling by combining minced meat (like pork or chicken), finely chopped vegetables, and seasonings. Then, wrap the filling in dumpling wrappers, which can be easily found at Asian grocery stores. To cook the dumplings, you can either boil, steam, or pan-fry them. Serve the dumplings with a dipping sauce made from soy sauce, vinegar, and chili oil. These dumplings are not only delicious but also a fun activity to do with family and friends during the festive season!

Sweet and Sour Chicken

Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with a mouthwatering, homemade Sweet and Sour Chicken that will have you feeling like a culinary pro in no time. This classic Chinese dish is the perfect introduction to cooking for beginners. The combination of crispy chicken, tangy sauce, and colorful vegetables creates a delightful explosion of flavors in every bite. To make this dish, start by marinating chicken pieces in a mixture of soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and cornstarch. Then, fry the chicken until golden brown and set it aside. In a separate pan, stir-fry bell peppers, onions, and pineapple chunks before adding the sweet and sour sauce. Finally, combine the chicken with the sauce and vegetables, and simmer until everything is heated through. Serve this delicious Sweet and Sour Chicken over steamed rice for a complete and satisfying meal.

Kung Pao Shrimp

Indulge in the irresistible flavors of Kung Pao Shrimp, where succulent shrimp are stir-fried with crunchy peanuts and vibrant vegetables, creating a tantalizing dish that will leave you craving for more. This classic Chinese recipe is perfect for beginners looking to impress their friends and family during the Chinese New Year celebrations. To make Kung Pao Shrimp, start by marinating the shrimp in a mixture of soy sauce, rice vinegar, and ginger for about 15 minutes. Then, heat some oil in a wok and stir-fry the shrimp until they turn pink and opaque. Add in the peanuts, bell peppers, and dried chili peppers, and continue stir-frying until the vegetables are tender-crisp. Finish off the dish with a drizzle of sesame oil and serve it over steamed rice for a delicious and satisfying meal.

Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry

Savor the tender and flavorful combination of beef and broccoli in this easy-to-make stir-fry dish. This classic Chinese dish is perfect for beginners looking to impress their friends and family during Chinese New Year celebrations. To make this dish, start by marinating thinly sliced beef in a mixture of soy sauce, garlic, and ginger for about 15 minutes. Then, stir-fry the beef in a hot wok until it's browned and cooked through. Next, add in the broccoli florets and stir-fry for a few minutes until they are crisp-tender. Finally, toss the beef and broccoli together with a sauce made from soy sauce, oyster sauce, and cornstarch to thicken. Serve this delicious stir-fry over steamed rice for a complete and satisfying meal.

Spring Rolls with Dipping Sauce

Whip up a batch of these delectable spring rolls filled with fresh vegetables and served with a tangy dipping sauce. Spring rolls are a popular dish during Chinese New Year celebrations, and they are perfect for beginners to try their hand at. To make the filling, you will need a variety of crunchy vegetables such as cabbage, carrots, and bean sprouts. Simply chop them into thin strips and mix them together. Then, wrap the filling in rice paper wrappers, which are readily available at most grocery stores. Fry the spring rolls until they are golden and crispy. For the dipping sauce, combine soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, and chili for a flavorful kick. These spring rolls are a delicious addition to your Chinese New Year feast and are sure to impress your guests.

General Tso's Tofu

Prepare a batch of General Tso's tofu for a delightful twist on a classic Chinese dish, featuring crispy tofu chunks coated in a sweet and savory sauce. To start, drain a block of tofu and cut it into bite-sized pieces. In a bowl, combine cornstarch, salt, and pepper, and toss the tofu in this mixture until evenly coated. Heat oil in a pan and fry the tofu until golden brown and crispy.

In a separate saucepan, combine soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes. Cook this sauce over medium heat until it thickens slightly. Add the fried tofu to the sauce and toss until well-coated. Serve hot, garnished with sesame seeds and sliced green onions.

General Tso's tofu is a flavorful and satisfying dish that even beginners can master. Its combination of crispy tofu and tangy sauce makes it a popular choice for Chinese New Year celebrations. Enjoy this vegetarian option as a main course or serve it as an appetizer at your next gathering.

Fried Rice with Vegetables

Get ready to enjoy a delicious and nutritious meal with this easy recipe for fried rice packed with flavorful vegetables. This dish is perfect for beginners as it requires simple ingredients and basic cooking techniques. To start, heat some oil in a pan and sauté diced onions and minced garlic until fragrant. Then, add chopped carrots, peas, and bell peppers, and cook until tender. Push the vegetables to one side of the pan and add beaten eggs to the other side, scrambling them until cooked. Next, add cooked rice and soy sauce to the pan, stirring everything together until well combined. Finally, garnish with chopped green onions and serve hot. This fried rice with vegetables is a versatile and satisfying dish that is sure to impress your taste buds.

Sesame Noodles with Veggies

After exploring the deliciousness of Fried Rice with Vegetables, let's dive into another delightful dish for beginners: Sesame Noodles with Veggies. This recipe is perfect for those who want to add a touch of Asian flavors to their Chinese New Year feast. The star of this dish is the silky and chewy noodles coated in a delectable sesame sauce. The nutty aroma of sesame, combined with the crunchiness of fresh vegetables, creates a harmonious blend of textures and flavors. It's a simple yet satisfying dish that can be whipped up in no time. Whether you're a novice in the kitchen or a seasoned chef, these Sesame Noodles with Veggies will surely impress your loved ones during the festive celebrations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some common ingredients used in classic Chinese dumplings?

Some common ingredients used in classic Chinese dumplings include ground pork, cabbage, scallions, ginger, garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil, and Chinese rice wine. These ingredients are typically mixed together and wrapped in dumpling wrappers before being cooked.

 How long does it take to make sweet and sour chicken?

It typically takes about 30-40 minutes to make sweet and sour chicken. The chicken is usually coated in a batter, fried until crispy, and then tossed in a tangy sauce.

What type of shrimp is traditionally used in Kung Pao shrimp?

The type of shrimp traditionally used in kung pao shrimp is usually large, succulent, and firm-textured. It is commonly made with either tiger shrimp or jumbo shrimp for a deliciously flavorful dish.

Can I substitute the beef in beef and broccoli stir-fry with another protein?

Yes, you can substitute the beef in beef and broccoli stir-fry with other proteins like chicken, tofu, or shrimp to customize the dish according to your preferences or dietary restrictions.

What is the main difference between spring rolls and egg rolls?

Spring rolls and egg rolls are both popular Asian appetizers, but the main difference lies in their wrappers. Spring rolls are typically wrapped in thin rice paper, while egg rolls are wrapped in a thicker, egg-based wrapper.

Conclusion

In conclusion, these 8 CNY recipes are perfect for beginners looking to try their hand at Chinese cuisine. From classic dumplings to sweet and sour chicken, each dish offers a delicious taste of authentic flavors. Whether you prefer seafood, meat, or vegetarian options, there is something for everyone to enjoy. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, these recipes are a great way to celebrate the Chinese New Year and impress your friends and family with your cooking skills. So why not give them a try and add some Asian flair to your next meal?