As Chinese New Year approaches, it's time to prepare for a festive celebration filled with family, joy, and, of course, delicious food. One of the highlights of the holiday is the traditional Chinese New Year dinner, where every dish has its own significance, symbolising prosperity, longevity, and good fortune. If you're planning your Chinese New Year dinner and looking for inspiration, here are 8 dishes for Chinese New Year that feature seafood and are perfect for ensuring a prosperous start to the new year.
1. Braised Sea Cucumber for Abundance
Sea cucumber is often considered a luxury ingredient. Its name “海參” (Hai Shen), in Chinese sounds like “sheng,” the Chinese word for “give birth”. This symbolises that a family may be blessed with a new-born during the year. Braised sea cucumber is a traditional Chinese New Year dish that’s sure to impress your guests. Its tender texture and ability to absorb rich sauces make it a perfect accompaniment to other dishes. A simple sea cucumber recipe involves slow-braising it with shiitake mushrooms, oyster sauce, and a dash of Chinese wine, creating a savoury, umami-filled dish that is both delicious and auspicious. If you get dried sea cucumbers, you will need to soak them overnight or for longer hours depending on your preference for its texture. You can also save the hassle by choosing sea cucumbers that have already been soaked and are ready to cook.
2. Steamed Pomfret for Prosperity
Fish is a must-have prosperity dish during Chinese New Year, as it symbolises prosperity and surplus. Steamed pomfret is particularly popular for its delicate flesh and clean taste. A simple pomfret recipe involves steaming the fish with ginger, spring onions, and soy sauce, creating a fragrant and light dish that’s perfect for ringing in the new year with good fortune.
3. Rabbit Fish for Good Health
The rabbit fish, known for its firm texture and mild flavour, is another great choice for Chinese New Year. In many cultures, fish is believed to bring good health and vitality. A rabbit fish recipe often includes pan-frying the fish until golden and serving it with a zesty sauce made from garlic, chillies, and lime. This dish not only tastes wonderful but also represents health and vitality, ensuring a year of wellness and strength. Rabbit fish may also contain roe which is a symbol of prosperity.
4. Prawns for Joy and Happiness
Prawns are another essential ingredient in Chinese New Year dinners, symbolising happiness and joy. A popular way to prepare prawns is by stir-frying them with garlic, butter, and a touch of chilli. Some families even include a lucky element by serving prawns with their heads and tails intact, as they are thought to represent a good start and a successful end to the year. This prosperity dish is simple yet packed with flavour, ensuring that your guests are filled with joy as they usher in the new year.
5. Lobster for Wealth and Prosperity
Lobster is another seafood delicacy that is often included in Chinese New Year feasts due to its association with wealth and prosperity. A rich lobster dish, such as lobster with ginger and spring onion or lobster in a creamy garlic sauce, will make your feast unforgettable. The lobster’s bright red colour also symbolises good luck, making it a visually striking dish that’s perfect for the occasion.
6. Scallops for Luck and Success
Scallops are often seen as a symbol of wealth and success. These tender, sweet shellfish are perfect for a Chinese New Year dinner, whether they’re served stir-fried with vegetables or lightly seared with a splash of soy sauce. Their round shape represents completeness and harmony, making them a fitting addition to any auspicious dish. If you want to add extra flair, you can top your scallops with roe or serve them in a delicious broth for a luxurious touch.
7. Sweet and Sour Fish for Reconciliation
Fish prepared in a sweet and sour sauce is a dish that symbolises reconciliation and harmony, ideal for family gatherings. The balance of sweet and tangy flavours is delightful, and the fish itself represents abundance and harmony in relationships. A popular choice for this dish is grouper, although Chinese pomfret or snapper can also work wonderfully. The sweet and sour sauce, made with ketchup, vinegar, and sugar, gives the dish a vibrant colour and flavour, making it a must-try for your festive table.
8. Chinese New Year Hotpot with Seafood Medley
A hotpot is one of the most popular CNY auspicious dishes, as it encourages togetherness and sharing. A seafood hotpot with an assortment of fish, prawns, squid, and other shellfish can be the perfect way to celebrate the new year with your loved ones. The hotpot broth can be enriched with Chinese herbs and spices, adding depth to the flavours while symbolising health and longevity. Sharing a hotpot meal represents the unity of the family, making it a cherished tradition.
Bring the Flavours of Chinese New Year to Your Table
These 8 dishes for Chinese New Year are not only delicious but also symbolise good fortune, wealth, health, and happiness. Incorporating these seafood delicacies into your Chinese New Year dinner ensures that you and your loved ones start the year off with prosperity and joy. From the luxurious braised sea cucumber to the simple yet auspicious steamed pomfret, these dishes are perfect for creating a memorable and meaningful meal. Create these 8 dishes for Chinese New Year with high-quality seafood only from Seaco, Singapore’s most trusted seafood supplier.
FAQs
1. What is a popular dish to prepare with lobster for Chinese New Year?
A popular dish to prepare with lobster for Chinese New Year is Lobster with Ginger and Spring Onion. This classic recipe combines the sweet, tender meat of the lobster with the aromatic flavours of ginger and spring onion, creating a dish that is both fragrant and delicious. The lobster, known for symbolising wealth and prosperity, makes it a perfect addition to your festive spread. For an extra touch of luxury, you can also try Lobster in a Creamy Garlic Sauce, which is sure to impress your guests and bring good fortune to your celebration.
2. How do I ensure the seafood I buy is fresh for my Chinese New Year feast?
To ensure you’re getting the freshest seafood for your Chinese New Year feast, it’s important to choose a reputable supplier that prioritises quality and freshness. Look for suppliers that offer sustainably sourced seafood and deliver products that are properly chilled or frozen to maintain their freshness. At Seaco Online, we ensure that our seafood, including sea cucumber, pomfret, and rabbit fish, and more is carefully selected and delivered to your door, so you can confidently prepare your festive dishes with the finest ingredients.