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The Lunar New Year is here! A celebration of renewal, prosperity, and togetherness that’s all about sharing joy and, of course, tasty food. Whether you’re hosting a feast or keeping it cozy, frozen foods are your secret to crafting traditional dishes with convenience. Explore our easy recipes for Chinese New Year that make prepping for this festive season a breeze while keeping the flavors authentically delicious.

Lunar New Year Food Traditions

Did you know that Chinese New Year is a 15-day celebration steeped in history and symbolism? Families gather to honor their heritage and share dishes that represent good fortune, health, and happiness. Classic staples include:

  • Dumplings for wealth.
  • Longevity Noodles for a long life.
  • Sticky Rice Cake for progress and success.
  • Sweet fruits like oranges and tangerines for luck and prosperity.

But these flavors don’t have to mean hours of prep. With the best frozen Chinese food, you can whip up meaningful dishes that fit into your busy schedule, without sacrificing tradition.

Easy Recipes for the Chinese New Year

Bringing the spirit of Lunar New Year meals to life has never been simpler. These recipes combine the best of tradition and ease, turning everyday frozen finds into festive dishes.

Incredible Appetizers for Chinese New Year

Kick off your celebration with these show-stopping starters that are sure to impress.

Loaded Kimchi Fries

Jecca Loaded Kimchi Fries

Made with Alexia’s Frozen House Cut Fries, this dish is a bold fusion of crispy fries topped with sautéed kimchi, spicy mayo, and a perfectly runny egg. The tangy kick from the kimchi complements the crispy fries, making it an unforgettable starter.

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Rice Wrapped Orange Chicken Bites

Plate of tai pei rice wrapped orange chicken with a package of tai pei orange chicken behind it

Soft rice wraps embrace Tai Pei Orange Chicken, delivering a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors in every bite. These tasty, handheld treats are great for appetizers or snack platters.

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Sautéed Potsticker Stir Fry

Ling Ling Potstickers

Ling Ling Potstickers are the star of this dish, tossed with tender-crisp baby bok choy and coated in a soy-based sauce with just the right amount of tangy umami. This dish reimagines traditional potstickers with a fresh twist.

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Deconstructed Tempura Shrimp Sushi Roll

Karen Deconstructed Shrimp Sushi Roll

Seapak Shrimp combines with sticky white rice, creamy avocado, and crunchy cucumber in this sushi-inspired appetizer. Easy to assemble and packed with flavor, it’s perfect for a New Year’s spread.

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Baked Vegetable Fried Rice Spring Rolls

Using InnovAsian Vegetable Fried Rice, these baked spring rolls offer a satisfying crunch and a healthier twist on the classic fried version. Each bite is bursting with savory rice and veggies.

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Main Course Recipes for Chinese New Year

Orange Chicken

Skye Orange Chicken and Broccoli

This homemade favorite takes Tropicana Orange Juice and combines it with soy sauce, maple syrup, garlic, and ginger to create a glossy, flavorful sauce. Paired with tender chicken thighs, this sweet and tangy dish is an easy alternative to takeout.

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Dumpling Noodle Soup

Shanil Ling Ling Potstickers Ramen

A comforting Chinese New Year dumpling recipe, this soup features Ling Ling Chicken & Veggie Dumplings, tender ramen noodles, and a savory chicken broth infused with garlic, ginger, and soy sauce. Bok choy and soft-boiled eggs add a touch of freshness.

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Orange Chicken and Sesame Chow Mein

Orange Chicken and Sesame Chow Mein

InnovAsian Orange Chicken pairs perfectly with sesame noodles, creating a stir fry that’s loaded with zesty, savory flavors. This dish is a quick crowd-pleaser for family dinners or festive gatherings.

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Mongolian Chicken and Green Bean Stir-Fry

InnovAsian Mongolian-Style Chicken pairs up with crisp green beans in this flavorful stir fry. With a caramelized sauce and tender chicken, it’s a dish that’s ready in just 35 minutes and tastes like it took hours.

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Asian Carrot Spirals Stir Fry

Asian Carrot Spirals Stir Fry

Green Giant Carrot Spirals add a colorful twist to this stir fry, combining vibrant vegetables with a soy-ginger glaze. It’s a lighter option that still delivers satisfying flavor and texture.

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Beef and Broccoli Wrap

Beef and Broccoli Wrap

InnovAsian Beef & Broccoli takes on a fun new form when tucked into soft tortillas. This dish blends tender beef, crisp broccoli, and savory sauce into a convenient, handheld creation.

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Chinatown Meatballs

Farm Rich Meatballs get an Asian-inspired makeover in this savory recipe. Tossed in a soy-based glaze with garlic and ginger, these flavorful bites are perfect for both casual meals and party spreads.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Chinese New Year?

Chinese New Year, or Lunar New Year, marks the beginning of the lunar calendar. It’s celebrated with family gatherings, symbolic foods, and traditions that honor prosperity, longevity, and happiness.

When is the Chinese New Year?

Chinese New Year is based on the lunar calendar and typically falls between January 21 and February 20. The exact date changes each year, with the celebration lasting for 15 days.

Why is the Chinese New Year celebrated?

The festival symbolizes the start of a new year, renewal, and hope for prosperity. It also pays homage to ancestors and strengthens familial bonds.

How Long Is Chinese New Year?

The celebration spans 15 days, beginning with New Year’s Eve and ending with the Lantern Festival, where families light lanterns and enjoy vibrant parades.

What Do Chinese New Year Foods Symbolize?

  • Dumplings (Jiaozi): Wealth and prosperity
  • Fish: Abundance and surplus (余, “surplus”)
  • Longevity Noodles: Long life (served uncut)
  • Sticky Rice Cake (Nian Gao): Progress and higher achievements (年高, “year high”)
  • Spring Rolls: Wealth (resemble gold bars)
  • Sweet Rice Balls (Tangyuan): Family unity and togetherness
  • Oranges & Tangerines: Luck and wealth (gold-like color)
  • Whole Chicken: Family unity and completeness
  • Pineapple Tarts: Prosperity (黄梨, sounds like “fortune arrives”)
  • Fa Gao (Prosperity Cake): Rising fortune and success