TOP 10: CREATE AN AMAZING CHINESE NEW YEAR MENU
We all love a theme day, especially when the main aspect of it is food! But the main problem is what can we cook that is simply but tasty?
Well here are 10 foods that you can include in your themed menu:
1. Egg Noodles
Egg Noodles are the perfect base for a quick and easy Chinese dish. Boil the noodles, add raw thinly sliced veg, such as carrots and spring onions, add a light amount of soy sauce (or to taste) and then fry to a make quick Vegetable Fried Noodles dish.
Noodles symbolise Happiness & Longevity.
2. Long Grain Rice
Rice is also a perfect base for a quick and easy Chinese dish. Do the exact same as noodles. To make it a bit different you can add an egg to make Egg Fried Rice!
Perfect accompaniment to Sweet & Sour Chicken or Mongolian Beef.
3. Sweet & Sour Sauce, of course with veg!
You can buy Sweet & Sour Sauce by the bottle to make a quick and easy Chinese meal. Simply add chicken (or Quorn for a vegetarian alternative) and serve with rice.
4. Spring Rolls
Spring Rolls are a perfect option for a quick and easy side dish or as a starter on a menu. Buy the spring rolls pre-made and warm them up.
Spring Rolls symbolise Wealth
5. Tangerines & Oranges
Tangerines & Oranges are used and eaten by very many people around Chinese New Year. They can be used as a dessert, and will count to 1 of your 5 a day. Alternatively you can make a Mandarin Jelly and serve it with Ice-cream (or yogurt for a healthier alternative).
Fruit with leaves, especially Tangerines & Oranges symbolises Fullness, Longevity, Wealth & Luck.
6. Fish
Fish is traditionally served whole for Chinese New Year. For an easier alternative other types of fish can be served, such as breaded fish (also a good option for those not keen on trying new food).
Fish symbolise Prosperity
7. Broccoli
Broccoli is used a lot in Chinese cooking both as part of the dish or as a side. It can be added, especially to Vegetable Fried Noodles, to make a dish more colourful and appealing and will also contribute to its 5 of day.
8. Chicken
Chicken has always been used a main protein in many Chinese dishes. It can be added to Fried Rice to make Chicken Fried Rice, a more premium main (you can also make some curry sauce to use as a sauce for the dish).
Chicken symbolises Happiness.
9. Dumplings
It is very common for the Chinese to eat Dumplings (made with flour) as a starter for Chinese New Year but they can also we used for a premium side. They can either be bought in or quick and easily made.
Dumplings symbolise Wealth.
10. Duck
Duck is a traditional Chinese starter and is normally served with pancakes, plum sauce and thinly sliced spring onions and cucumber. Although duck is normally very expensive but you can buy pre-made Duck in Plum Sauce which can be heated. Simply added the pancakes and a few pieces of spring onion and cucumber.
REMEMBER: Chinese New Year Saturday 28th January 2017
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Here are a few of our favourite Chinese recipes:
Starter:
Dumplings don’t need to be a drama! They are very easy to make and you can add any type of filling you like or try this tasty king prawn, egg and chive dumpling!
http://www.bbc.co.uk/food/recipes/king_prawns_egg_and_00032
Main:
If you want something with a bit of spice, this Spicy Chicken and Noodle Dish is perfect!
http://www.bbc.co.uk/food/recipes/general_tsos_chicken_94858
Snack:
If you fancy having a go at making your own spring rolls, he’s a good recipe! It can be tricky at first but is worth the effort, they can be made in advance and can even be fried from frozen!
http://www.bbc.co.uk/food/recipes/perfect_vegetable_spring_12478
Now it’s your turn to make a quick and easy Chinese New Year themed menu!
Kung Hei Fat Choy!
(Happy New Year!)