As of today, millions of people around the world celebrate the Lunar New Year, which officially begins January 22 in 2023.
Last week, my family was pretty impressed with my Chinese food menu sourced from The Woks of Life, so much so that I decided to dive in again this coming week, and focus our meals on an amazing Asian food blogger I have discovered while researching dishes to celebrate the Lunar New Year: Eat Cho Food.
Top Image: Kristina’s Chicken Sausage Steamed Buns
Updated for 2023
Kristina Cho is a cookbook author, recipe developer, food stylist, and the photographer behind Eat Cho Food. She grew up her family’s Chinese/Cantonese restaurant and that authenticity is found in all of her recipes—all of which are really not too terribly complicated for home chefs like me who did not grow up anywhere near a Chinese kitchen.
Kristina has an entire post on her site featuring her 25 top recipes to make for the Lunar New Year. Here, I’m sharing 5 that I’m hoping to try with my family this coming week. You’ll definitely take some time to actually read the stories before her recipes, as she shares a lot of information about her life and the Chinese culture, which is so important given the current tenor over the last two years in particular.
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Related: These 6 Chinese bakeries across the USA deliver Lunar New Year treats
My kids love scallops, and I love miso, so this recipe for Miso Butter Scallops with Bok Choy seems like a perfect recipe to try. I love that she says that “seared scallops resemble gold coins, so they are extra lucky to eat to ensure a prosperous year ahead!” I can get behind this.
Related: Children’s books about inspiring Asian-Americans
I love that this recipe for Hoisin Chicken is quick and easy to make in the middle of a busy week. She says if you work fast, it can come together in about 30 minutes, so plan on 45. One thing I learned from reading about this recipe is that cornstarch is a key ingredient in this dish because it actually tenderizes your meat. And besides just making the sauce thick, it makes it shiny too!
Related: Best items to buy at the Asian Market
I may need to put this recipe for Cho Momma’s Won Ton Soup on repeat in our lives well after the Lunar New Year. A huge bowl of comforting won ton soup might just cure all of the things that ail us. Dumplings are also a symbol of fortune and wealth, so eating them once a week doesn’t sound like a bad idea.
Related: More Chinese food blogs we love
Hello Chicken Sausage Steamed Buns of my dreams. Think pigs in a blanket, but upgraded, and fluffy and deliciously warm and wonderful. This recipe alone inspired me to order a Bamboo Steamer that I was holding out on getting.
During Chinese New Year, a lot of the food that is made and eaten is meant to symbolize something good for the new year! Oranges as a symbol of good luck, and not only are they often used as decorations, but in desserts in well, like Kristina’s Mini Almond and Satsuma Orange Cake. Isn’t it just lovely?
Related: 6 of the best Chinese bakeries to order Lunar New Year Treats
Follow the Cool Mom Eats Weekly Meal Plan Ideas for Families board on Pinterest for more weekly meal plan ideas!
I love to discover new food bloggers and recipe creators! If you have suggestions, tips, or recommendations for recipes, cookbooks, or other food bloggers I should check out please comment here, or shoot me a message in our Recipe Rescue group on Facebook.
And happy Lunar New Year to you all!
