General Health

5 Simple yet Healthy Ways To Celebrate The Chinese New Year

Posted on by biolife

5 Simple yet Healthy Ways To Celebrate The Chinese New Year

27 February 2024

The Chinese New Year remains profoundly meaningful, especially because many Chinese families are separated for much of the year due to work and education commitments. It is a time when families come together, enjoying precious moments of togetherness.

Celebrations during the Chinese New Year are typically lively and festive, with people indulging in lavish feasts and drinks. However, the night’s excesses often lead to feelings of bloating, gas, and discomfort the following day.

Prioritize your health during the Chinese New Year celebration!

Below are 5 nutritious Chinese recipes to add to your Chinese New Year menu!

(1) Vegetable Lo Mein

Indulge in delicious noodles with a medley of healthy vegetables coated in a spicy sauce—perfect for your Chinese New Year celebration! This dish boasts few calories, high protein content, low added sugar, and a wealth of vitamins, making it a delightful addition to your festive menu.

Try this Lo Mein recipe for your Chinese New Year’s Eve dinner:

Ingredients:

      • 8 ounces lo mein noodles
      • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
      • 2 tablespoons peanut oil
      • 12 ounces Chinese broccoli
      • 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
      • 1 tablespoon Shaoxing rice wine or dry sherry
      • 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce or hot sauce
      • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
      • 1 tablespoon minced ginger
      • 6 ounces fresh shiitake mushrooms
      • Pinch of salt

Instructions:

      1. Cook the noodles according to package instructions.
      2. Drain and rinse the noodles with cold water. Cut them into thirds and toss them in a bowl with sesame oil.
      3. Separate the broccoli stalks and leaves. Wash the mushrooms and remove the stems.
      4. Mix soy sauce, rice wine, and sriracha sauce in a small bowl.
      5. In a wok, heat 1 tablespoon of peanut oil and stir-fry garlic and ginger for about 10 seconds.
      6. Add mushrooms and broccoli, stir-frying for about 30 seconds.
      7. Pour in the soy sauce mixture, add noodles, and a pinch of salt. Stir-fry for 1-2 minutes.
      8. Your flavorful and nutritious CNY dish is ready to serve!


(2) Tofu

This Chinese New Year dish will satisfy your family’s hunger while promoting overall health.

Loaded with ingredients like garlic, ginger, mushrooms, and tofu, this dish contains proteins and vitamins. Not only does it boost your immune system, but it also supports heart health.

Here’s how to prepare this special dish for Chinese New Year:

Ingredients:

      • 2 tablespoons minced garlic
      • 2 cups firm tofu, drained and rinsed
      • 4 cups sliced Chinese cabbage
      • 2 cups stemmed shiitake mushrooms
      • 2 tablespoons grated fresh ginger
      • 8 ounces Lo Mein noodles
      • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
      • 2 teaspoons canola oil
      • ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
      • 2 teaspoons chili-garlic sauce
      • 4 cups vegetable broth

Instructions:

      1. Cut the tofu into blocks about an inch in width.
      2. Heat the oil in a casserole or Dutch oven over medium heat.
      3. Add the garlic and ginger, stirring until fragrant.
      4. Add the mushrooms and cook until tender, about 2-3 minutes.
      5. Pour in the broth, sugar, and sauces. Bring to a boil and let it simmer for about 10 minutes.
      6. Add the tofu and cabbage, cover, and cook.
      7. Increase the heat, add the noodles, and cook until tender, about 2-3 minutes. Ensure the noodles are submerged in the broth.
      8. Your wholesome, nutrient-packed one-pot meal is ready to serve.


(3) Dim Sums

Who doesn’t love dim sums?

These delightful bite-sized delights fill our bellies and warm our hearts with joy. However, traditional recipes often contain high sodium and calories, which can harm your health. Therefore, we’ve crafted a healthier Chinese dim sum recipe.

This Chinese New Year recipe is packed with fiber and vitamins and is gentle on the stomach. Moreover, individuals with diabetes can enjoy this dish without worry, as it is low in oil, carbs, and added sugars.

Ingredients:

For the dough:

      • – ½ cup all-purpose flour
      • – ½ cup whole wheat flour
      • – 1 teaspoon oil
      • For the filling:
      • – 1 teaspoon chopped ginger
      • – 1 cup chopped cabbage
      • – ½ cup chopped carrots, mushrooms, and baby corn
      • – ¼ cup chopped asparagus
      • – ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
      • – 2 teaspoons soy sauce
      • – 1 teaspoon oil

Instructions

For the filling:

      1. Heat oil in a nonstick pan.
      2. Add all the ingredients and sauté.
      3. Set aside to cool.

For the dough:

      1. Combine the flour and other ingredients to form a smooth dough.
      2. Cut the dough into a thin sheet into small circles.
      3. Place some filling in the center and wrap the dough accordingly.
      4. Place the dim sum in a greased steamer.
      5. Cook for 10 minutes.

 

(4) Good ol’ Egg Fried Rice

Egg fried rice is a staple dish in many Asian cultures, beloved by children and adults, making it a perfect addition to your Chinese New Year menu.

Here’s a nutritious twist on the classic Chinese recipe for you to try:

Ingredients:

      • 4 eggs
      • 3 tablespoons of peanut oil
      • 1 teaspoon of salt
      • 1 cup of diced onions
      • 2 cups of diced vegetables (such as bell peppers, carrots, zucchini, and green beans)
      • ½ cup of sliced spring onions (separate the green and white parts)
      • 4 cups of jasmine rice (cooked and chilled overnight)
      • 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
      • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

      1. Beat the eggs in a small bowl.
      2. Heat a pan and scramble the eggs until cooked. Set aside.
      3. heat the remaining oil in a wok and sauté the onions until translucent.
      4. Add the diced vegetables and cook for about 2 minutes.
      5. Stir in the rice and soy sauce, mixing well.
      6. Add the scrambled eggs and the white part of the spring onions, stirring until heated.
      7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
      8. Garnish with the green part of the spring onions before serving. Enjoy your healthy and delicious dish!

(5) Fruit Salad with Custard

End your New Year celebrations on a sweet and healthy note by swapping out calorie-laden traditional Chinese dishes for this delightful alternative.

Ingredients:

      • 2 tablespoons of vanilla custard (available at supermarkets)
      • 4 cups of skimmed milk
      • 1 cup of assorted fresh fruits (such as apples, bananas, and berries like blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries)
      • 2 tablespoons of sugar

Instructions

      1. Boil the milk and add 2 tablespoons of sugar.
      2. In ½ cup of room temperature milk, add 2 tablespoons of custard powder.
      3. Slowly add this mixture to the boiling milk on low heat, stirring constantly.
      4. Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for 3 hours.
      5. Add the fresh fruits before serving.

This dessert is low in calories due to the use of skimmed milk and is rich in antioxidants and fibers from the fruits. It’s a treat that satisfies your sweet tooth while promoting overall health.

We trust you will add nutritious recipes to your Chinese New Year’s Day feast. We wish you a joyful and healthy Chinese New Year!

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