Chinese New Year's Day is often regarded as an opportunity for family and friends to get together and share a home-cooked meal, so celebrate at home with our easy menu that's full of flavour but won't take hours to make. Sample some hot and sour soup, followed by ginger and garlic spiced chicken and mouth-watering toffee bananas to finish.

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Get even more inspiration from our Chinese New Year recipes and our Family Chinese New Year recipes.

When is Chinese New Year?

The Chinese New Year of 2024, marking the Year of the Dragon, commences on the 10 February (Saturday) and extends until 24 February. This festive occasion, also known as the Lunar New Year, derives its name from the lunar calendar, as the celebration dates align with the phases of the moon.

1. Plan your Chinese New Year menu

Starter: Hot & sour prawn & sweetcorn soup

Hot & sour prawn & sweetcorn soup

In order to get the most flavourful broth, use the stock from the poached chicken in your main course to form the base of the soup. If you're short of time, just use fresh chicken stock. Traditionally, this soup gets its heat from ground white pepper and is thickened with cornflour, but we used chilli for heat and Chinese black rice vinegar for an irresistible tang. Spend just 20 minutes making our hot and sour prawn & sweetcorn soup, then ladle into bowls and top with strips of crunchy spring onion.

Main: One-pot crystal chicken with ginger & chicken oil

Plate of chicken with rice and green beans

On to the main event. Our one-pot crystal chicken with soy sauce, rice wine and a sprinkling of Sichuan pepper is deliciously moist, with terrific depth of flavour. Opt for the traditional method of poaching the chicken, or put your pressure cooker to work for a speedy 20-minute dish. Drizzle over some ginger and chilli oil to bring some zing to the dish.

Side dish: Stir-fried garlic green beans

Stir fried garlic green beans

Everyone needs a helping of greens on the side, especially when they taste this good. Our simple stir-fried garlic grean beans make a vibrant, healthy accompaniment to a rich and indulgent feast. Throw together four key ingredients, including oyster sauce, and in 15 minutes you'll have a wholesome addition for the dinner table.

Dessert: Toffee & sesame bananas

Toffee & sesame bananas

Every decadent dinner needs a suitably stunning dessert. Our toffee & sesame bananas are a sweet, sticky taste sensation. Griddle your bananas with light brown sugar until caramelised, then spoon over your speedy homemade caramel and add a dollop of classic vanilla ice cream for good measure. You can even prep the sauce ahead of time for a really relaxed evening of entertaining. What's not to love?

2. Added extras and drinks

Side dishes

We have a host of easy party bites you can prep before your guests arrive and some classic tipples for entertaining. Try your hand at our Chinese dumplings, stuffed with prawns, water chestnuts and pork, and serve them with your favourite dipping sauce. Go all out with our spicy Sichuan chicken wings with chopped chilli and crunchy peanut garnish. These deliciously dark and sticky bites will disappear in a matter of minutes. Our hoisin chicken in crisp lettuce is a simple buffet-style food you can prepare ahead of time.

If you're looking for a lighter dessert to finish your meal, try our refreshing lychee & lime sorbet. Turn a few cans of lychees and three other ingredients into an elegant palate cleanser. For a taste of the tropical, switch it up with our pineapple sorbet with fresh mango.

Spend more time with your guests with our clever two-ingredient cocktails, or serve a signature lychee martini to get the party started.

Not done feasting? Find even more recipes for a Chinese banquet with our guide on how to create a New Year celebration menu with an authentic finish.

Enjoyed these recipes? Get even more entertaining inspiration...

How to cook Chinese food
Our ultimate Chinese recipe collection
Our best Chinese chicken recipes
Everything you need for entertaining

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