Hell's Kitchen's Guide to the Ultimate Lunar New Year Menu

Hell's Kitchen's Guide to the Ultimate Lunar New Year Menu

Welcome to Hell's Kitchen's guide to crafting the ultimate Lunar New Year feast, right from the comfort of your own home. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a cooking enthusiast eager to explore the rich tapestry of Asian cuisine, we've got you covered with five sensational cooking recipes that promise to bring the flavors of Lunar New Year to life. 

Embrace the nostalgia of family gatherings and the playful chaos of the kitchen as we walk you through each dish with expert flair and a bit of cheeky fun. So, grab

 your apron and your favorite Hell's Kitchen cookware, because it’s time to turn up the heat and make this Lunar New Year a culinary triumph!

Recipe: Dumpling Delights

Ingredients:

Creating the perfect dumpling starts with the right ingredients. Here's what you'll need to conjure up these delightful parcels of flavor:

  • Dumpling Wrappers: Opt for round, store-bought wrappers to save time or make your own for a personal touch.
  • Ground Pork: About 1/2 lb for a juicy filling. You can substitute with chicken or plant-based protein for variety.
  • Chopped Cabbage: 1 cup, finely chopped, for a fresh crunch.
  • Green Onions: Two stalks, finely sliced, offering a subtle sharpness.
  • Soy Sauce: 2 tablespoons, for that umami kick.
  • Sesame Oil: 1 tablespoon, to add a nutty aroma.
  • Ginger: 1 teaspoon, minced, for a hint of warmth.
  • Garlic: 1 teaspoon, minced, enhancing the flavor profile.
  • Salt and Pepper: To taste, balancing the seasoning.

These ingredients combine to create dumplings that are sure to become a staple in your Lunar New Year celebrations.

Cooking Instructions:

Crafting dumplings is an art, blending technique with tradition. Here is how you can cook it:

  • Mix the ground pork, cabbage, green onions, soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, and garlic in a large bowl.
  • Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Lay a dumpling wrapper flat on your palm.
  • Place a teaspoon of the filling in the center of the wrapper.
  • Dip your finger in water and run it along the wrapper's edge to moisten.
  • Fold the wrapper in half, pressing to seal the edges to form a crescent shape.
  • Pinch and pleat the edges for a classic appearance.
  • Heat a bit of oil in your Hell's Kitchen 9.5” skillet over medium heat.
  • Arrange the dumplings in the skillet and fry until the bottoms are golden brown.
  • Add a splash of water, cover the skillet, and steam until the dumplings are fully cooked.

Serve them hot, accompanied by a soy sauce and vinegar dip. These dumplings are sure to impress at any Lunar New Year gathering.

Recipe: Savory Spring Rolls

Ingredients:

Creating crisp and savory spring rolls begins with selecting the right ingredients to pack flavor and texture into every bite. Here’s what you’ll need:

  • Spring roll wrappers: 12 sheets, available in most Asian grocery stores.
  • Ground chicken or pork: 1/2 lb, providing a savory base.
  • Shredded carrots: 1 cup, adding sweetness and color.
  • Bean sprouts: 1 cup, for crunch and freshness.
  • Cabbage: 1 cup, thinly sliced, for a hearty filling.
  • Garlic: 2 cloves, minced, infusing the filling with flavor.
  • Soy sauce: 2 tablespoons, offering depth and umami.
  • Oyster sauce: 1 tablespoon, for a touch of sweetness.
  • Sesame oil: 1 tablespoon, enhancing aroma and richness.
  • Salt and pepper: To taste, balancing the flavors.

These ingredients will come together to create spring rolls that are not only delicious but also a crowd-pleaser at any Lunar New Year feast.

Cooking Instructions:

Achieving the perfect roll is crucial to crafting spring rolls that are both aesthetically pleasing and delicious. Begin by preparing the filling:

  • In a pan, sauté ground chicken or pork with garlic until browned.
  • Add shredded carrots, bean sprouts, and cabbage, stirring until softened.
  • Season with soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, salt, and pepper.
  • Let the mixture cool slightly.

To roll the spring rolls:

  • Lay a spring roll wrapper on a flat surface, with one corner pointing towards you.
  • Place about two tablespoons of the filling near this corner.
  • Fold the corner over the filling, then fold in the sides, and roll tightly towards the opposite corner.
  • Seal the edge with a dab of water to keep it intact during frying.

Frying the spring rolls:

  • Heat oil in your Hell's Kitchen Hybrid 11” Fry Pan over medium heat.
  • Fry the rolls until they are golden brown and crispy, turning occasionally.

These perfectly rolled spring rolls will not only taste delightful but will also stand out as a highlight of your Lunar New Year menu.

Recipe: Classic Kung Pao Chicken

Ingredients:

Kung Pao Chicken is a beloved staple of Asian cuisine, known for its spicy, sweet, and savory notes. To create this classic dish, gather the following essential ingredients:

  • Chicken Breast: 1 lbs, cut into bite-sized pieces for quick and even cooking.
  • Dried Red Chilies: 6-8 pieces, adding heat and flavor.
  • Peanuts: 1/2 cup, roasted and unsalted, providing crunch and depth.
  • Bell Peppers: 1 red and 1 green, chopped, for color and texture.
  • Garlic: 3 cloves, minced, infusing the dish with aromatic goodness.
  • Ginger: 1 tablespoon, minced, offering a warm, spicy undertone.
  • Soy Sauce: 3 tablespoons, for a salty, umami-rich base.
  • Rice Vinegar: 1 tablespoon, adding a tangy contrast.
  • Sugar: 1 tablespoon, to balance the flavors.
  • Cornstarch: 1 tablespoon, mixed with water to thicken the sauce.

These ingredients come together to create a dish that is both flavorful and satisfying, perfect for celebrating the Lunar New Year with a nod to tradition.

Cooking Instructions:

Prepping for Kung Pao Chicken is all about organization and technique.

  • Prepare the chicken:
    • Cut the chicken into uniform, bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
    • Marinate the chicken with soy sauce, a touch of cornstarch, and a hint of rice vinegar to enhance flavor and tenderize the meat.
  • Prepare the vegetables:
    • Dice bell peppers into even pieces for consistent cooking and aesthetic appeal.
    • Mince garlic and ginger finely to maximize their aromatic impact.
    • Adjust the quantity of dried red chilies according to your heat preference, noting they provide the dish with its characteristic spice.
  • Prepare the sauce:
    • Mix soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, and cornstarch slurry in a bowl, ready to be poured over the sizzling chicken.
  • Heat oil in your Hell's Kitchen 12” Wok over medium heat.
  • Add the marinated chicken pieces and stir quickly to sear them evenly until golden brown.
  • Remove the chicken and set it aside.
  • In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed.
  • Toss in the dried red chilies and stir until they darken slightly, releasing their spicy aroma.
  • Add minced garlic and ginger, stirring for just a few seconds to prevent burning.
  • Introduce the chopped bell peppers and cook until they're slightly tender yet still crisp.
  • Return the chicken to the skillet.
  • Pour in the prepared sauce and stir constantly as it thickens and coats each piece.
  • Toss in the roasted peanuts to give the dish its signature crunch.

Serve immediately, ensuring every bite is a harmonious blend of spicy, savory, and sweet flavors.

Recipe: Steamed Fish Fusion

Ingredients for Steamed Excellence

Steamed fish is a hallmark of the Lunar New Year, symbolizing prosperity and abundance. To create this elegant dish, gather the following ingredients:

  • Whole Fish: 1 (about 1.5 pounds), such as sea bass or tilapia, cleaned and scaled, with head and tail intact for traditional presentation.
  • Ginger: 2 inches, julienned, to infuse the fish with warmth and aroma.
  • Scallions: 3 stalks, sliced into long strips, adding freshness and flavor.
  • Soy Sauce: 3 tablespoons, enhancing the umami depth.
  • Sesame Oil: 1 tablespoon, imparting a nutty fragrance.
  • Shaoxing Wine: 2 tablespoons,, for a subtle complexity. (or substitute dry Sherry or Japanese rice wine)
  • Cilantro: A handful, for garnish and a burst of color.
  • Salt and pepper: To taste, for seasoning the fish.

These ingredients come together to create a dish that is not only flavorful but also visually stunning, making it a perfect centerpiece for your Lunar New Year feast.

Cooking Instructions:

Preparing the fish properly is crucial for achieving that tender, flavorful result in a steamed fish dish.

  • Rinse the fish under cold water.
  • Pat the fish dry with paper towels.
  • Make three diagonal cuts on both sides of the fish to allow for better penetration of the marinade and steam, ensuring even cooking.
  • Season the fish both inside and out with salt and pepper.
  • Place slices of ginger and scallion strips inside the cavity and along the cuts for aromatic infusion.
  • Position the fish on a heatproof plate that fits comfortably into your steamer.
  • Prepare the steaming setup by bringing water to a gentle boil in your Hell's Kitchen hybrid cookware pot, ensuring water does not touch the plate.
  • Carefully place the fish-filled plate into your 12” Steamer tray steamer.
  • Cover the steamer and let the fish steam for about 8 to 10 minutes, depending on the size of the fish, until it flakes easily with a fork.
  • Fill a large Hell's Kitchen 7.5” Pot with water, ensuring the water level is below the steaming rack or basket to prevent direct contact with the fish.
  • Bring the water to a steady simmer, avoiding a rapid boil to maintain gentle cooking.
  • Place the prepared fish on a heatproof plate.
  • Set the plate with the fish onto the steamer rack, allowing juices to collect and flavors to meld without losing moisture.
  • Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid to trap steam effectively, ensuring even cooking of the fish.
  • Monitor the cooking time; generally, fish requires about 8 to 10 minutes per inch of thickness.
  • Check for doneness early to avoid overcooking; the flesh should flake easily with a fork.

This careful attention to steaming ensures a dish that highlights the natural flavors and tender texture of the fish.

Recipe: Sweet Red Bean Buns

Ingredients for Sweet Buns

Sweet red bean buns are a delightful treat that captures the essence of traditional Asian cuisine desserts. Here’s what you’ll need to create these soft, sweet delights:

  • All-Purpose Flour: 2 cups, forming the base of the dough.
  • Sugar: 1/4 cup, to lightly sweeten the dough.
  • Yeast: 1 packet (about 2 1/4 teaspoons), for leavening and fluffiness.
  • Warm Water: 3/4 cup, to activate the yeast.
  • Vegetable Oil: 2 tablespoons, adding moisture and richness.
  • Salt: 1/2 teaspoon, balancing the flavors.
  • Red Bean Paste: 1 cup, smooth and sweet, for the filling.
  • Egg Wash: 1 egg beaten with a tablespoon of water, for a glossy finish.

These ingredients will come together to create buns that are soft, fluffy, and filled with sweet red bean goodness, making them a perfect ending to your Lunar New Year feast or a delightful snack any day.

Cooking instructions

Crafting the perfect sweet red bean buns begins with mastering both the dough and filling.

  • Activate the yeast by dissolving it in warm water with a pinch of sugar; let it sit until frothy.
  • In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt.
  • Gradually add the yeast mixture and vegetable oil, mixing until a soft dough forms.
  • Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
  • Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm place until it doubles in size, approximately an hour.
  • While the dough is rising, prepare the red bean filling:
  • If using store-bought paste, ensure it is smooth and easy to handle.
  • Once the dough has risen, divide it into 12 equal pieces.
  • Flatten each piece into a disc.
  • Place a tablespoon of red bean paste in the center of each disc and gather the edges to seal.
  • Roll the filled dough pieces into smooth balls.

Allow the buns to rise again briefly before baking. This method ensures each bun is perfectly fluffy and filled with sweet delight.

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while the buns complete their second rise to ensure it's at the right temperature for baking.
  • Place the buns in your Hell’s Kitchen 11” Pan, making sure to space them apart for even cooking.
  • Brush each bun with an egg wash to give them a beautiful golden sheen and slight crispness on top.
  • Bake the buns in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, until they are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
  • Once baked, let the buns cool slightly on a wire rack.

This cooling period helps the buns set and develop their full flavor. Serve warm for the best taste experience, where the sweet, soft dough perfectly complements the rich red bean filling, making them an irresistible treat.

Bringing it All Together

As you bring your Lunar New Year feast to a close, take a moment to savor the accomplishment of crafting a meal filled with tradition and flavor. Each dish, from the savory dumplings to the sweet red bean buns, represents a piece of cultural heritage and personal triumph in the kitchen. As you gather with loved ones, these culinary creations become more than just food—they are tokens of prosperity, joy, and togetherness.

Invite your guests to share in the stories and symbols behind each recipe, enhancing the festive atmosphere with anecdotes and laughter. This celebration is as much about the flavors as it is about the memories you create. With Hell's Kitchen cookware by your side, you've not only cooked up a feast, but also embraced the art of Asian cuisine with confidence and flair. Here's to a prosperous year ahead, filled with delicious adventures and culinary successes. Happy Lunar New Year!

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