Reunion Dinner Chinese New Year: 7 Ways to Celebrate Love

Name: Reunion Dinner Chinese New Year: 7 Ways to Celebrate Love
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 1 whole fish (2-3 pounds); 2 cups of rice; 1 pound of vegetables (bok choy, carrots); 1 pound of chicken; 1 pound of shrimp; 1 cup of soy sauce; 2 tablespoons of sesame oil; 2 cloves of garlic; 1 tablespoon of ginger; Salt and pepper to taste

November 29, 2025

By:

Julia marin

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There’s something truly magical about a reunion dinner during Chinese New Year. It’s not just a meal; it’s a heartfelt celebration where families come together to share love, laughter, and delicious food. I remember my own family’s gatherings, where the air would be filled with the aromas of steaming fish and stir-fried vegetables, all symbolizing abundance and prosperity for the year ahead. The joy of seeing everyone gathered around the table, sharing stories, and exchanging blessings is what makes this occasion so special. Trust me, this festive meal is a beautiful way to reconnect and create lasting memories!

Ingredients for the Reunion Dinner Chinese New Year

1 whole fish (2-3 pounds): I love using a fresh fish like tilapia or sea bass. Make sure it’s cleaned and scaled—this is key for that tender, flaky texture!
2 cups of rice: Go for jasmine or basmati rice for a lovely aroma. Rinse it under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch.
1 pound of vegetables: I use a mix of bok choy and carrots. Chop the bok choy into bite-sized pieces and slice the carrots thinly for quick cooking.
1 pound of chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are my favorite. They stay juicy and flavorful! Cut them into bite-sized pieces.
1 pound of shrimp: Use fresh or frozen shrimp—just make sure they’re peeled and deveined. They add a lovely sweetness to the dish.
1 cup of soy sauce: This adds that rich umami flavor. I recommend low-sodium soy sauce for a healthier option.
2 tablespoons of sesame oil: This gives a nutty aroma that elevates all the flavors. Just be careful—it’s potent!
2 cloves of garlic: Minced garlic is a must! It adds a wonderful fragrance and depth to the dish.
1 tablespoon of ginger: Fresh ginger, minced, adds a zing that pairs perfectly with the other ingredients.
Salt and pepper to taste: Season as you go! Just remember, soy sauce is already salty, so go easy on the salt.

How to Prepare the Reunion Dinner Chinese New Year

Preparing a reunion dinner for Chinese New Year is all about timing and love! Let’s dive in step by step to make sure everything comes together beautifully.

Preparing the Fish

First things first, let’s clean that fish! Rinse it under cold water, making sure to remove any scales and guts. Pat it dry with paper towels for an even cook. Then, season it generously with salt and pepper inside and out. I love to stuff the cavity with slices of ginger and green onion for that aromatic touch. Get your steamer ready and bring the water to a gentle boil; steam the fish for about 15–20 minutes until it’s cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. Wow, the smell will be heavenly!

Cooking the Rice

While the fish is steaming, let’s tackle the rice. Rinse 2 cups of jasmine or basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch and gives you fluffy rice. In a pot, combine the rinsed rice with 4 cups of water (or check your package for specifics). Bring it to a boil, then reduce to low heat, cover, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes until the water is absorbed. Fluff it with a fork when done—perfectly cooked rice is the foundation of this meal!

Stir-frying the Vegetables

Next up, let’s stir-fry those vibrant veggies! Heat a tablespoon of sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add in the minced garlic and ginger, and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Toss in your chopped bok choy and sliced carrots, stirring continuously for about 5–7 minutes until they’re tender but still crisp. This quick cooking method keeps all the colors and flavors intact—yum!

Cooking the Chicken and Shrimp

Now, for the protein! In the same pan, add a splash more sesame oil if needed, and toss in your bite-sized chicken pieces. Cook for about 5 minutes until they are golden and cooked through. Then, add the shrimp and pour in a cup of soy sauce. Stir everything together and let it simmer for another 3–4 minutes until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. The combination of chicken and shrimp with that savory sauce is simply irresistible!

Serving the Meal

Now comes the fun part—serving! Place the steaming fish in the center of a large table, surrounded by the fluffy rice, colorful stir-fried vegetables, and that delicious chicken and shrimp mix. Arrange everything beautifully, and don’t forget to garnish the fish with some fresh herbs or green onions for a pop of color. As you gather around the table, take a moment to share blessings for the new year. This is what it’s all about—sharing love, laughter, and a meal that brings everyone together!

Nutritional Information

When it comes to enjoying a reunion dinner during Chinese New Year, it’s nice to know what you’re serving up, right? Here’s a breakdown of the estimated nutritional values per serving (which is about one plate) for this delicious feast:

Calories: 600
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 15g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 100mg
Sodium: 800mg
Carbohydrates: 80g
Fiber: 5g
Sugar: 5g
Protein: 30g

These values are estimates, of course, and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use and portion sizes. But hey, knowing this can help you balance your meal and feel good about the deliciousness you’re enjoying with family!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Brings Family Together: This reunion dinner is all about family connections, creating a warm atmosphere where everyone can share stories and laughter.
Rich Cultural Significance: Each dish symbolizes abundance and good fortune, making your meal not only delicious but meaningful!
Delicious Flavor Combinations: The blend of tender fish, savory chicken, sweet shrimp, and vibrant vegetables creates a symphony of flavors that will impress anyone.
Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and fresh ingredients, this recipe comes together without fuss, so you can focus on enjoying the time with your loved ones.
Customizable: You can easily swap out proteins or veggies based on what you have on hand or your family’s preferences—making it uniquely yours!
Great for Leftovers: This meal is just as tasty the next day, so you can enjoy those festive flavors long after the celebration is over.

Tips for Success

Making the perfect reunion dinner for Chinese New Year is all about the little details! Here are some pro tips to ensure everything goes off without a hitch:

Fresh Ingredients Matter: Always opt for fresh fish, vegetables, and proteins. The flavor is unbeatable, and it really shines through in the final dish.
Don’t Overcook the Fish: Steaming is a gentle cooking method, so keep an eye on the time. You want the fish to be just cooked through—overcooking can make it dry and tough.
Prep Ahead: Chop your vegetables and marinate your chicken and shrimp in advance. This way, you can enjoy the time with your family without feeling rushed in the kitchen.
Use a Timer: Timing is everything! Use a timer for each step of cooking to avoid getting distracted. It helps keep everything on track without overlooking anything.
Mix and Match: Don’t be afraid to swap proteins or veggies based on what you have or what your family loves. It makes the meal fun and personalized!
Taste as You Go: Adjust the seasonings while cooking, especially with soy sauce and salt. A little tweak can make a big difference in flavor!
Presentation is Key: Take a moment to arrange the dishes beautifully on the table. A colorful and inviting spread adds to the festive spirit!
Share the Blessings: As you serve the meal, encourage everyone to share their hopes and blessings for the new year. It makes the dinner even more special!

With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating a memorable reunion dinner that brings everyone together in joy and celebration. Enjoy every moment!

Variations for the Reunion Dinner Chinese New Year

If you’re looking to mix things up a bit for your reunion dinner during Chinese New Year, I’ve got some fantastic ideas that will keep your meal exciting and tailor it to your family’s tastes!

Vegetable Swap: Feel free to switch out the bok choy and carrots for your favorite seasonal vegetables! Snow peas, mushrooms, or bell peppers are excellent choices that add different colors and flavors, making your dish even more vibrant.
Protein Options: If you’re not a fan of fish, try using salmon or even a whole roasted chicken as the centerpiece. For a meatless option, tofu or tempeh marinated in soy sauce can be a delicious alternative!
Flavor Boost: Experiment with different sauces! Instead of just soy sauce, try adding a splash of oyster sauce or hoisin sauce for a sweeter kick. You can also toss in some chili paste for a spicy twist if your family enjoys heat.
Herb Infusion: Enhance the flavors by adding fresh herbs! Basil or cilantro can give a refreshing lift to your stir-fried vegetables and proteins, adding an aromatic flair.
Rice Varieties: Switch up the rice! Try brown rice for a nuttier flavor or even quinoa for a protein-packed alternative. Just make sure to adjust the cooking times according to the type you choose.
Festive Touch: Add a touch of celebration with some festive garnishes! Scatter pomegranate seeds or sprinkle sesame seeds on top of your dishes for that extra sparkle.

These variations not only keep the reunion dinner fresh and fun but also allow you to tailor it to what your family loves. So go ahead—get creative and make it your own!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

After enjoying your reunion dinner, you might have some delicious leftovers to savor! Here’s how to store them properly to keep that amazing flavor and texture intact.

First, let everything cool down to room temperature. Once cooled, transfer your leftovers into airtight containers. I like to separate the fish, rice, and stir-fried vegetables into different containers to maintain their individual textures. This way, the rice stays fluffy, and the fish doesn’t get soggy from moisture. Make sure to label the containers with the date so you remember when you made this delightful meal!

Store them in the refrigerator, where they’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze the chicken, shrimp, and stir-fried veggies for up to 2 months. Just be sure to use freezer-safe containers or bags and remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.

When you’re ready to enjoy those leftovers, reheating is key to bringing back that fresh taste. For the rice, add a splash of water to a microwave-safe bowl, cover it with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals until warm, stirring in between. This helps steam the rice and keeps it from drying out.

For the fish, I recommend reheating it in the oven to retain its delicate texture. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), place the fish on a baking sheet, and cover it loosely with foil. Heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. You can also reheat the stir-fried vegetables in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes, adding a little splash of soy sauce or sesame oil to revive the flavors.

Following these steps will ensure your leftovers taste just as delightful as your reunion dinner did! Enjoy every bite!

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About me

Hi, my name is Julia, I am the heart of Vihaad Recipes and a passionate lover of good food. My love for cooking began in childhood, inspired by my grandmother's delicious meals. Today, I share tasty recipes that bring people together through the shared enjoyment of food.