Ah, Chinese New Year in the Philippines! It’s such a vibrant celebration filled with joy, family, and, of course, wonderful food. Growing up, I always looked forward to the delicious dishes that would grace our table during the festivities. It’s not just about the flavors; it’s about the traditions that come with them. Chinese New Year food in the Philippines is steeped in symbolism and meaning, with every dish representing hopes for prosperity, health, and long life. Long noodles are a must, as they symbolize longevity, and of course, we can’t forget about the savory stir-fried meats and colorful vegetables that make every bite a celebration! This dish I’m sharing with you is a staple during the festivities, bringing warmth and happiness to every gathering. Trust me, it’s not just a meal; it’s a heartfelt tradition that fills the air with love and laughter.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish is a true delight, perfect for celebrating the Chinese New Year with family and friends. Here are a few reasons why you’ll absolutely love it:
- Quick and Easy to Prepare: I promise, you don’t need to be a master chef! This dish comes together in under an hour, making it perfect for even the busiest of celebrations.
- Flavorful and Festive: With every bite, you’ll experience a burst of savory goodness from the tender meats and vibrant vegetables. It truly enhances the festive spirit of the occasion, filling your home with beautiful aromas.
- Symbolic Ingredients: Long noodles are not just delicious; they symbolize long life and good fortune. Each ingredient is thoughtfully chosen to bring blessings for the new year, making every mouthful significant.
Ingredients List
Gathering all the right ingredients is key to making this dish come alive! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 500g long noodles (preferably egg noodles for extra richness)
- 300g pork, diced into bite-sized pieces
- 300g chicken, boneless and chopped
- 200g shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 200g mixed vegetables (like carrots, cabbage, and bell peppers, all sliced thinly)
- 50ml soy sauce (for that deep umami flavor)
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 piece ginger, peeled and finely sliced
- 50ml cooking oil (for sautéing)
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Make sure to use fresh ingredients for the best flavor! Trust me, it makes a world of difference in this festive dish.
How to Prepare Instructions
Now comes the fun part! Let’s dive into how to bring this delicious dish to life. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a festive meal that everyone will love!
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Start by getting all your ingredients ready. Chop the pork and chicken into bite-sized pieces, and make sure your shrimp are peeled and deveined. Slice your vegetables—carrots, cabbage, and bell peppers—thinly so they cook quickly and evenly. And don’t forget to mince the garlic and slice the ginger! Having everything prepped will make the cooking process smooth and enjoyable.
Step 2: Cook the Noodles
Boil a large pot of water and add a pinch of salt. Once it’s bubbling, toss in the long noodles. Cook them for about 5-7 minutes until they’re al dente—just firm enough to have a bite! Drain them in a colander and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. This little trick helps prevent them from getting mushy later on!
Step 3: Sauté Aromatics
In a large pan or wok, heat the cooking oil over medium heat. Once it’s hot, add the minced garlic and sliced ginger. Sauté them for about 1-2 minutes until they’re fragrant but be careful not to burn them—nobody likes bitter garlic! The aroma will fill your kitchen, and you’ll know it’s time to move on.
Step 4: Cook Proteins
Now, it’s time to add the diced pork and chicken to the pan. Stir-fry them together for about 5-7 minutes until they’re browned and cooked through. Then, toss in the shrimp and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until they turn pink. This combination of proteins is what makes this dish so hearty and satisfying!
Step 5: Stir-Fry Vegetables
Next up, add your thinly sliced vegetables to the pan. Stir-fry everything together for about 5 minutes. You want them to be tender but still vibrant and crunchy! Keep everything moving in the pan so it cooks evenly and doesn’t stick.
Step 6: Combine Everything
Finally, it’s time to bring it all together! Add the cooked noodles and soy sauce to the pan, mixing everything well for about 2-3 minutes. Make sure the noodles are coated in that lovely soy sauce, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve this warm, and watch your family and friends dive right in!
Nutritional Information
Let’s talk about the goodness packed in this dish! Here’s a breakdown of the estimated nutritional values for one serving:
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 5g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 800mg
This dish is not only delicious but also provides a good balance of nutrients, making it a great choice for your festive meal. Enjoy the flavors while feeling good about what you’re serving!
Tips for Success
Want to make sure your stir-fried noodles turn out absolutely perfect? Here are my top tips to help you nail this dish!
- Use High Heat: Stir-frying works best on high heat. It helps to cook everything quickly while keeping those vibrant colors and crisp textures.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: If you’re making a larger batch, consider cooking in batches. Overcrowding can lead to steaming instead of frying, which isn’t what you want!
- Taste as You Go: Seasoning is key! Always taste your dish as you’re cooking to adjust the flavors and make sure it’s just right.
- Fresh Ingredients Matter: Using fresh veggies, meats, and noodles will make a noticeable difference in the flavor and texture of your dish.
- Garnish for Extra Flavor: Consider topping your dish with some chopped green onions or a sprinkle of sesame seeds just before serving for added flavor and a delightful crunch!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’re all set to impress your family and friends with an incredible dish that’s bursting with flavor and festivity!
Variations
One of the best things about this stir-fried noodle dish is how versatile it is! You can easily customize it to fit your taste preferences or what you have on hand. Here are some fun variations to consider:
- Different Proteins: Feel free to swap out the pork, chicken, or shrimp for other proteins like beef, tofu, or even fish! Each will bring its unique flavor to the dish.
- Vegetable Medley: Mix it up with whatever veggies you love or have available! Broccoli, snap peas, or bok choy are fantastic options that add color and crunch.
- Spicy Kick: If you enjoy a little heat, toss in some sliced chili peppers or a dash of chili sauce to the stir-fry for an extra zing!
- Adding Eggs: For a richer flavor, consider scrambling a couple of eggs into the mix right after you sauté the aromatics. It adds a lovely creaminess!
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free noodles, like rice noodles or zucchini noodles, for a lighter version that still packs a punch!
Don’t hesitate to get creative! Each variation can make this dish feel fresh and new every time you prepare it. Enjoy exploring the endless possibilities!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Got leftovers? No worries! This stir-fried noodle dish stores beautifully. Here’s how to keep it fresh and tasty:
- Storage: Allow the noodles to cool to room temperature, then transfer them to an airtight container. They’ll stay good in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just make sure to separate the noodles from any extra sauce if you want to prevent them from getting too soggy!
- Freezing: If you want to save some for later, you can freeze the dish! Just place it in a freezer-safe container and it should last for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat, let it thaw in the fridge overnight.
- Reheating: For reheating, I recommend using a pan on medium heat. Add a splash of water or a bit of oil to help steam the noodles and keep them from drying out. Stir frequently for about 5-7 minutes until heated through. You can also pop it in the microwave, covered with a damp paper towel, for about 2-3 minutes if you’re in a hurry!
With these simple steps, you can enjoy the flavors of your festive meal even after the celebrations are over!
FAQ Section
What are some popular Chinese New Year foods in the Philippines?
In the Philippines, you’ll find a variety of traditional dishes served during Chinese New Year, such as lumpiang shanghai (spring rolls), tikoy (sweet sticky rice cake), and of course, stir-fried noodles! Each dish carries its own significance and is believed to bring good luck and prosperity for the year ahead.
Why are long noodles important during Chinese New Year?
Long noodles symbolize long life and are a must-have during Chinese New Year celebrations. The idea is that the longer the noodle, the longer your life will be! So, when you serve this dish, make sure to leave those noodles uncut to honor this tradition.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can easily make a vegetarian version of this stir-fried noodle dish by omitting the meats and replacing them with more vegetables or tofu. Just be sure to use a vegetarian-friendly soy sauce to keep it aligned with your dietary preferences. It’ll still be delicious!
What should I serve with this dish?
This stir-fried noodle dish can stand alone as a hearty main course, but if you want to create a feast, consider serving it alongside other traditional dishes like lumpiang shanghai, sweet and sour pork, or a refreshing cucumber salad. Your table will look vibrant and festive!
How do I store leftovers from my Chinese New Year feast?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just remember to separate the noodles from any extra sauce to prevent them from getting soggy! If you have a larger quantity, you can freeze them for up to 2 months, and reheat as needed.
Imprimer
Chinese New Year Food Philippines: 7 Festive Delights
- Temps Total: 50 minutes
- Rendement: 4 servings
- Alimentation: Sans Gluten
Description
Traditional dishes served during Chinese New Year in the Philippines.
Ingrédients
- Long noodles – 500g
- Pork – 300g
- Chicken – 300g
- Shrimp – 200g
- Vegetables (carrots, cabbage, bell peppers) – 200g
- Soy sauce – 50ml
- Garlic – 5 cloves
- Ginger – 1 piece
- Cooking oil – 50ml
- Salt – to taste
- Pepper – to taste
Instructions
- Prepare all the ingredients.
- Boil the long noodles until al dente and drain.
- In a pan, heat oil and sauté garlic and ginger.
- Add pork and chicken, cook until browned.
- Add shrimp and vegetables, stir-fry for 5 minutes.
- Mix in the cooked noodles and soy sauce.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot and enjoy.
Notes
- Use fresh ingredients for better flavor.
- Long noodles symbolize long life.
- Adjust seasoning to your liking.
- Temps De Préparation: 20 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 30 minutes
- Catégorie: Main Dish
- Méthode: Stir-fry
- Cuisine: Filipino-Chinese
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sucre: 5g
- De Sodium: 800mg
- La graisse: 15g
- Graisses Saturées: 3g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 10g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 60g
- La fibre: 4g
- La protéine: 25g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 70mg
Mots-clés: Chinese New Year food Philippines











