7 New Year Longevity Noodle Bowls for Luck
In many East Asian cultures, the New Year is celebrated with a special dish: long noodles. The unbroken length of the noodles symbolizes a long, healthy, and prosperous life, making them an essential part of a lucky New Year's meal.
From comforting soups to savory stir-fries, these 7 noodle bowls offer a delicious way to embrace this beautiful tradition and wish for longevity in the year ahead. Each recipe features the symbolic long noodles and fresh ingredients for a nourishing start to the new year.
1. Classic Miso Ramen with Pork Belly
A rich, savory bowl of ramen is the ultimate comfort food. This version features a classic miso broth, symbolizing balance and good health, with tender pork belly for prosperity.
Directions
Cook the ramen noodles according to package directions.
In a saucepan, heat the chicken broth and whisk in the miso paste until dissolved. Keep warm.
Heat a skillet and sear the pork belly slices until crispy.
Divide the cooked noodles between two bowls. Pour the miso broth over the noodles.
Top each bowl with sliced pork belly, a halved soft-boiled egg, and chopped green onions.
2. Sesame Peanut Noodles with Shredded Chicken
This flavorful, cold noodle dish is tossed in a creamy, nutty sauce, representing a life full of rich connections and delicious opportunities. The long noodles are a perfect canvas for the savory sauce.
Directions
Cook the egg noodles according to package directions. Rinse with cold water and drain.
In a small bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and honey until smooth. Add 1-2 tablespoons of hot water if needed to thin the sauce.
In a large bowl, toss the cooked noodles and shredded chicken with the peanut sauce until fully coated.
Garnish with chopped peanuts and serve immediately or chilled.
3. Lucky Vegetable Lo Mein
Lo Mein, meaning "tossed noodles," is a classic longevity dish. This recipe is packed with colorful vegetables, symbolizing a vibrant and healthy year.
Directions
Cook the lo mein noodles according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
Add the carrots, broccoli, and snow peas and stir-fry for 3-5 minutes until crisp-tender.
Stir in the minced ginger and garlic and cook for 1 minute.
Add the cooked noodles and soy sauce to the skillet. Toss continuously for 2 minutes until the noodles are heated through and coated with sauce.
4. Ginger Beef Udon Soup
Thick, chewy udon noodles offer maximum slurp-ability—a sign of longevity! The ginger and beef bring warmth and strength to the new year.
Directions
In a large saucepan, combine the beef broth, sliced ginger, and soy sauce. Bring to a simmer.
Add the bok choy and simmer for 2 minutes.
Add the sliced beef and cook for 1-2 minutes until just cooked through.
Meanwhile, cook the udon noodles according to package directions. Drain.
Divide the noodles between two bowls. Pour the hot broth, beef, and bok choy over the noodles. Drizzle with sesame oil.
5. Spicy Dan Dan Noodles
A fiery and bold bowl with a chili oil and ground pork topping. The heat symbolizes energy and passion for the year ahead.
Directions
Cook the fresh noodles according to package directions.
While the noodles cook, heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the ground pork, crumbling it as it cooks. Drain excess fat.
Stir the minced garlic, ground Sichuan peppercorns, and 1 tablespoon of soy sauce into the pork.
In a separate bowl, combine the chili oil, remaining soy sauce, and vinegar.
Divide the cooked noodles into bowls. Pour the sauce mixture over the noodles, then top with the spicy ground pork.
6. Glass Noodle Stir-Fry with Shrimp
Clear, delicate glass noodles (made from sweet potato starch) signify clarity and flexibility for the new year. Shrimp adds a promise of happiness and good fortune.
Directions
Soak the glass noodles in hot water for 5-7 minutes until soft. Drain and set aside.
Heat the olive oil and sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
Add the sliced red bell pepper and cook for 3 minutes.
Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes until pink.
Add the soaked noodles, spinach, soy sauce, and oyster sauce. Toss quickly until the spinach wilts and the noodles are coated.
7. Tofu and Edamame Soba Noodles
Nutty soba (buckwheat) noodles are a whole-grain option for longevity and health. The addition of tofu and edamame makes this a plant-based bowl of strength.
Directions
Cook the soba noodles according to package directions. Rinse with cold water and drain well.
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, mirin, and rice vinegar to make the dressing.
In a large bowl, combine the cooked soba noodles, pan-fried tofu, and shelled edamame.
Pour the dressing over the ingredients and toss gently to coat.
Garnish with sliced green onions before serving.