Lunar New Year is all about welcoming in the new year and coming together with friends and family. To help you get ready for your Lunar New Year feast, lifestyle food creator Veronica Indrawan @verorocherr has created two New Year of the Snake-inspired dishes that are quick and easy to prepare.

Eaten during times of celebration, noodles represent a wish for a long life of happiness. The length of the noodle is important and symbolises a long life, so the noodles are never served cut or broken - the longer the better!

Longevity Noodles

Serves 2

Ingredients:

200g wheat noodles

1 tablespoon vegetable oil

2 cloves garlic, minced

1-inch ginger, minced

1 small red capsicum, julienned

50g chives

3-4 shitake mushrooms, sliced (or use other mushrooms like Enoki or Oyster)

100g firm tofu

2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)

1 tablespoon vegetarian oyster sauce

1 teaspoon sesame oil

1/2 teaspoon sugar

Salt and pepper to taste

Toasted sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions:

1. Cook the noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside. Toss with a little sesame oil to prevent sticking.
2. Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and ginger, and saute for about 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Add the red capsicum, sliced mushrooms, diced firm tofu to the pan. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until the veggies slightly soften.
4. In a small bowl, mix the soy sauce, vegetarian oyster sauce, sesame oil, and sugar. Pour the sauce over the vegetables and stir well to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Add the cooked noodles to the pan with the vegetables and chives. Toss everything together gently, making sure the noodles are well coated with the sauce.
6. Transfer to a dish and serve.

Marinated Chicken and Vermicelli Noodles

Serves 2

Ingredients:

200g dried vermicelli noodles

2 eggs

250g chicken, diced

90g cabbage, thinly sliced

1 small carrot, julienned

1 small onion, thinly sliced

4 cloves garlic, minced

Chilli (optional)

Coriander (for garnish)

200ml chicken stock

4 tablespoons sweet soy sauce

2 tablespoons soy sauce

1 teaspoon cornstarch

Salt and pepper (to taste)

Sesame seeds (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Soak the dried vermicelli in cold water for 5-10 minutes, then drain. In a small bowl, mix tbsp sweet soy sauce, salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon of cornstarch. Add the chicken, stir well, and set aside while preparing the vegetables.
2. Beat and season the eggs. Pour a thin layer of egg into a heated pan to make a thin omelette, then set it aside. Roll up the omelette and cut it into thin strips.
3. Heat up a wok with 2 tbsp oil. Add the garlic and onion, stir-frying for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Add the chicken and cook for 3-4 minutes or until fully cooked through.
4. In a small bowl, mix the remaining sweet soy sauce, soy sauce, cornstarch and chicken stock. Pour the mixture into the wok, stirring until the sauce becomes glossy and slightly thick.
5. Add the noodles, cabbage, and carrot to the wok. Stir well until everything is evenly combined. Transfer to a bowl and top with coriander and sesame seeds, if desired.

You'll find everything you need to make these two delicious Lunar New Year recipes at Cranbourne Park.