Can you eat beef for the Chinese New Year's Eve dinner?
Nov 10, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yu Yongchao
Introduction
Generally speaking, beef can be included in the Chinese New Year's Eve dinner. Beef is nutritious and symbolizes good fortune, making it a suitable dish for the reunion meal. However, it should be consumed in moderation and prepared using healthy cooking methods. The New Year's Eve meal should emphasize dietary variety, with balanced combinations of fish, shrimp, vegetables, whole grains, and other foods, while controlling portion sizes. This way, one can enjoy delicious food while maintaining digestive health.
Generally speaking, beef can be included in the Chinese New Year's Eve dinner. Beef is nutritious and symbolizes good fortune, making it a suitable dish for the festive meal. However, attention should be paid to moderation and cooking methods when consuming it. The detailed analysis is as follows:
Beef is a common source of high-quality protein, rich in nutrients such as protein, iron, and zinc, which help replenish energy and essential nutrients in the body. Moreover, the ox symbolizes diligence and abundance, aligning well with the auspicious meanings associated with the New Year's Eve dinner. When paired with vegetables and staple foods during the meal, it contributes to a balanced diet and generally does not cause discomfort. Although beef has lower fat content compared to some other meats, excessive consumption may still increase the burden on the gastrointestinal system. Beef prepared by braising or frying tends to be greasy, potentially causing bloating or indigestion, so individuals with weak digestive function should be especially cautious.
The New Year's Eve dinner should emphasize dietary variety. A reasonable combination of seafood like fish and shrimp, vegetables, and whole grains, along with controlled portion sizes, allows one to enjoy delicious food while maintaining digestive health.
