As the vibrant colors of spring start to emerge, my kitchen comes alive with the sweet promise of celebration. This Easy Chinese New Year Koi Fish Jelly isn’t just a dessert; it encapsulates the essence of good fortune and abundance that the holiday represents. One fateful afternoon, I decided to break away from the usual treats and create something visually striking that also pays homage to tradition. The sight of this stunning jelly, with its charming koi fish design, never fails to delight my family and guests alike.

What I love most about this recipe is how simple it is to make, even for those new to the kitchen. The delicate flavors and playful presentation perfectly capture the festive spirit, making it a showstopper at any gathering—not just during CNY! And if you’re looking for a vegan-friendly option, I’ve got you covered with easy ingredient swaps. So, let’s dive into crafting this beautiful jelly that’s sure to bring joy and a sense of abundance into your home!

Why is CNY Koi Fish Jelly a Must-Try?

Simplicity at Its Core: With just a few ingredients and straightforward steps, making this beautiful jelly is as easy as it gets.

Festive Eye-Catcher: The vibrant colors and koi design make it a showstopper that impresses guests during celebrations.

Symbol of Abundance: This jelly isn’t just a treat; it embodies the essence of prosperity and good fortune for the New Year.

Vegan-Friendly Options: Easily adapt this recipe for a plant-based diet by substituting key ingredients, making it inclusive for everyone.

Versatile Delight: While perfect for CNY, this dessert is also a fun addition to any gathering, creating an opportunity for family bonding and creativity.

Get ready to bring joy and sweetness into your home with this easy and delightful treat!

CNY Koi Fish Jelly Ingredients

For the Jelly Base

Agar Agar Powder – A key ingredient for creating the jelly’s delightful texture; substitute with konjac powder or gelatine if you’re looking for a non-vegan alternative.
Evaporated Milk – Brings richness to the jelly; for a dairy-free option, use regular milk or plant-based milk.
Water – The foundation of the jelly; it’s essential for achieving the perfect consistency.

For the Coloring

Yellow/Orange/Red Food Coloring – Adds the vibrant hues of koi fish; just a few drops go a long way in creating a cheerful look.

For the Details

Dried Raisins/Black Currants/Sultanas – Serve as the eyes of the koi fish, adding a charming touch—two per fish mold is perfect.
Edible Gold Paint/Glitter – An optional elegant decoration that adds a festive sparkle to your CNY Koi Fish Jelly.

Embrace the artistry of this CNY Koi Fish Jelly and let each ingredient lead you toward creating a dessert bursting with luck and joy!

How to Make CNY Koi Fish Jelly

Combine Ingredients: In a pot, whisk together evaporated milk and water, then slowly mix in the agar agar powder until fully incorporated. Make sure it’s at room temperature for easy blending.
Heat the Mixture: Place the pot over medium heat and stir continuously until the mixture reaches a full boil. Continue stirring until the agar agar dissolves completely, then reduce the heat to keep it warm.
Prepare the Fish Eyes: Using tweezers or chopsticks, carefully attach two dried raisins to the eye locations in your jelly mold. This adds personality to your koi fish!
Color the Jelly: Scoop a portion of the liquid jelly into separate bowls, then add a few drops of food coloring. Use a brush to paint vibrant stripes onto the mold, mimicking koi fish colors.
Stabilize and Pour: Stabilize your mold using bowls or by filling it with uncooked rice or beans. Gently pour in the hot jelly mixture, ensuring it fills the mold evenly without disturbing the painted stripes.
Set the Jelly: Allow the jelly to set at room temperature for about 1 hour. After that, move it to the fridge and chill for 2-3 hours until it’s fully set.
Unmold and Serve: Carefully remove the jelly from the mold and plate it. For an added touch of elegance, brush it with edible gold dust. Serve chilled and enjoy!

Optional: Garnish with fresh fruit or mint leaves for a refreshing touch.

Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Storage Tips for CNY Koi Fish Jelly

Room Temperature: Allow the jelly to cool completely before serving, as it should not be kept at room temperature for more than 2 hours.

Fridge: Store any leftover CNY Koi Fish Jelly tightly covered in the fridge, where it can last for up to 3 days while maintaining its delightful texture.

Freezer: If you have excess jelly, you can freeze it for up to 1 month. Just make sure to slice it before freezing for easier thawing later.

Reheating: There’s no need to reheat the jelly; simply serve it chilled. Enjoy the refreshing flavors that capture good fortune!

Make Ahead Options

These CNY Koi Fish Jelly are perfect for busy home cooks looking to streamline their festive preparations! You can prepare the jelly base up to 24 hours in advance by following the first five steps and then refrigerating the mixture until you’re ready to paint the fish colors. Be sure to stabilize your mold properly before pouring in the jelly, as this will help maintain the design. Once set, continue with the last steps of unmolding and plating just before serving. This way, you’ll achieve restaurant-quality results with minimal effort, and the jelly will be just as delightful and fresh as if made on the same day!

Expert Tips for CNY Koi Fish Jelly

Stable Mold: Ensure your mold is stable before pouring in the jelly to prevent any spills or mess during setting.
Let It Set: For clear and precise lines, allow the painted color patterns to set slightly before filling the mold with the jelly mix.
Proper Temperature: When using gelatine instead of agar agar, immediately transfer the jelly to the fridge after mixing, as it won’t set at room temperature.
Gentle Unmolding: Carefully remove the jelly from the mold to keep the intricate fins and features intact—patience is key!
Add Flavor Variations: Try using pandan leaves or osmanthus for a fragrant twist, elevating your CNY Koi Fish Jelly beyond the traditional.

What to Serve with CNY Koi Fish Jelly?

Delight your guests with a complete menu that enhances the festive spirit of your meal.

Sweet Sticky Rice: The chewy texture and subtly sweet flavor beautifully contrast with the smooth jelly, creating a delightful harmony on the plate.
Fruit Platter: Fresh fruits like mango, lychee, and strawberries add a refreshing burst of color and taste, balancing the sweetness of the jelly while reinforcing the theme of abundance.
Coconut Cream Sauce: Drizzling a rich coconut sauce over the jelly adds a luscious creaminess, accentuating its charm and bringing an exotic touch to your dessert.
Chrysanthemum Tea: Served warm, this delicate tea complements the light and airy jelly, offering a calming finish to the meal while celebrating traditional flavors.
Crunchy Spring Rolls: Light and crispy spring rolls filled with fresh veggies offer a satisfying crunch that contrasts with the smooth jelly, enhancing the overall dining experience.
Pineapple Tartlets: Serve these sweet and buttery pastries as an additional treat, their rich taste beautifully echoing the festive themes of prosperity and good fortune.

Make this celebration unforgettable with each savory and sweet addition to your table!

Variations & Substitutions for CNY Koi Fish Jelly

Feel free to personalize this recipe with your favorite flavors and dietary needs!

Dairy-Free: Swap evaporated milk with any plant-based milk, like almond or coconut milk, for a creamy vegan treat.
Flavor Boost: Infuse pandan leaves in the boiling process to add a fragrant, unique flavor that complements the jelly beautifully.
Traditional Twist: Use osmanthus jelly instead of plain jelly for a different taste and beautiful golden hue that resonates with CNY themes.
Colorful Options: Experiment with natural food coloring from beet juice or turmeric instead of artificial coloring for a more wholesome approach.
Mold Variety: Get playful with different shapes! Use assorted molds, such as stars or flowers, to unleash your creativity and make the dessert even more festive.
Textural Surprise: Incorporate small fruit bits, like diced mango or strawberries, into the jelly for added sweetness and a delightful surprise in each bite.
Extra Elegance: Brush the jelly with edible gold paint or sprinkle gold dust for an extra touch of festivity and glamour.
Personalized Fish: Adapt the dried fruits to your taste! Swap raisins for blueberries or even chocolate chips for a fun, modern twist on the classic.

These delightful variations will surely make your CNY Koi Fish Jelly unique and tailored to your taste while honoring the festive spirit!

CNY Koi Fish Jelly Recipe FAQs

What types of agar agar can I use for CNY Koi Fish Jelly?
Absolutely! Agar agar powder is the primary choice for creating this jelly. If you’re seeking alternatives, you could use konjac powder or gelatin if you don’t mind using animal products. Both work well, but keep in mind that gelatin will require adjustments since it doesn’t set at room temperature—hold off on chilling until it has completely dissolved in the hot mixture.

How should I store leftover CNY Koi Fish Jelly?
Very! Store any leftover CNY Koi Fish Jelly tightly covered in the fridge, where it will stay fresh for up to 3 days. Just remember that it’s best enjoyed fresh for optimal texture and flavor. If you plan to keep it longer, it can be refrigerated or frozen: slice the jelly into portions first and store it in airtight containers for up to 1 month.

Can I freeze CNY Koi Fish Jelly? If so, how?
Of course! To freeze your CNY Koi Fish Jelly, slice it into manageable portions and place them in airtight freezer bags or containers. Ensure as much air as possible is removed to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw overnight in the fridge. It would be best to consume the frozen jelly within a month for best quality.

What should I do if my CNY Koi Fish Jelly isn’t setting properly?
If you encounter a challenge with setting, double-check that you’ve used the correct amount of agar agar—typically about 1 tablespoon per cup of liquid for optimal gelling. Make sure your mixture boiled properly, as agar agar needs heat to activate. If in doubt, gently reheat the mixture, stirring continuously, and then allow it to cool and set again at room temperature before moving it to the fridge.

Is CNY Koi Fish Jelly suitable for people with dietary restrictions?
Absolutely! This recipe can easily adapt to various dietary needs. By using plant-based milk and agar agar, it becomes a delightful vegan treat. If you’re concerned about allergies, be mindful of any food coloring or additives you choose. For those with specific concerns about raisins or currants, feel free to swap these with seeds or nuts to accommodate any allergies or preferences.

How long can I keep CNY Koi Fish Jelly at room temperature?
I recommend enjoying your CNY Koi Fish Jelly fresh, as it should not sit out at room temperature for more than 2 hours. After that, it’s best to refrigerate it to maintain its delightful texture and refreshing flavors. Remember, for your gatherings, keep it chilled until you’re ready to serve!