Save A festive and impressive appetizer platter inspired by the Lunar New Year, featuring a vibrant selection of Asian-inspired bites arranged in the form of a dragon for a stunning centerpiece.
This platter was a highlight at our Lunar New Year celebration and everyone was amazed by the creative dragon presentation and fresh flavors.
Ingredients
- Proteins: 16 cooked shrimp peeled (tail-on for presentation), 200 g (7 oz) sliced Chinese BBQ pork (char siu), 8 chicken potstickers (store-bought or homemade) cooked
- Vegetables & Fruits: 1 English cucumber thinly sliced, 1 red bell pepper cut into strips, 1 yellow bell pepper cut into strips, 1 cup sugar snap peas blanched, 1 cup shredded purple cabbage, 1 medium carrot cut into thin matchsticks, 1 small bunch fresh cilantro, 1 small bunch green onions sliced diagonally
- Rice & Noodles: 1 cup cooked sushi rice cooled, 8 pieces seaweed-wrapped rice balls (onigiri or sushi-style)
- Sauces & Dips: 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce, 1/2 cup hoisin sauce, 1/2 cup soy sauce, 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
- Garnishes: 1 red chili thinly sliced (optional for dragon fire), 1 small mandarin orange (for the dragons pearl), Black sesame seeds (for eyes and details)
Instructions
- Step 1 Prepare Ingredients:
- Prepare all ingredients and arrange them mise en place before assembling.
- Step 2 Shape Dragon Body:
- On a large serving board or platter outline a winding dragon shape using the cucumber slices as the body.
- Step 3 Add Proteins and Rice:
- Layer shrimp BBQ pork slices potstickers and rice balls along the cucumber body to add color and texture imitating dragon scales.
- Step 4 Create Fins and Features:
- Use bell pepper strips snap peas purple cabbage carrot and green onions to create vibrant fins spines and tail features along the dragons body.
- Step 5 Form Dragon Head:
- Form the dragons head at one end using a rice ball decorating with black sesame seeds for eyes red chili strips for whiskers or fire and arrange cilantro for a feathery mane.
- Step 6 Place Dragon Pearl:
- Place the mandarin orange near the dragons mouth as the pearl.
- Step 7 Add Texture:
- Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the arrangement for added texture.
- Step 8 Serve Dipping Sauces:
- Serve with bowls of sweet chili sauce hoisin sauce and soy sauce for dipping.
- Step 9 Garnish:
- Garnish with extra cilantro and green onions as desired Serve immediately.
Save This dish brings our family together every Lunar New Year to celebrate tradition and creativity in our cooking.
Required Tools
Large serving board or platter Small dipping bowls Sharp knife Small tongs or chopsticks for arrangement
Allergen Information
Contains soy (soy sauce hoisin sauce) shellfish (shrimp) and sesame Potstickers may contain wheat (gluten) soy or egg check labels if allergies are a concern Always verify ingredient lists if serving to those with allergies
Nutritional Information
Calories 220 Total Fat 4 g Carbohydrates 32 g Protein 13 g per serving
Save This platter offers both impressive presentation and delicious flavors perfect for your next celebration.
Recipe Guide
- → How do I assemble the dragon shape on the platter?
Start by outlining the dragon's body with thin cucumber slices, then layer proteins and rice balls along the body to represent scales. Use colorful vegetables for fins and tail, and form the head with a decorated rice ball. Finish details with herbs and garnishes.
- → Can I prepare the components in advance?
You can prepare all ingredients ahead, but assemble the platter just before serving to keep vegetables fresh and vibrant.
- → What alternatives can I use for the proteins?
For a vegetarian option, replace shrimp, pork, and chicken with marinated tofu, tempeh, or extra vegetables that offer similar texture and flavor contrast.
- → What sauces pair well with this platter?
Sweet chili sauce, hoisin sauce, and soy sauce provide a balanced mix of sweet, savory, and umami flavors perfect for dipping the components.
- → How can I add extra texture to the platter?
Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the arrangement for a crunchy finish, and consider adding thinly sliced red chili for a subtle spicy kick and visual interest.