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 always draws compliments at our Lunar New Year celebrations and is fun to assemble with family.
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 all ingredients and arrange them mise en place before assembling.
- Step 2:
- On a large serving board or platter outline a winding dragon shape using the cucumber slices as the body.
- Step 3:
- Layer shrimp BBQ pork slices potstickers and rice balls along the cucumber body to add color and texture imitating dragon scales.
- Step 4:
- 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 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 the mandarin orange near the dragons mouth as the pearl.
- Step 7:
- Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the arrangement for added texture.
- Step 8:
- Serve with bowls of sweet chili sauce hoisin sauce and soy sauce for dipping.
- Step 9:
- Garnish with extra cilantro and green onions as desired Serve immediately.
Pin it Our family cherishes assembling this platter together as a Lunar New Year tradition every year.
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
Pin it This platter is not only a feast for the eyes but a delight to share with loved ones.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How do I shape the dragon platter?
Start by outlining a winding dragon body using thin cucumber slices. Then layer proteins and rice balls along the shape to mimic scales, and add vegetables for fins and tail details.
- → Can I prepare this platter ahead of time?
It’s best to assemble the board just before serving to keep ingredients fresh and vibrant. Prepare ingredients in advance to save time.
- → What sauces complement this platter?
Sweet chili, hoisin, and soy sauces provide flavorful dipping options that enhance the Asian-inspired elements.
- → Are there vegetarian alternatives for the proteins?
Yes, replace shrimp, pork, and chicken with marinated tofu, tempeh, or extra vegetables to maintain texture and variety.
- → What garnishes add to the dragon’s appearance?
Use black sesame seeds for eyes, red chili strips for fiery whiskers, cilantro for the mane, and a mandarin orange as the dragon’s pearl.
- → Is this suitable for special diets?
This platter is pescatarian and nut-free, but contains shellfish, soy, and gluten. Verify allergens if needed.