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 board has become a holiday favorite with family and friends, always drawing compliments for its creativity and delicious variety.
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.
Save This platter always brings the family together during our Lunar New Year celebrations creating memorable moments and delicious tastes.
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 With its stunning appearance and balanced flavors this platter is sure to impress at your next gathering.
Recipe FAQ
- → What proteins are included in this platter?
It features shrimp, Chinese BBQ pork (char siu), and chicken potstickers, offering a diverse range of flavors and textures.
- → How is the dragon shape formed on the platter?
The dragon's body is outlined with thin cucumber slices, layered with proteins and rice balls to resemble scales, and decorated with colorful vegetables for fins and tail.
- → Can this platter be made vegetarian?
Yes, shrimp, pork, and chicken can be replaced with marinated tofu, tempeh, or additional vegetables without compromising flavor.
- → Which sauces accompany the platter?
Sweet chili sauce, hoisin sauce, and soy sauce are served alongside for dipping, enhancing the savory and sweet notes.
- → What garnishes add to the dragon’s appearance?
Black sesame seeds form the eyes and details, red chili slices represent dragon fire, and fresh cilantro creates a feathery mane, with a mandarin orange as the pearl.
- → What is the recommended serving size?
The platter serves 8 to 10 people, making it ideal for festive gatherings and celebrations.