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 amazes guests with its festive presentation and delightful flavors that celebrate Lunar New Year traditions.
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
- Prepare Ingredients:
- Prepare all ingredients and arrange them mise en place before assembling.
- Outline Dragon Shape:
- On a large serving board or platter outline a winding dragon shape using the cucumber slices as the body.
- Layer Proteins:
- Layer shrimp BBQ pork slices potstickers and rice balls along the cucumber body to add color and texture imitating dragon scales.
- Create 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.
- Form 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.
- Place Pearl:
- Place the mandarin orange near the dragons mouth as the pearl.
- Sprinkle Seeds:
- Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the arrangement for added texture.
- Serve Dips:
- Serve with bowls of sweet chili sauce hoisin sauce and soy sauce for dipping.
- Garnish:
- Garnish with extra cilantro and green onions as desired Serve immediately.
Save This recipe always brings family and friends together during the Lunar New Year celebrations for a memorable shared meal.
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 The final arrangement is both visually stunning and delicious ensuring your Lunar New Year feast is unforgettable.
Recipe FAQ Section
- → How do I keep the vegetables crisp before assembly?
Store sliced vegetables in cold water or refrigerate them in airtight containers to maintain their crispness until assembly.
- → Can I prepare parts of the platter ahead of time?
Yes, cook proteins and prepare vegetables in advance, but assemble the dragon shape shortly before serving for best presentation and freshness.
- → What sauces complement this platter best?
Sweet chili, hoisin, and soy sauces are ideal for dipping, providing a balance of sweet, savory, and salty flavors.
- → How can I make a vegetarian version?
Replace shrimp, pork, and potstickers with marinated tofu, tempeh, or additional fresh vegetables for a flavorful alternative.
- → What is the best way to arrange the dragon's head?
Use a seaweed-wrapped rice ball as the head, decorating with black sesame seeds for eyes, red chili strips for whiskers, and fresh cilantro for a feathery mane.
- → Are there any common allergens in this dish?
Yes, this includes shellfish (shrimp), soy (soy and hoisin sauces), sesame seeds, and gluten possibly in potstickers. Check ingredient labels if allergies are a concern.