Pin Recipe 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 has become my go-to for Lunar New Year celebrations, always impressing family and guests with both taste and creativity.
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 Recipe This platter always brings the family together with its vibrant colors and shared preparation ritual.
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 Recipe This stunning platter combines flavor and festivity perfectly for any celebration.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I arrange the platter to resemble a dragon?
Use thinly sliced cucumbers to outline the dragon’s winding body on the serving board. Layer shrimp, BBQ pork, potstickers, and rice balls along the body to mimic scales. Use vibrant vegetables like bell peppers and snap peas to form fins, spines, and tail features.
- → What sauces pair best with this platter?
Sweet chili sauce, hoisin sauce, and soy sauce complement the flavors beautifully. Serve them in small bowls for dipping to add variety and extra flavor.
- → Can I make a vegetarian version of this platter?
Yes, substitute shrimp, BBQ pork, and potstickers with marinated tofu, tempeh, or additional fresh vegetables to maintain vibrant textures and flavors.
- → How should I prepare the ingredients before assembly?
Cook proteins and vegetables as needed, then arrange all ingredients in bowls or on plates (mise en place) to streamline the assembly process and ensure freshness.
- → What garnishes enhance the visual appeal?
Black sesame seeds for eyes, thinly sliced red chili for dragon whiskers or fire, fresh cilantro for a feathery mane, and a small mandarin orange as the dragon’s pearl add striking details.
- → How soon should the platter be served after assembly?
It’s best to assemble and serve immediately to preserve the vibrant colors and crisp textures of the vegetables and proteins.