Pin this 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.
Preparing this platter is a fun way to celebrate Lunar New Year traditions and impress your guests with a colorful and delicious presentation.
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 this We love gathering around this platter as a family during Lunar New Year celebrations sharing stories and enjoying the colorful feast.
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 this This platter makes an unforgettable centerpiece for Lunar New Year celebrations and is sure to impress your guests.
Recipe Questions
- → What proteins are included in this platter?
The platter features cooked shrimp, Chinese BBQ pork slices, and chicken potstickers for a balanced variety of flavors and textures.
- → How is the dragon shape created?
The dragon's body is outlined using cucumber slices with layers of shrimp, pork, potstickers, and rice balls arranged along it to mimic scales and form the shape.
- → What vegetables add color and texture?
Bell peppers, sugar snap peas, shredded purple cabbage, carrot matchsticks, green onions, and cilantro provide vibrant color and crunch.
- → Are there accompaniment sauces?
Yes, sweet chili sauce, hoisin sauce, and soy sauce are served alongside for dipping and added flavor.
- → Can this platter be adapted for vegetarians?
Yes, shrimp, pork, and chicken can be substituted with marinated tofu, tempeh, or additional vegetables while maintaining vibrant appeal.