Save It 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 always been a showstopper at our Lunar New Year celebrations bringing excitement and joy to every guest.
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 It This platter always brings my family together sparking stories and laughter as we enjoy every bite.
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 It This platter is both a feast for the eyes and the palate perfect for any festive occasion.
Common Questions About Recipes
- → How to keep the vegetables fresh before serving?
Keep sliced vegetables chilled and arrange them shortly before serving to maintain crispness and vibrant colors.
- → Can the seafood components be substituted?
Yes, marinated tofu or tempeh work well as plant-based alternatives for shrimp and pork in this dish.
- → What sauces complement this platter best?
Sweet chili, hoisin, and soy sauces offer a balance of sweet, savory, and umami flavors that pair beautifully with the ingredients.
- → How is the dragon shape constructed on the board?
Cucumber slices create the dragon’s body, layered with protein and veggies to resemble scales, fins, and tail features.
- → Are there any allergen concerns to note?
This platter contains shellfish, soy, sesame, and potentially gluten from potstickers, so check ingredients if allergies are a concern.