Save to Pinterest 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 a standout at my family gatherings, always drawing praise for its creativity and flavor 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:
- Gather and prep all ingredients for ease of assembly.
- Step 2 Outline dragon shape:
- On a large serving board or platter outline a winding dragon shape using cucumber slices as the body.
- Step 3 Layer proteins and rice balls:
- Layer shrimp BBQ pork slices potstickers and rice balls along the cucumber body to add color and texture imitating dragon scales.
- Step 4 Create fins spines and tail 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.
- Step 5 Form dragon 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.
- Step 6 Place mandarin orange:
- Place the mandarin orange near the dragons mouth as the pearl.
- Step 7 Sprinkle sesame seeds:
- Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the arrangement for added texture.
- Step 8 Serve sauces:
- Serve with bowls of sweet chili sauce hoisin sauce and soy sauce for dipping.
- Step 9 Garnish and serve:
- Garnish with extra cilantro and green onions as desired Serve immediately.
Save to Pinterest This platter brings joy and excitement as we gather to celebrate Lunar New Year together.
Notes
Pair with a sparkling sake or jasmine tea for a festive touch.
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
Save to Pinterest This Lunar New Year platter will impress guests with its vibrant appearance and delightful flavors.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → How do I assemble the dragon shape?
Start by outlining the dragon’s winding body with cucumber slices on a large board. Layer shrimp, BBQ pork, potstickers, and rice balls to mimic scales, then add colorful vegetables as fins and tail details. Form the head with a rice ball and garnish creatively.
- → Can I prepare ingredients in advance?
You can prepare and slice the ingredients ahead, but arrange the board shortly before serving to keep everything fresh and vibrant.
- → What dipping sauces work best with this platter?
Sweet chili sauce, hoisin sauce, and soy sauce complement the flavors perfectly. Offer them in small bowls beside the platter for easy dipping.
- → How can I make a vegetarian version?
Replace shrimp, pork, and chicken potstickers with marinated tofu, tempeh, or additional fresh vegetables while maintaining the colorful presentation.
- → What garnishes add texture and flavor?
Toasted sesame seeds, fresh cilantro, green onions, and thinly sliced red chili provide extra texture and enhance the flavor profile throughout the platter.