Save to Pins 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.
I enjoy creating this platter as it brings a festive mood and amazes guests with its creative dragon shape.
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 to Pins This platter always brings our family close together as we share stories while enjoying the vibrant dishes.
Notes
For a vegetarian version replace shrimp pork and chicken with marinated tofu tempeh or extra vegetables. Arrange the board just before serving to keep ingredients fresh and vibrant. 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
Nutritional Information
Calories 220 Total Fat 4 g Carbohydrates 32 g Protein 13 g
Save to Pins This appetizer platter will impress your guests and celebrate the Lunar New Year with style.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How do I assemble the dragon shape on the board?
Start by outlining the dragon’s body with thin cucumber slices arranged in a winding shape. Layer shrimp, BBQ pork, potstickers, and rice balls along the cucumber to mimic scales. Use colorful vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, purple cabbage, and carrots to create fins and spines. Form the head with a rice ball and decorate with garnishes like sesame seeds, chili strips, and cilantro.
- → Can I prepare parts of the platter in advance?
Yes, ingredients like cooked shrimp, sliced pork, and potstickers can be prepared ahead of time. However, arrange the platter close to serving to maintain freshness and vibrant colors.
- → What substitutions work for dietary restrictions?
For a vegetarian option, replace shrimp, pork, and chicken with marinated tofu, tempeh, or additional fresh vegetables. Ensure dipping sauces are free of allergens based on dietary needs.
- → What sauces complement the platter best?
Sweet chili sauce, hoisin sauce, and soy sauce offer a balance of sweetness, umami, and saltiness that enhance the flavors of the proteins and vegetables on the board.
- → How should I serve the platter for best presentation?
Use a large serving board or platter. Arrange ingredients carefully to highlight the dragon shape, paying attention to color contrasts and texture. Garnish with sliced chili, mandarin orange, sesame seeds, and fresh herbs for added visual appeal.
- → Are there any allergen concerns to keep in mind?
This selection contains soy, shellfish, and sesame. Potstickers may include wheat, soy, and egg. Always check labels and inform guests accordingly.