Save 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 board is always a hit at celebrations and brings a fun festive spirit to any gathering
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 This platter always brings our family together and sparks wonderful conversations during Lunar New Year celebrations
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 This mighty dragon board is sure to impress your guests and create lasting memories
Recipe FAQ
- → How do I create the dragon shape on the serving board?
Use thin cucumber slices to outline a winding dragon body. Layer proteins and vegetables to imitate scales, fins, and tail along this shape for an impressive centerpiece.
- → Can I prepare this platter ahead of time?
Arrange ingredients just before serving to maintain freshness and vibrant colors. Prepare and chill components separately in advance for easier assembly.
- → What are good substitutes for shrimp and pork?
For vegetarian options, replace shrimp and pork with marinated tofu, tempeh, or extra vegetables while maintaining the vibrant look and diverse textures.
- → Which sauces pair best with this platter?
Sweet chili, hoisin, and soy sauces complement the flavors and provide a variety of dipping options enhancing the seafood and BBQ notes.
- → How can I add garnish details like the dragon's eyes and pearl?
Use black sesame seeds for eyes and a small mandarin orange to represent the dragon's pearl, adding visual interest and thematic flair.
- → What tools help with arranging the platter neatly?
Utilize a sharp knife for slicing and small tongs or chopsticks for precise placement of delicate ingredients and garnishes.