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 recipe has become a family favorite during Lunar New Year gatherings, bringing everyone together around a spectacular and delicious board.
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 Pinterest Serving this platter creates joyful family moments full of smiles and shared appreciation for the festive presentation.
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 to Pinterest This lunar new year board is sure to impress guests while providing a delicious variety of flavors in one stunning presentation.
Ask About This Recipe
- → How do I assemble the dragon shape?
Start by outlining the dragon's body with thin cucumber slices. Layer proteins and rice balls along the body to resemble scales, then add colorful vegetables as fins and spines.
- → What proteins work best for this platter?
Cooked shrimp, Chinese BBQ pork, and potstickers create a delicious mix. For a vegetarian option, marinated tofu or tempeh can be used.
- → How can I keep the ingredients fresh before serving?
Arrange the board just before serving to maintain freshness and vibrant colors. Keep all components chilled until assembly.
- → Which dipping sauces complement this platter?
Sweet chili, hoisin, and soy sauces provide a balance of sweet, savory, and umami flavors that enhance the platter’s taste.
- → Can this platter accommodate dietary restrictions?
Yes, it’s pescatarian-friendly and nut-free. Adjust proteins and check potsticker ingredients carefully for gluten or egg if needed.