Pin 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 my go-to for Lunar New Year celebrations because it combines delicious flavors with a creative display that impresses guests
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
Pin 
This dish always brings our family together as we gather to admire the dragon and share stories of Lunar New Year traditions
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)
Pin Assemble the platter just before serving for the best freshness and vibrant look
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → How do I assemble the dragon shape?
Use cucumber slices to outline the dragon’s winding body on the board, then layer proteins and vegetables along the shape to create scales, fins, and spines.
- → Can I make this platter vegetarian?
Yes, substitute shrimp, pork, and chicken with marinated tofu, tempeh, or extra vegetables for a vegetarian version.
- → What sauces complement the platter?
Serve with sweet chili sauce, hoisin sauce, and soy sauce to enhance the vibrant flavors of the ingredients.
- → How should I prepare the rice balls?
Use cooked sushi rice to form small balls, wrap with seaweed for color and structure, and chill before assembling on the board.
- → What garnishes add the finishing touches?
Thinly sliced red chili strips, cilantro, green onions, mandarin orange, and toasted sesame seeds bring vibrant color and texture to the platter.