Save A festive and colorful appetizer platter inspired by the dragon dance, featuring an assortment of Asian-inspired bites arranged to resemble a dragon—perfect for Lunar New Year celebrations.
This platter brings my family together every Lunar New Year, reminding us of tradition and creativity in one delicious dish.
Ingredients
- Proteins: 8 cooked shrimp peeled and deveined 8 slices Chinese BBQ pork char siu thinly sliced 8 chicken potstickers store-bought or homemade cooked
- Vegetables: 1 cucumber thinly sliced 2 carrots julienned 1 red bell pepper thinly sliced 1 yellow bell pepper thinly sliced 2 cups edamame cooked and shelled 8 lettuce leaves eg butter or romaine
- Fruits & Garnishes: 1 small mango thinly sliced 1 small dragon fruit sliced and cut into scales 3 sprigs fresh cilantro 1 small bunch chives or green onions for whiskers 1 sheet nori seaweed cut into small circles for eyes/nose 2 black olives or grapes for nostrils
- Dipping Sauces: ½ cup soy sauce ¼ cup sweet chili sauce ¼ cup hoisin sauce
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Prepare all ingredients as directed cook potstickers and edamame slice vegetables and fruits and cut nori for facial features.
- Step 2:
- On a large serving platter or board arrange the lettuce leaves in a curving line to form the dragons body.
- Step 3:
- Layer BBQ pork shrimp and potstickers along the lettuce to create the dragons scales.
- Step 4:
- Use sliced cucumber bell peppers carrots mango and dragon fruit to add colorful accents and define the dragons body and tail.
- Step 5:
- Sculpt the dragons head at one end using edamame mango and dragon fruit Use nori circles for eyes and black olives or grapes for nostrils Chives or green onions can form the dragons whiskers.
- Step 6:
- Garnish the platter with fresh cilantro sprigs for extra color.
- Step 7:
- Arrange dipping sauces in small bowls around the platter.
- Step 8:
- Serve immediately guests can pick and dip their favorite bites.
Save This platter has become a staple at our family celebrations, sparking joy and conversation with every bite.
Notes
For a vegetarian version replace shrimp and BBQ pork with marinated tofu or additional vegetables Add sesame seeds or crushed peanuts for crunch Pair with a light aromatic white wine or jasmine tea.
Required Tools
Large serving platter or board Sharp knife Small bowls for sauces Tongs or chopsticks
Nutritional Information
Calories 210 Total Fat 6 g Carbohydrates 24 g Protein 13 g per serving
Save Enjoy preparing this festive platter that brings vibrant flavors and traditions to your celebrations.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → How do I shape the dragon on the platter?
Arrange lettuce leaves in a curving line to form the body. Layer proteins and vegetables on top to mimic scales. Use edamame, mango, and dragon fruit for the head, adding nori and olives for eyes and nostrils.
- → Can I prepare this platter ahead of time?
Yes, prepare proteins and chop vegetables in advance. Assemble shortly before serving to maintain freshness and vibrant colors.
- → What dipping sauces complement the platter?
Soy sauce, sweet chili sauce, and hoisin sauce provide balanced salty, sweet, and spicy flavors perfect for the assortment.
- → How can I make this platter vegetarian?
Replace shrimp and BBQ pork with marinated tofu or additional vegetables. Add sesame seeds or crushed peanuts for extra texture.
- → Are there any allergen considerations?
This platter contains soy, shellfish, gluten, and possibly sesame. Check ingredient labels and modify components as needed for allergies.