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 became the highlight of our Lunar New Year feast, sparking excitement and conversation among guests.
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 (e.g., 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
- Prepare Ingredients:
- Cook potstickers and edamame, slice vegetables and fruits, and cut nori for facial features.
- Arrange Lettuce:
- On a large serving platter or board, arrange the lettuce leaves in a curving line to form the dragons body.
- Layer Proteins:
- Layer BBQ pork, shrimp, and potstickers along the lettuce to create the dragons scales.
- Add Colorful Accents:
- Use sliced cucumber, bell peppers, carrots, mango, and dragon fruit to add colorful accents and define the dragons body and tail.
- Sculpt the Head:
- 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.
- Garnish:
- Garnish the platter with fresh cilantro sprigs for extra color.
- Arrange Sauces:
- Arrange dipping sauces in small bowls around the platter.
- Serve:
- Serve immediately guests can pick and dip their favorite bites.
Save This dish always brings my family together around the table, sharing stories and laughter.
Required Tools
Large serving platter or board Sharp knife Small bowls for sauces Tongs or chopsticks
Allergen Information
Contains soy (soy sauce, edamame), shellfish (shrimp), gluten (potstickers, soy sauce, hoisin), and sesame (if used) Check all labels for hidden allergens and adapt as needed
Nutritional Information
Calories 210 Total Fat 6 g Carbohydrates 24 g Protein 13 g (per serving)
Save Enjoy this vibrant and meaningful dish as a centerpiece for your Lunar New Year celebration.
Cooking Questions
- → What proteins are used to create the dragon scales?
Shrimp, thinly sliced Chinese BBQ pork, and cooked chicken potstickers form the layered scales on the platter.
- → Which fruits give the platter its bright accents?
Slices of mango and dragon fruit add vibrant colors and help shape the dragon's body and head.
- → How can the platter accommodate vegetarians?
To adapt, replace shrimp and BBQ pork with marinated tofu or extra vegetables while keeping the arrangement intact.
- → What sauces complement the flavors presented?
A trio of soy sauce, sweet chili sauce, and hoisin sauce provides dipping options that enhance the varied tastes.
- → Are there any special tools needed to prepare this platter?
A large serving board, sharp knife, small bowls for sauces, and tongs or chopsticks are recommended for assembling and serving.
- → What allergens should be considered?
Common allergens include soy, shellfish, gluten, and potentially sesame if added as a garnish.