Save to Pinterest 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 always amazes guests with its vibrant look and delicious flavors during Lunar New Year gatherings.
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
- 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 to Pinterest Gathering around this platter has become a cherished family tradition full of laughter and shared moments.
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 to Pinterest This dragon platter impresses with both its flavor and festive look making it a perfect dish to celebrate together.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → How can I adapt this platter for a vegetarian diet?
Replace shrimp and BBQ pork with marinated tofu or extra vegetables such as mushrooms or eggplant for a hearty vegetarian alternative.
- → What dipping sauces pair well with the platter?
Classic soy sauce, sweet chili, and hoisin sauces create a balanced mix of salty, sweet, and tangy flavors to complement the assortment.
- → How do I assemble the dragon shape on the platter?
Arrange lettuce leaves in a curved line for the dragon's body, layer proteins as scales, and use sliced fruits and vegetables to create the head, tail, and vibrant details.
- → Can I prepare any elements ahead of time?
Cook proteins like potstickers and edamame, and slice vegetables and fruits in advance for easier assembly just before serving.
- → Are there any allergen concerns to note?
The platter contains soy, shellfish, gluten, and possibly sesame seeds; adjust ingredients as needed to accommodate allergies.