Delicious and refreshing lotus root salad recipe
Picture this: It’s a hot summer day and you’re looking for a refreshing and healthy side dish to serve at your next BBQ or potluck. You want something that will impress your guests but won’t take up too much of your precious time. Well, look no further because I’ve got the perfect recipe for you – Fresh Lotus Root Salad!
Lotus root is a vegetable that’s commonly used in East Asian cuisine, particularly in Chinese and Vietnamese dishes. It’s crunchy, slightly sweet, and has a subtle earthy flavor that pairs well with a variety of other ingredients. In this recipe, we’ll be using fresh lotus root to make a delicious and nutritious salad that’s perfect for any occasion.
Now, some of you may be wondering – “What exactly is lotus root? And why should I bother trying it?” Well, lotus root is the stem of the lotus plant that’s grown underwater. It contains many health benefits such as being rich in fiber, vitamin C, vitamin B6, thiamin, riboflavin, magnesium, potassium, copper and manganese while also having low fat and calories making this dish not just yummy but also good for you.
Plus, it’s a great way to introduce some new flavors and textures into your diet. So whether you’re an adventurous eater or just looking to switch things up in the kitchen, this Fresh Lotus Root Salad is sure to be a hit!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Let me tell you why you’ll love this fresh lotus root salad recipe. First and foremost, it’s a refreshing and light salad that can be eaten alone or as part of a larger meal. The crisp texture of the lotus root, combined with the tangy and savory dressing is simply irresistible.
Not only is this recipe delicious, but it’s also a great source of nutrients. Lotus roots are full of vitamins and minerals that are essential for good health. Eating them raw in a salad is a fantastic way to get all their benefits.
Moreover, the ingredients used in this recipe are easy to find at your local grocery store or Asian market. You don’t have to go on a scavenger hunt trying to locate exotic items that you’ve never heard of before.
Another reason to try this recipe is its versatility. If you’re looking for a vegan or vegetarian option, simply omit the pork and substitute it with some crispy fried tofu. Additionally, you can use this salad as a side dish or add protein such as chicken or shrimp to make it into a main dish.
Lastly, making this fresh lotus root salad is quick and easy. The cutting and peeling may take some time, but once the lotus root is prepped, the rest comes together in minutes. You can whip up the dressing in no time and toss everything together just before serving.
Overall, if you’re looking for a flavorful, healthy, and easy-to-make dish for your next dinner party or family gathering, then this fresh lotus root salad recipe is definitely worth trying.
Ingredient List
Here’s what you’ll need to create this fresh lotus root salad recipe:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb fresh lotus root
- 1/4 cup white vinegar
- Kosher salt
- 2 tsp soy sauce
- 1/2 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp sugar
- Sesame seeds, black and/or golden (for topping)
- Cilantro leaves (for topping)
Ingredients 1:
- 6 oz sliced pork (can be substituted with chicken or shrimps)
- Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1/2 tsp sugar
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp white vinegar
Ingredients 2:
- 4 oz pickled carrots and daikon, thinly sliced into matchsticks
- 2 lotus stems, peeled, sliced into thin rounds, and then cut in half if they are large.
Dressing Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup warm water
- 3 Tbsp. + 1 tsp. sugar
- 1/4 cup white vinegar
- 2 Tbsp. soy sauce
- 2 Tbsp. sesame oil
- A pinch of chili oil
These ingredients can easily be found at your local grocery store or Asian market. Don’t let the ingredient list intimidate you! It’s actually very easy to prepare once everything is assembled.
The Recipe How-To
Now that you have all the ingredients ready, it’s time to bring this fresh lotus root salad recipe to life! This dish is a perfect starter course for your dinner party or an excellent side dish for your stir-fry meals. Without further ado, let’s get cooking.
Step 1: Prep the Lotus Root
Start by prepping one pound of fresh lotus root. First, use a vegetable peeler to remove the skin from the root. Then, rinse it under cold water and pat dry with a kitchen towel.
Next, cut the lotus root into thin slices about 1/8-inch thick. You can use either a sharp knife or a mandolin for uniform slices.
Step 2: Make the Dressing
In a separate mixing bowl, prepare the dressing by combining two tablespoons of warm water, one tablespoon of sesame oil, two tablespoons of soy sauce, one tablespoon of white vinegar, and half a teaspoon of sugar. Mix thoroughly until well-combined.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
In a large serving bowl, put the sliced lotus root and half a cup of thinly sliced carrot or daikon (optional) together. Pour the dressing over it and toss them all together until evenly coated.
Then, top your dish with some black sesame seeds and fresh cilantro leaves for added flavor and flair.
Step 4: Serve Cold
Once assembled, transfer your finished salad to the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to chill before serving. Alternatively, if you want to eat it right away, add some ice cubes to keep it extra cold.
And voila! Your fresh lotus root salad is ready to serve. Enjoy!
Bonus Tip:
For those looking to try something new, you can also add some heat to this dish by adding a pinch of chili flakes or using chili oil instead of sesame oil in the dressing. It adds just enough spice to keep things interesting!
Note: If you want a more flavorful base for your salad, try mixing rice vinegar with sesame oil in a 1:1 ratio before adding other seasoning.
Substitutions and Variations
Are you curious to add your own twist to this lotus root salad recipe? Good news! There are a ton of ways to experiment with this dish.
First off, let’s talk about the lotus root itself. If you’re having a hard time finding fresh lotus root, don’t panic! You can also use canned or frozen lotus root. Keep in mind that the texture won’t be exactly the same as fresh, but it is still worth trying!
For those who prefer a milder taste, you can sub out cilantro with fresh parsley or mint leaves. And if soy sauce is not your thing, you can replace it with tamari for a gluten-free option.
Another variation involves adding sliced carrots, daikon radish or cucumber to the mix for some extra crunch and color. You can also add some roasted peanuts or cashews as a garnish for added texture and flavor.
And if you’re feeling adventurous, try substituting some of the ingredients like black sesame seeds instead of white sesame seeds. You could also swap out some of the vinegar in the dressing for lime juice or even blend in some chili oil to make it spicier.
The possibilities are endless when it comes to personalizing this lotus root salad recipe, so don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own.
Serving and Pairing
This fresh lotus root salad is a perfect accompaniment to any meal, as it brings a refreshing and light crunch to your palate. Serve this salad with your favorite protein and you have a healthy and nutritious meal worth indulging in.
For a complete Vietnamese experience, you can pair this dish with stir-fried noodles, stir-fried vegetables, or steamed rice. It also makes a great side dish to grilled chicken or fish.
If you prefer something spicy, you can toss in some chili oil into the salad dressing or serve it with a side of Sriracha sauce. Or if you enjoy the nuttiness of sesame, sprinkle some sesame seeds on top before serving.
This salad is ideal for outdoor barbeques, picnics, and potlucks. It’s easy to prepare and transport, making it an excellent dish to share with family and friends.
As for beverages, serve with ice-cold green tea or citrus-infused water to cleanse the palate between bites. And for an added kick, pair this salad with a light lager beer or a chilled white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Riesling.
Remember that the key here is not to overpower the mildness of the lotus root salad but complement it instead – so choose your pairing wisely!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
One of the best things about this Fresh Lotus Root Salad recipe is that it can easily be made ahead of time, making it the perfect choice for busy hosts who want to be one step ahead. All you have to do is prepare the salad and dressing separately, then cover and refrigerate them until you’re ready to serve.
The lotus root salad can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days without any loss of flavor or texture. However, if you don’t plan on eating it immediately, it’s best to store the salad and its components separately.
When it comes time to reheat the salad, simply take the salad out of the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before enjoying. For those who prefer their food heated, you can heat up some oil in a pan and stir-fry the lotus root salad over medium heat for a few minutes. The heat will bring out even more flavors and make this dish even more delicious.
If you end up with any leftovers from your Lotus Root Salad recipe, worry not! You can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for another day. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, just repeat the reheating process above.
Overall, this recipe is very versatile and perfect whether eaten hot or cold. Trying many Pious recipes over my life-time as a scribe/cook, I promise that this one is worth stopping by your local market for some fresh lotus roots just like what’s used in East Asian countries.
Tips for Perfect Results
Now that you have all the ingredients and steps ready for making the Fresh Lotus Root Salad Recipe, let’s talk about some tips that will help you achieve perfect results!
Firstly, make sure to use fresh lotus root. It is best to purchase it from an Asian market or specialty food store. The texture and taste of the salad heavily depend on the freshness of the lotus root.
Secondly, be sure to slice the lotus root very thinly, preferably using a mandoline. This will help create uniform slices that are more pleasing to the eye and easier to eat.
Next, when preparing the dressing for the salad, take care to balance the flavors well. Taste it as you go and adjust as needed to ensure that it is not too sweet or too sour, but just right.
Additionally, you can add some crunch to your salad by sprinkling black sesame seeds or regular sesame seeds on top of your dish. They add a nice visual appeal and a subtle nutty flavor that compliments some of the dressing’s ingredients.
Another tip is to use white vinegar instead of rice vinegar. White vinegar has a milder taste, which allows the other flavors in the dressing to shine through without being overpowered by vinegar’s acidity.
Lastly, do not over-marinate your lotus root salad! Marinating it for too long can result in mushy and unpleasant texture. We recommend marinating for no more than 30 minutes before serving.
Follow these tips, and you’ll be sure to wow your guests with a delicious fresh lotus root salad with just the right balance of flavors and textures!
FAQ
Before you dive into making this Fresh Lotus Root Salad recipe, let’s address some FAQs that you may have. From the best substitutes to possible variations, and tips to make sure your salad comes out perfect every time, these FAQs will give you everything you need to know to make this dish a hit at your next dinner party. So, let’s dig in and answer any questions that may be lingering in your mind.
Can you eat raw lotus root?
Lotus root is a widely sought-after vegetable, found in abundance across many regions of East and South Asia. It is affordable, and beloved for its crunchy texture comparable to jicama. However, it is important to note that unlike jicama, lotus root cannot be consumed raw, and requires steaming or cooking prior to consumption. This crucial step ought not to be overlooked.
Is lotus root inflammatory?
In East Asia, lotus root is a common ingredient used in traditional medicine. Recent research has shown that fermented lotus root (FLR) can have a positive effect on inflammation-related genes and may help alleviate gastric ulcers in rats caused by ethanol/HCl. This suggests potential health benefits of incorporating FLR into one’s diet. The study was conducted and published on November 19, 2020.
What happens if you eat raw lotus root?
It is recommended to cook lotus roots, also known as kamal kakdi, before consuming them. Eating them raw may increase the risk of developing bacterial infections. This could easily be avoided by steaming, boiling or frying them prior to consumption. It’s always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to our health.
How long does fresh lotus root last in the fridge?
To keep your lotus root fresh, store it in the refrigerator. If it is unwashed, put it in a loosely tied bag. In case the lotus root is already sliced and washed, wrap it with plastic before putting it in an airtight container. Remember to consume sliced lotus root soon, but it can last for up to five days in the refrigerator. This information was last updated on January 14th, 2015.
Bottom Line
:
All in all, the fresh lotus root salad recipe is an absolute must-try for anyone who wants to add a unique and refreshing twist to their salads. With its crunchy texture and flavorful taste, this dish is perfect for any occasion and is sure to leave your taste buds with a memorable impression.
Whether you are a seasoned cook or a beginner, this salad recipe is easy to follow and customize according to your preferences. From substituting ingredients to adding your favorite toppings, there are numerous ways to make this recipe your own.
So, what are you waiting for? Head over to your nearest grocery store, grab some fresh lotus root and start creating your very own lotus root salad masterpiece. Once you try this recipe, I guarantee that you’ll be hooked and will want to share it with everyone you know.
Remember, food is not just about nourishing our bodies, but it’s also about bringing people together and creating lasting memories. So why not make those memories around a delicious bowl of fresh lotus root salad? Trust me, your taste buds will thank you.
Fresh Lotus Root Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb fresh lotus root
- 1 1/2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 1/2 tablespoons white vinegar
- 1/2 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1/4 teaspoon asian chili oil (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
- toasted black sesame seeds or sesame seeds (to garnish)
Instructions
- Boil about 3 quarts of water in a pot.
- Rinse lotus roots with cold water.
- Trim and discard both ends of the bulb and peel the skin.
- Diagonally cut the root into 1/8 inch thick slices and immediately put them into acidulated (water with some vinegar or lemon juice to prevent discoloring) water.
- Drain the roots and put them into the boiling water.
- Take pot off heat and cover pot with lid.
- Let sit for 5 minutes.
- Drain and rinse with cold water.
- Pat dry and put in a shallow bowl.
- In a bowl, combine soy sauce, vinegar, sesame oil, chili oil and cilantro.
- Pour dressing over lotus roots and garnish with sesame seeds.
- Serve chilled.
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Anna is a culinary expert who specializes in grilling delicious BBQ dishes. She also enjoys sharing her recipes and experiences with her foodie community on her blog. She’s the total package for any backyard barbecue!