Crispy Stir-Fried Lotus Root: A Healthy and Delicious Side Dish
Nutritious Braised Lotus Root Stir-Fry
Hello! I’m a homebody mom who just loves home-cooked meals. For all the busy homemakers who worry about what to cook every day, I’ve prepared a simple, delicious, and nutritious ‘Braised Lotus Root Stir-Fry’ recipe. Its crisp texture and sweet-savory flavor are truly a rice thief!
Main Ingredients- Lotus root 400g
- Green onion 1/2 stalk
- Hot peppers 3 pcs
- Garlic 5 cloves (minced)
- Sesame seeds (to taste)
Seasoning Ingredients- Vegetable oil 2 Tbsp
- Oligosaccharide 1.5 Tbsp
- Soy sauce 2 Tbsp
- Xylose sugar 1 Tbsp
- Vegetable oil 2 Tbsp
- Oligosaccharide 1.5 Tbsp
- Soy sauce 2 Tbsp
- Xylose sugar 1 Tbsp
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Prepare the Lotus Root: If you’re using pre-cleaned, packaged lotus root, soak it in clean water for about 20 minutes to remove any impurities. In a pot, add enough water to cover the lotus root, along with 1/4 Tbsp of vinegar. Boil for about 15 minutes. This process helps remove the lotus root’s natural astringency and ensures a crisp texture.
Step 2
Prepare the Aromatics and Vegetables: While the lotus root is boiling, finely chop the hot peppers and thinly slice the green onion diagonally. Mince the garlic. Having these ingredients prepped beforehand will make the cooking process much smoother.
Step 3
Drain the Lotus Root: Once the lotus root is tender, drain it thoroughly in a colander. Draining it while hot helps the seasoning to be absorbed better and prevents the dish from becoming watery when stir-fried.
Step 4
Infuse with Garlic Aroma: Heat a pan over medium-high heat and add 2 Tbsp of vegetable oil. Add the minced garlic and stir-fry briefly to release its fragrance and create garlic oil. Using minced garlic at this stage allows its flavor and juices to infuse directly into the oil, resulting in a richer aroma. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Step 5
Stir-Fry the Lotus Root: Add the drained lotus root to the pan with the garlic oil and stir-fry. Keep stirring to prevent the lotus root from sticking to the pan.
Step 6
Add Seasonings and Continue Stir-Frying: Add 2 Tbsp of soy sauce and 1.5 Tbsp of oligosaccharide. Stir-fry until the seasoning is evenly distributed over the lotus root. Taste and adjust the soy sauce or oligosaccharide according to your preference. If you prefer a lighter color for your lotus root, you can reduce the amount of soy sauce.
Step 7
Add Peppers, Green Onion, and Sugar: Add the chopped hot peppers and sliced green onion to the pan. Add 1 Tbsp of xylose sugar and continue to stir-fry. The spiciness of the peppers and the sweetness of the sugar balance each other, creating a harmonious flavor.
Step 8
Finish and Serve: Finally, sprinkle generously with sesame seeds and give it a final toss. Your delicious stir-fried lotus root is ready! Enjoy this crisp, sweet, and savory side dish that will surely complement your meal.
