Lotus Root Slices Cold Salad, with its thin and delicate lotus root slices dancing on the palate, offers a unique sensory experience. These carefully selected fresh lotus root slices are mixed together with various spices to create a delicious and flavorful cold dish. With every bite, you can taste the subtle sweetness and refreshing texture, as if finding a little oasis in the scorching summer heat. Whether paired with rice or served as an appetizer, Lotus Root Slices Cold Salad will surely enchant you with its distinctive charm.
Ingredients for Lotus Root Slices Cold Salad：
| Lotus root | 200g |
| White vinegar | 7g |
| Ginger | 5g |
| Salt | 1g |
| Sugar | 3g |
| Sichuan Pepper | 3g |
| Chili Oil | 5g |
| Dried chilli | 6g |
Step:
1.The first step in preparing Lotus Root Slices Cold Salad is to peel the lotus root and cut it into evenly thin slices. It’s important to ensure that the slices are of similar thickness so they can be evenly cooked. Next, place the sliced lotus root in a bowl and pour in enough clean water. Soaking the lotus root slices in water helps improve their texture and remove excess starch. Adding a little white vinegar also prevents the lotus root slices from oxidizing and turning dark. The soaked lotus root slices become crispier and sweeter.
2.Prepare a piece of ginger. Slice the ginger into thin pieces, then cut those pieces into fine shreds. Place the shredded ginger in a bowl, and add 1 gram of salt, 3 grams of sugar, and 3 grams of white vinegar. These seasonings enhance the taste and flavor, making the Lotus Root Slices Cold Salad more delicious. To dissolve the seasonings better, add a little warm water to the bowl with the ginger and seasonings. Use chopsticks or a spoon to stir until the seasonings are completely dissolved. By thoroughly mixing and dissolving the seasonings, each piece of lotus root slice can absorb the aromatic flavors and taste evenly, resulting in a more flavorful Lotus Root Slices Cold Salad.
3.Next, we will prepare a small handful of dried chili peppers and a suitable amount of Sichuan peppercorns to add a spicy and fragrant taste to the Lotus Root Slices Cold Salad. First, take a small handful of dried chili peppers. You can choose different types and levels of spiciness based on personal preference. Cut the dried chili peppers into small pieces or crush them and put them into the bowl for later use. Then, add a pinch of Sichuan peppercorns. Sichuan peppercorns have a unique numbing and spicy flavor that adds richness to the Lotus Root Slices Cold Salad. Gently crush some Sichuan peppercorns with your hands and add them to the bowl. Adding dried chili peppers and Sichuan peppercorns to the bowl will bring a spicy and fragrant taste to the Lotus Root Slices Cold Salad.
4.Now we will blanch the lotus root slices to make them tender and retain their crunchiness. First, bring a pot of water to a boil and add a little white vinegar. The vinegar helps maintain the color of the lotus root slices and prevents them from oxidizing and turning black. Once the water is boiling, carefully add the soaked lotus root slices to the pot. Use chopsticks or a spoon to stir continuously to ensure even heating and prevent sticking. Blanch the lotus root slices over medium heat for about 30 seconds. Avoid blanching for too long as it can make the slices too soft and lose their texture. After blanching, pour out the lotus root slices and quickly rinse them with cold water to cool them down. Rinsing with cold water helps maintain their crispness and removes excess starch and impurities. Once the lotus root slices have cooled and the excess water has drained, transfer them to a serving bowl.
5.Heat an adequate amount of oil in a pan. When the oil is around 70% hot (slightly smoking), you can proceed to the next step. Pour approximately 5 grams of chili oil seasoning into the hot oil and quickly stir it with chopsticks or a spoon to mix well. Then, pour the hot oil into a small bowl with dried chili peppers, Sichuan peppercorns, and other seasonings. The addition of hot oil instantly releases the fragrance of the dried chili peppers and Sichuan peppercorns, adding more flavor to the Lotus Root Slices Cold Salad. Please be cautious to avoid any splattering oil that may cause burns. Make sure to evenly pour the hot oil into the seasoning and stir quickly to distribute it evenly.
6.Pour the prepared sauce over the lotus root slices, add the garnish of oil-drizzled spices, and mix well with chopsticks. Finally, transfer the salad to a serving dish. Start by pouring the previously prepared sauce over the lotus root slices. Ensure that the sauce evenly coats each slice, allowing them to absorb the spicy and flavorful taste. Then, add the oil-drizzled spices, which usually refer to dried chili peppers and Sichuan peppercorns from the hot oil. These garnishes add color, texture, and aroma to the dish. Sprinkle the oil-drizzled spices evenly over the lotus root slices. Lastly, gently mix everything with chopsticks, making sure all the slices are coated with the sauce and spices for an even flavor. After mixing, you can plate the Lotus Root Slices Cold Salad, showcasing its beautiful color and enticing aroma.
Tips:
1.Select fresh and tender lotus roots with a smooth surface, free from spots or scratches. Fresh and tender lotus roots provide a crispier texture and better taste.
2.Place the sliced lotus root in clean water and add a bit of white vinegar. Soak them for 10-15 minutes and then rinse them thoroughly. This process makes the lotus root slices more refreshing and helps remove excess starch and impurities.
3.Blanch the lotus root slices in boiling water until cooked. Blanching makes the slices more tender and helps maintain their bright color.
Lotus Root Slices Cold Salad is a dish that offers a delightful crunch and refreshing taste. Each slice of lotus root resembles a sparkling emerald, gently dancing in the seasoning as if performing for your taste buds. They burst with intense flavor, accompanied by the crisp sound that resonates in your ears, making you feel like you’re in a fresh summer forest. This dish is not only delicious but also a great choice to beat the summer heat, allowing you to enjoy the culinary experience while feeling refreshed both physically and mentally.