In the scorching summer, a refreshing Lotus Root Salad placed on the table seems to bring a breeze. The pure white lotus root, sliced thinly, dances like delicate butterflies, light and graceful. Each slice of lotus root exudes a sense of tranquility and contentment, resembling carefully crafted artworks, emanating a subtle fragrance.
Ingredients for Lotus Root Salad：
| Lotus root | 300g |
| Red pepper | 20g |
| Green pepper | 20g |
| Salt | 2g |
| White vinegar | 10g |
| Aginomoto | 1g |
| Sugar | 2g |
| Chili Oil | 5g |
| Sichuan Pepper | 6g |
| Dried chilli | 8g |
Step:
1.First, let’s prepare the necessary ingredients. We will need a cleaned lotus root, peeled and cut into 5 cm long sections. Then, slice the sections evenly into thick pieces, and finally julienne them into strips. Place the lotus root strips in a plate and set aside. Next, add an appropriate amount of water to the plate and soak the lotus root in it. The water should slightly cover the lotus root, ensuring it is fully submerged. This will help maintain the texture and color of the lotus root. Also, prepare a small bowl and add some Sichuan peppercorns and dried chili peppers for later use. These spices will enhance the flavor and add a unique taste to the dish.
2.Next, we will blanch the soaked lotus root. In a pot, add an adequate amount of water and 5 grams of white vinegar. Bring the water to a boil over high heat, then pour in the soaked lotus root and the green and red bell pepper strips. Continue to blanch them over medium heat for about 1 minute until the lotus root is cooked but still crisp. Then, remove the lotus root and bell peppers from the pot and rinse them with cold water to cool down. This step helps maintain the crispness of the lotus root. Finally, place the lotus root and bell peppers on a plate, preparing for the next step.
3.Once the lotus root and bell peppers have cooled, drain excess water from the lotus root and transfer them to a mixing bowl. Add 2 grams of salt, 1 gram of MSG (optional), and a suitable amount of sugar for freshness. Then, add 5 grams of white vinegar for a refreshing taste. Using chopsticks or hands, mix the lotus root and other ingredients thoroughly. This ensures that the seasonings adhere well to the lotus root, allowing each strip to absorb the flavors. Once mixed, you will notice that the lotus root becomes more vibrant in color and glossier, preparing it for the next cooking step.
4.Next, let’s prepare the spices. Heat an adequate amount of oil in a pan. Once the oil is hot, add 5 grams of chili oil. Stir the chili oil into the hot oil, then add the prepared Sichuan peppercorns and dried chili peppers. While stir-frying, maintain the appropriate heat to avoid burning the chili peppers. Keep stirring to release the fragrant and spicy aroma from the Sichuan peppercorns and dried chili peppers, allowing them to fully blend with the chili oil. This process takes some time and patience to ensure the spices release their best flavors. Once the spices are well stir-fried, set them aside, ready for the next cooking step.
5.Once our spices are ready, pour them into the bowl with the lotus root. Then, use cornstarch to coat the lotus root thoroughly, ensuring each strip absorbs the flavors of the spices. After coating, transfer the lotus root to a serving plate. Now, our delicious and spicy lotus root dish is ready, offering a crispy texture and a fragrant and spicy taste. Serve it on the table and share this delightful dish with family or friends.
Tips:
1.Soaking the lotus root in water serves two purposes. Firstly, it helps remove excess starch from the lotus root, preventing it from becoming sticky when mixed and making it more crispy to eat. Secondly, it prevents the peeled lotus root from oxidizing and turning black when exposed to air.
2.Adding white vinegar during blanching enhances the effectiveness of preventing discoloration in lotus root and also adds a crispier texture to it.
When you taste this refreshing Lotus Root Salad, the first thing you notice is its crisp texture and unique chewiness. The combination of the fibrous texture and tender crunch of the lotus root gives you a sense of being connected with nature. The mild flavor of the lotus root, paired with the slightly tangy and sweet seasonings, leaves an unforgettable impression. Each bite brings a refreshing sensation, as if strolling through a flower garden, soothing your mind and body, allowing you to appreciate the beauty of life. This Lotus Root Salad is not just a delicious dish, but also a tribute to nature and a gratitude for life.