Chinese Stir Fry Lotus Root Recipe: A Quick and Easy Guide

Lotus root is a popular ingredient in Chinese cuisine, and it is often used in stir-fry dishes. If you are looking for a quick and easy recipe that is both healthy and delicious, you might want to try making a Chinese stir-fry lotus root recipe. This dish is perfect for those who want to add more vegetables to their diet without sacrificing taste.

Before we dive into the recipe, let's talk about lotus root. This root vegetable is known for its crunchy texture and earthy flavour. It is often used in Chinese medicine and is believed to have many health benefits. Lotus root is also a good source of vitamins and minerals, making it a great addition to any diet.

Key Takeaways

• Lotus root is a healthy and delicious ingredient that is often used in Chinese cuisine.
• A Chinese stir-fry lotus root recipe is a quick and easy way to add more vegetables to your diet.
• Seafood can be a great addition to this dish, with prawns or scallops being excellent options.

Understanding Lotus Root

Lotus root is a vegetable that is widely used in Asian cuisine, especially in Chinese dishes. It is the rhizome of the lotus plant, which grows horizontally underwater at the bottom of the plant. It has a crunchy texture and an earthy taste that makes it a popular ingredient in soups, stews, and stir-fries.

Nutritional Profile

Lotus root is a good source of fiber, protein, vitamins, and minerals. It is low in calories and fat, making it a healthy addition to any diet. One cup of sliced lotus root (approximately 125 grams) contains:

• 66 calories
• 0.1 grams of fat
• 16 grams of carbohydrates
• 3 grams of fiber
• 1 gram of protein
• 44% of the daily recommended intake of vitamin C
• 14% of the daily recommended intake of vitamin B6
• 12% of the daily recommended intake of potassium
• 10% of the daily recommended intake of thiamin

Culinary Uses in Asian Cuisine

Lotus root is a versatile ingredient that can be used in many different ways in Asian cuisine. It is commonly sliced and stir-fried with other vegetables and meat or seafood. It can also be used in soups and stews, where it adds a crunchy texture and a slightly sweet flavour.

In traditional Chinese medicine, lotus root is believed to have medicinal properties. It is said to help with digestion, improve circulation, and boost the immune system.

If you're looking to add some seafood to your lotus root stir-fry, you could try using prawns or scallops. These seafood options would complement the earthy taste of the lotus root and add some protein to the dish.

Preparation Essentials

Before you start making your Chinese stir fry lotus root recipe, there are a few essential preparation steps that you need to follow to ensure that your dish turns out perfectly.

Selecting Fresh Lotus Root

When selecting fresh lotus root, look for ones that are firm, heavy, and have smooth skin. Avoid any that have soft spots or blemishes. You can find fresh lotus root at most Asian markets.

Cleaning and Cutting Techniques

To clean the lotus root, use a vegetable peeler to remove the outer layer of skin. Rinse the lotus root under cold water to remove any dirt or debris. Then, cut the lotus root into thin slices. You can also use a mandoline for this step to ensure that your slices are uniform in thickness.

Blanching Process

Blanching the lotus root is an essential step in this recipe. To blanch, bring a pot of water to a boil and add the sliced lotus root. Let the lotus root cook for approximately 45 seconds, then remove it from the water and immediately submerge it in cold water to stop the cooking process.

If you want to add seafood to your stir fry lotus root recipe, you can use shrimp or scallops. Simply clean and devein the shrimp or remove the muscle from the scallops before adding them to the stir fry. Cook the seafood for approximately 2-3 minutes or until they are cooked through.

Stir-Fry Basics

If you're new to Chinese cooking, stir-fry is an excellent place to start. It's quick, easy, and requires minimal prep work. Here are a few basics to keep in mind when making stir-fry.

Choosing the Right Oil

The oil you use for stir-frying is crucial. You want an oil with a high smoke point, which means it can withstand high heat without burning. Peanut oil, vegetable oil, and canola oil are all good options. Avoid using olive oil or butter, as they have a low smoke point and will burn quickly.

Mastering the Stir-Fry Technique

Stir-frying is all about high heat and quick cooking. You want to cook the ingredients quickly, so they retain their texture and flavour. To get the best results, use a wok or a large frying pan. The shape of the wok allows you to cook the ingredients evenly and quickly.

To stir-fry, heat your wok or frying pan over high heat. Add a tablespoon of oil and swirl it around the pan. When the oil is hot, add your ingredients and stir-fry for a few minutes, tossing the ingredients constantly. When the ingredients are cooked, remove them from the pan and serve immediately.

If you're feeling adventurous, you can try adding seafood to your stir-fry. Shrimp and scallops are both excellent options. Just make sure to cook them quickly, so they don't become overcooked and rubbery.

Lotus Root Stir-Fry Recipe

If you're looking for a quick and easy vegetarian dish, lotus root stir-fry is undoubtedly a dish that you should try. The flavor and texture of the lotus root are so unique that hardly any other vegetables can come close to it. It is slightly sweet and earthy and has a crunchy texture when stir-fried.

Ingredient List

To make this delicious dish, you will need the following ingredients:

• 250 grams of lotus root, small, cleaned, peeled and sliced
• 1 carrot, sliced
• 2 stalks of celery, sliced
• 40 grams of black fungus
• 6 water chestnuts, peeled and thinly sliced
• 100 grams of macadamia nuts, toasted
• 8 sweet peas
• 1 tablespoon of garlic (optional), minced
• 1 cup of chicken broth or water (if vegetarian)
• 1 tablespoon of cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon of soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon of sugar
• 1 tablespoon of sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon of oil
• Salt to taste

If you want to add seafood to this dish, you can use shrimp or scallops. They will complement the dish nicely.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. In a small bowl, mix the chicken broth or water with cornstarch, soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, and sesame oil. Set aside.
2. Heat the oil in a wok or large frying pan over medium-high heat. Add garlic (if using) and stir-fry for 10 seconds.
3. Add the lotus root, carrot, celery, black fungus, and water chestnuts. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are slightly tender.
4. Add the green beans, bell peppers, and sweet peas. Stir-fry for another 1-2 minutes.
5. Pour the sauce mixture into the wok or frying pan and stir-fry for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the vegetables.
6. Add the toasted macadamia nuts and stir-fry for another 30 seconds.
7. Season with salt to taste.
8. Serve hot with steamed rice.

This dish takes about 20 minutes to prepare and cook, and it serves 4 people. It's perfect for a quick and healthy weeknight dinner.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Accompaniments

Stir-fried lotus root is a versatile dish that can be served as a side dish or a main course. It goes well with steamed rice, and you can also pair it with other stir-fried dishes to create a balanced meal. For a vegetarian or vegan meal, you can pair it with stir-fried vegetables or tofu dishes. If you want to add some protein to the dish, you can add seafood, such as shrimp or scallops, as a suggestion.

Wine Pairings

When it comes to wine pairings, a light-bodied white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio would complement the dish well. If you prefer red wine, a light-bodied red such as Pinot Noir would be a good choice. For a non-alcoholic option, you can pair the dish with green tea or jasmine tea.

If you have guests with dietary restrictions, it's important to note that stir-fried lotus root is gluten-free and can be a great option for those who are gluten intolerant. Also, keep in mind the number of servings you need to make, as the recipe can be easily scaled up or down depending on your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the simplest way to prepare a Chinese stir-fried lotus root?

The simplest way to prepare a Chinese stir-fried lotus root is to slice the lotus root thinly and stir-fry it with some oil and seasonings. You can add other vegetables or proteins such as mushrooms, carrots, or prawns to the dish to make it more flavourful.

How can I make my Chinese stir-fry more flavourful?

To make your Chinese stir-fry more flavourful, you can use a combination of seasonings such as soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and rice wine. You can also add garlic, ginger, and chilli to the dish for an extra kick of flavour. If you are a seafood lover, you can add some seafood such as prawns or squid to the stir-fry to give it a seafood twist.

Is it necessary to peel lotus root before cooking?

It is not necessary to peel lotus root before cooking, but it is recommended to remove the brown outer layer with a vegetable peeler or a knife. This will make the lotus root more tender and easier to chew.

What are the top tips for perfect stir-frying?

To achieve the perfect stir-fry, make sure to use a wok or a large frying pan and heat it up before adding the oil. Use high heat and stir-fry the ingredients quickly and evenly. Don't overcrowd the pan and make sure to cut the ingredients into similar sizes to ensure even cooking. Also, make sure to have all your ingredients prepared and ready before starting to stir-fry.

How long should lotus root be boiled to soften it for stir-frying?

Lotus root should be boiled for about 5-7 minutes to soften it before stir-frying. You can also blanch it in boiling water for 1-2 minutes before stir-frying.

Can lotus root be soaked prior to stir-frying, and if so, why?

Yes, lotus root can be soaked prior to stir-frying to remove excess starch and make it more tender. Soak the sliced lotus root in cold water for about 30 minutes before cooking. This will also prevent the lotus root from turning brown too quickly during cooking.

If you're a seafood lover, you can add some seafood such as prawns or squid to the stir-fry to give it a seafood twist. Prawns and squid are both great choices as they cook quickly and pair well with the lotus root.