The lotus root is an ingredient that grows in mud. Although beautiful lotus flowers sit atop it, people do not overlook the lotus roots living in the mud because of their many nutritional benefits and great taste and texture, making them an indispensable quality ingredient. These days are the beginning of the lotus root season, and early lotus roots are gradually becoming more abundant in the market. Occasionally cooking some stir-fried lotus root slices at home is simple and refreshing.
Simple Stir-Fried Lotus Root Slices
The lotus root has a unique fragrance. Although it comes from the mud, its natural aroma cannot be covered up. Simple stir-frying is the best way to bring out its true character.
Ingredients Preparation
Appropriate amount of tender lotus root, scallions, ginger, red peppers, a little salt.
Method and Steps
1. Peel the tender lotus root and slice it thinly. Soak it in water with white vinegar for 5 minutes to prevent discoloration;
2. Chop the scallions into small pieces, slice the ginger, and cut the red peppers into pieces and set aside;
3. Heat a wok and add the chopped scallions and ginger slices to stir-fry until fragrant. Then add the lotus root slices and red peppers and stir-fry;
4. While stir-frying, add a little water along the side of the pan twice. When the lotus root slices become somewhat translucent, add salt for seasoning. Sprinkle chopped scallions on top before serving.
Tips
The lotus root is a great ingredient for cooling off during summer. A plate of light and refreshing lotus root can bring joy to both body and mind while also stimulating your appetite.
Stir-Fried Lotus Root Slices with Pork Belly
Pork belly, as a combination of lean and fatty meat that complements each other well, is suitable for many dishes.
Ingredients Preparation
Appropriate amount of tender lotus root, a little doubanjiang (broad bean chili paste), sugar, soy sauce, salt, scallions, ginger, garlic, appropriate amount of pork belly.
Method and Steps
1. Peel the lotus root and slice it. Slice the pork belly and set aside;
2. Add a little oil to the wok, stir-fry the pork belly until the color changes, then add scallions, ginger, and garlic to stir-fry until fragrant;
3. Then add a little sugar, doubanjiang, and soy sauce and stir-fry;
4. After stir-frying until fragrant, pour in the lotus root slices, add an appropriate amount of boiling water to prevent sticking to the bottom of the pan;
5. Then add a little salt, simmer for a few minutes, turn up the heat to thicken the sauce, sprinkle with monosodium glutamate, and serve.
Vinegar-Flavored Stir-Fried Lotus Root Slices
Sour and sweet, it can whet the appetite, serve as a side dish, or accompany drinks, with multiple uses.
Ingredients Preparation
Appropriate amount of tender lotus root, a little carrot, white vinegar, an appropriate amount of sugar, a little salt.
Method and Steps
1. Clean the lotus root, peel it, and slice it thinly. Soak it in water to remove excess starch;
2. Also slice the carrot and boil a pot of water. Blanch the lotus root slices until the water boils again, then scoop them out and cool them down;
3. Place a little oil in a wok, add the carrot to stir-fry until fragrant, then add the lotus root slices, pour in salt and sugar and stir evenly;
4. Then add white vinegar, stir-fry, and serve.
Nutritional Benefits of Lotus Root
The lotus root is a common ingredient. It is cool when eaten raw and can clear heat, stop diarrhea, stimulate appetite, activate blood circulation, disperse stasis, and strengthen the spleen. Due to its nourishing effects, it can be used as a tonic in traditional Chinese medicine. Additionally, the lotus root is often used as an ingredient for stewing soups. When fully cooked, the nature of the lotus root becomes warm, able to replenish blood and support the heart, and has the effect of quenching thirst.