Crisp Refreshing Lotus Root Salad

Get ready to discover a dish that’s as beautiful to look at as it is delightful to eat! This Crisp Refreshing Lotus Root Salad is a testament to how simple ingredients, prepared with care, can create something truly special. With vibrant textures and a clean, palate-cleansing flavor, it’s an ideal starter or side dish that requires just about 20 minutes of your time. While the original recipe notes a ‘high’ difficulty, we’ve found it to be surprisingly approachable, even for novice cooks, bringing a light and healthy touch to your table. The star, lotus root, offers a satisfying crunch, wonderfully complemented by a zesty, aromatic dressing. It’s the perfect way to add a pop of freshness and elegance to any meal.

Here’s what you’ll need to bring this delightful salad to life. For the main event, we have 1 section (about 8-10 inches or 20-25 cm) fresh lotus root. When selecting lotus root at your local market, look for firm, unblemished roots with intact skin. If fresh lotus root is proving elusive, jicama can offer a similar crispness, though the unique texture of lotus root is truly unparalleled. We’ll also need a small bunch of fresh cilantro leaves for a burst of herbaceous flavor – feel free to substitute with fresh parsley if cilantro isn’t your favorite. For a decorative touch, the recipe calls for 1 thin slice of carrot, cut into a decorative flower shape. This is purely for aesthetics; you can easily substitute this with a few thin carrot ribbons or simple slivers. For the dressing, which we’ll prepare separately, you’ll need: light soy sauce (to taste) – a staple in many kitchens, it provides a salty umami base; white vinegar (to taste), which adds essential tanginess and helps keep the lotus root crisp; sesame oil (to taste) for its distinctive nutty aroma; and spicy sesame oil (to taste), adding a subtle kick of heat and depth of flavor. These quantities are best adjusted to your personal preference, but we suggest starting with about 2 tablespoons each of soy sauce and vinegar, and 1 tablespoon each of sesame oils, and tasting as you go.

Let’s get cooking! Begin by washing the fresh lotus root thoroughly to remove any dirt, then peel off its outer skin and trim off both ends . Next, slice the peeled lotus root into evenly thick pieces, about 1/8 inch (3mm) thick. Immediately place these slices into a bowl of cold water, adding a splash of white vinegar to the water. This crucial step helps the lotus root maintain its bright white color and ensures it stays wonderfully crisp . After about 5-10 minutes, drain the lotus root slices from the vinegary water . Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil and carefully add the lotus root slices. Blanch them for just 2 minutes. This brief cooking time is enough to tenderize them slightly while preserving their signature crunch . Remove the blanched lotus root slices and plunge them into a bowl of ice-cold water to stop the cooking process immediately. This ‘shocking’ method further enhances their crispness . While the lotus root is chilling, you can prepare other elements. For instance, toss some shredded firm tofu (tofu skins) with your favorite seasonings, or add any other thinly sliced crisp vegetables you enjoy to the mix . In a small bowl, whisk together your dressing ingredients: light soy sauce, white vinegar, sesame oil, and spicy sesame oil. Taste and adjust the balance of flavors to your liking . Now, for the beautiful assembly. Arrange the chilled lotus root slices around the edge of your serving bowl or plate, creating a delicate border. Then, place your prepared tofu shreds or other mixed vegetables in the center . This visually appealing arrangement is a hallmark of the dish. If you’re feeling adventurous, the recipe suggests a charming plating trick: place a clean plate upside down on top of the bowl, then carefully invert the entire setup so the bowl rests on the plate . Gently lift the bowl away, revealing the artfully arranged ingredients. Finally, generously drizzle the prepared dressing over the entire dish and garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and your decorative carrot piece for a final flourish .

The result is a salad that truly delights all the senses. Each bite offers a satisfying, light crunch from the perfectly blanched lotus root, followed by the savory and tangy notes of the dressing. The subtle heat from the spicy sesame oil and the fresh burst of cilantro tie everything together beautifully, creating a refreshing and elegant dish that feels both healthy and indulgent. It’s the kind of recipe that makes you feel like a culinary artist, yet it’s so straightforward to make. We hope you enjoy creating and savoring this Crisp Refreshing Lotus Root Salad as much as we do. We’d love to hear about your experience! If you try this recipe, please share your thoughts, any variations you experimented with, or even your own creative garnishes in the comments below. Happy cooking!