Lotus Root Pork Belly Bites A Simple Savory Supper

Get ready to embark on a delightful culinary adventure with a dish that promises to charm your taste buds and impress your dinner guests, all without breaking a sweat! This recipe, known for its elegant simplicity and heartwarming flavors, brings together tender lotus root and succulent ground pork in a harmony that is both comforting and exotic. With a cooking time of just around an hour and a difficulty level that’s incredibly beginner-friendly, you’ll be amazed at how quickly you can create something so profoundly delicious. The technique, a gentle braise, allows the natural flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a savory, umami-rich experience that’s surprisingly mellow and deeply satisfying. It’s a wonderful way to explore new ingredients and flavors without intimidation.

Let’s gather our tasty components! Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Core:

• Lotus Root: An amount that feels right for your meal – perhaps 1-2 medium-sized roots. This is the star, offering a wonderful, slightly crunchy texture and subtle sweetness. You can usually find fresh lotus root in Asian grocery stores. If fresh isn’t available, you might find frozen sliced lotus root, which works well too after thawing.
• Pork Shoulder (or Pork Belly): About 1 pound (approximately 450g) of ground pork. Pork shoulder (or “front leg pork” as it’s sometimes called) is ideal for its balanced fat content, making the filling juicy. If you can’t find shoulder, regular ground pork (ideally 80/20 or 70/30 lean-to-fat ratio) is a perfect substitute.

For the Flavor Boosters:

• Scallions (Green Onions): A small bunch, finely chopped. These add a fresh, aromatic kick.
• Peanut Oil: Enough for frying, about 2-3 tablespoons. Any neutral cooking oil like vegetable or canola oil will work just as well.
• Cornstarch: 2-3 tablespoons, divided. This acts as a binder for the meat and helps create a lovely golden crust. Potato starch is a great alternative.
• Soy Sauce: 2 tablespoons. Use regular or light soy sauce. Low-sodium is also fine.
• Oyster Sauce: 1-2 tablespoons. This provides a wonderful umami depth. If you’re vegetarian or avoiding shellfish, a mushroom-based vegetarian oyster sauce is a fantastic alternative.
• Salt: To taste.

Now, let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps:

1. Peel and thoroughly wash the lotus root, then slice it into even, thin rounds. Set aside.
2. Prepare your pork: if not already ground, mince the pork shoulder (or pork belly) into a fine texture.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine the ground pork with the chopped scallions, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch. Mix vigorously until everything is well incorporated and slightly sticky.
4. Take one slice of lotus root and spoon a generous amount of the seasoned pork mixture onto its surface, spreading it evenly.
5. Gently top the pork filling with another lotus root slice, pressing down firmly to create a neat “sandwich” or “clip.”
6. Lightly dust each lotus root and pork sandwich with a thin coating of the remaining cornstarch. This will help create a beautiful sear.
7. Heat your pan with peanut oil over medium heat. Once hot, carefully place the lotus root sandwiches into the pan.
8. Fry them for a few minutes on each side until they turn a lovely golden brown and are slightly crispy.
9. Pour in enough water to just barely cover the bottom of the pan, about 1/2 to 1 cup.
10. Stir in a splash of oyster sauce, a touch of dark soy sauce (for color and extra depth), and a pinch of salt to create a flavorful braising liquid.
11. Bring the liquid to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let it simmer gently for about 3 to 5 minutes. This allows the flavors to truly infuse. Uncover and continue to simmer until the sauce thickens slightly and reduces.
12. Your culinary masterpiece is complete!
13. Prepare to be delighted!
14. A true work of art.
15. Enjoy your delicious creation!

There you have it – a magnificent dish that marries simplicity with profound flavor. The moment you take that first bite, you’ll experience the delightful contrast between the yielding, flavorful pork and the subtle bite of the lotus root, all enveloped in a savory sauce. It’s a dish that feels both comforting and exotic, perfect for a cozy weeknight or a special gathering. I can’t wait for you to try your hand at this! Please do share your experiences and any clever tweaks you make in the comments below. Happy cooking!