Chewy and Delicious Braised Lotus Root Recipe
Sweet and Savory! Kid-Friendly, Nutritious Braised Lotus Root – Secret Recipe Revealed!
Introducing a recipe for nutritious braised lotus root that kids will love with its perfect sweet and savory balance! Lotus root is rich in ‘mutin,’ a substance that protects the stomach lining, and abundant dietary fiber, which aids in gut health. Furthermore, its high vitamin C content is excellent for boosting immunity and relieving fatigue, making it a top choice for a healthy homemade side dish for your family. While it can be enjoyed in various ways like braising, frying, or seasoning, today we’re sharing the highly popular ‘braised lotus root,’ a staple for side dishes and lunchboxes! It’s a recipe that’s easy to follow, resulting in a chewy texture when simmered in a sweet and savory soy sauce glaze. We’ll guide you through the detailed steps below!
Main Ingredients- 500g lotus root
- 3 Tbsp cooking oil
- 1 Tbsp vinegar
- 150ml water
- 3 Tbsp soy sauce
- 2 Tbsp oyster sauce
- 2 Tbsp oligosaccharide
- 1 Tbsp sugar (brown sugar recommended)
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- A pinch of sesame seeds
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Since lotus root is a root vegetable, it can be quite muddy. Wash it thoroughly under running water. While pre-cut and packaged lotus root is widely available, purchasing it whole and slicing it yourself will yield a fresher and tastier braised dish. After washing, use a vegetable peeler to thinly peel the lotus root.
Step 2
Next, slice the peeled lotus root into uniform pieces about 0.5cm thick. The sticky sap that emerges when slicing lotus root contains ‘mutin.’ This compound plays a crucial role in regulating sugar absorption in the body, protecting the stomach lining, and preventing rapid blood sugar spikes.
Step 3
Pour enough water into a pot to fully cover the lotus root and bring it to a boil. Once the water is boiling, add the lotus root and blanch it. Adding 1 tablespoon of vinegar to the boiling water will help prevent discoloration and effectively remove any astringent taste.
Step 4
The texture of the finished lotus root will vary depending on the boiling time. For a crisp texture, blanch for about 5 minutes after the water boils. If you prefer a chewier, softer texture, boil for about 15 minutes. Today, I’m boiling for 15 minutes to achieve a chewy texture.
Step 5
Drain the blanched lotus root in a colander and rinse lightly under cold water. This helps cool down the lotus root and removes any remaining bitterness.
Step 6
Now, it’s time to stir-fry the lotus root in the braising sauce. Place the blanched lotus root in a pan, add 3 tablespoons of cooking oil, and stir-fry over medium heat for about 3 minutes. This step coats the lotus root with oil, preparing it to absorb the flavors of the sauce.
Step 7
Gently toss the lotus root in the pan, being careful not to burn it, to ensure even oil coating.
Step 8
Add 150ml of water to the oiled lotus root. Now, all that’s left is to add the delicious soy sauce mixture and simmer it to perfection.
Step 9
Prepare the braising sauce by combining 3 tablespoons of soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of oyster sauce, 2 tablespoons of oligosaccharide, and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Using brown sugar will add a richer color and enhance the visual appeal, but regular sugar works just fine.
Step 10
Add the prepared braising sauce ingredients to the pan with the lotus root and mix thoroughly. Stir occasionally to ensure the sauce evenly coats and penetrates the lotus root as it simmers.
Step 11
Continue to cook over medium heat, stirring and simmering until the sauce thickens and reduces to a glaze that coats the lotus root. This typically takes about 15-20 minutes. Patiently simmering will result in a deeper flavor.
Step 12
Once the sauce has mostly reduced, turn off the heat. Finish by drizzling in 1 tablespoon of sesame oil and sprinkling generously with sesame seeds. The nutty aroma of sesame oil and the texture of the seeds add a beautiful sheen to the delicious braised lotus root! Adjust the blanching time to achieve your preferred chewy or crisp texture. Thanks to this flavorful sauce, even kids will love this dish! Make a batch of this nourishing side dish and keep it in the refrigerator for a delightful lotus root treat anytime. Using pre-cut lotus root makes the cooking process even simpler, making it an easy-to-make side dish for anyone. With its sweet, savory taste and tender texture, it’s a nutritious lotus root dish that the whole family can enjoy. Give this recipe a try!
