Crunchy and Delicious Braised Lotus Root Salad
The Golden Ratio! ‘Manmulsang’ Braised Lotus Root Salad Recipe
A refreshing lotus root salad perfect for when you have a poor appetite. The delightful texture and savory sesame dressing are exquisite. It’s easy for anyone to follow with simple ingredients. It’s great as a side dish for rice, and also an elegant menu item suitable for entertaining guests.
Main Ingredients- 150g thinly sliced lotus root
- 2 Tbsp raisins
- 1 Tbsp sliced almonds
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, wash the lotus root thoroughly and peel off the outer skin using a peeler. Then, slice it as thinly as possible; this is the key to achieving a wonderfully crunchy texture in your lotus root salad. The thinner the slices, the better they will absorb the dressing and become tender.
Step 2
Place the sliced lotus root in water with 2 tablespoons of vinegar and soak it for about 2-3 minutes. This step helps remove any astringency from the lotus root and prevents it from browning, keeping it white and fresh. Drain the lotus root and rinse it lightly under running water two more times to remove excess moisture.
Step 3
Fill a pot with enough water to fully submerge the lotus root and bring it to a boil. Once the water is boiling, add 1/3 teaspoon of salt. Then, add the prepared lotus root and blanch it for a very short time, just 20-30 seconds. Be careful not to over-blanch, as it will become mushy. Precise timing is crucial!
Step 4
Immediately remove the blanched lotus root from the water and set it aside. This brief blanching process ensures the lotus root retains its crispness.
Step 5
Rinse the removed lotus root under cold running water to cool it down quickly. This further enhances its crunchy texture.
Step 6
After rinsing, drain the lotus root thoroughly in a colander. Then, use paper towels to pat it dry one more time. If there’s too much moisture, the dressing will become watery, so take your time with this step.
Step 7
Transfer the dried lotus root to a mixing bowl, preparing it for the dressing.
Step 8
Now, let’s make the golden ratio sesame dressing featured on ‘Manmulsang’. The basic ratio is 1 tablespoon of sugar, 2 tablespoons of sesame seeds, and 4 tablespoons of mayonnaise. To enhance the flavor, add 1 tablespoon of seasoned soy sauce, and a pinch of salt to balance the overall taste. If you don’t have seasoned soy sauce, regular soy sauce will also work well.
Step 9
Grind the sesame seeds into a fine powder. You can use a blender or food processor, or a small mortar and pestle for an even richer flavor. Aim for a consistency similar to homemade sesame paste.
Step 10
In the mixing bowl, combine the ground sesame seeds, sugar, mayonnaise, soy sauce, and salt. Stir well until the sugar and salt are completely dissolved, mixing vigorously. Keep stirring until you achieve a smooth dressing.
Step 11
Add 2 tablespoons of raisins to the mixture. The original ‘Manmulsang’ recipe includes raisins, but I’ve added 1 tablespoon of sliced almonds for extra texture. If your raisins are hard, soak them in a little liquor or warm water for 2-3 minutes, then squeeze out the excess moisture before using. This will make them soft and pleasant to eat. (For your reference, ‘Manmulsang’ sometimes includes cucumbers and apples in this dish.)
Step 12
Now, simply add the delicious sesame dressing, raisins, and sliced almonds to the prepared lotus root and toss gently until everything is well combined. Your tasty lotus root salad will be ready!
Step 13
Use a spatula or spoon to gently mix the ingredients, being careful not to break the lotus root. Ensure the dressing coats the lotus root evenly.
Step 14
Your crunchy and savory lotus root salad is complete! Enjoy this visually appealing and flavorful, nutrient-rich side dish.
