Steamed Lotus Root Salad with Nutty Sesame Dressing
A Healthy Steamed Dish: Lotus Root & Sesame Seed Salad, a Nutritious Korean Delight
We’ve created a healthier version of the classic lotus root salad often found in Korean restaurants. This recipe features tender steamed lotus root paired with a rich, homemade nutty dressing made from sesame seeds, perilla seeds, and more, offering a delightful texture and flavor.
Salad Ingredients
- 1 root lotus root
- Water (or a clear, refreshing water like Gorosoe water, if available) as needed
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Begin by preparing the lotus root. Peel the skin thoroughly and rinse it under running water. Slice the lotus root into thin rounds, about 2mm thick. Slicing them thinly will help maintain a pleasant, slightly crisp texture.
Step 2
Fill a steamer with water and bring it to a rolling boil. Once the water is boiling, carefully arrange the sliced lotus root in the steamer basket. Cover with a lid and steam over medium heat for about 5 minutes, or until the lotus root is tender but still holds its shape. Avoid overcooking it to prevent it from becoming too mushy.
Step 3
Now, let’s make the flavorful nutty dressing. In a blender or mortar, combine the regular sesame seeds and black sesame seeds and grind them into a fine powder. Add the ground perilla seeds to this mixture and mix well. For a slightly textured dressing, you can grind the seeds until they are finely powdered but still have a hint of texture.
Step 4
To the ground sesame and perilla seed mixture, add the soy sauce for savory depth, honey for sweetness, perilla oil for a rich nutty aroma, and olive oil for a smoother finish. Whisk these ingredients together until well combined, creating a cohesive dressing base.
Step 5
To balance the flavors, add a touch of acidity. Incorporate the apple cider vinegar (or your preferred vinegar) for a bright tang and the lemon juice for extra freshness. Stir everything together again until the dressing is uniform.
Step 6
Adjust the consistency of the dressing. If it’s too thick, gradually add water (or Gorosoe water for a subtle sweetness) or regular water until you reach your desired thickness. Stir in the plum extract to add another layer of sweetness and a hint of fruitiness, completing your delicious dressing.
Step 7
Arrange the steamed lotus root slices attractively on a serving plate. Generously drizzle the prepared nutty sesame dressing over the warm lotus root. The contrast between the warm lotus root and the cool, flavorful dressing is delightful.
Step 8
Alternatively, you can place the steamed lotus root in a bowl and toss it gently with the sesame dressing. This method allows the dressing to coat the lotus root evenly, infusing it with even more flavor. Feel free to adjust the amount of dressing to your preference for a delicious and satisfying salad.
