Delicious Lotus Root and Squid Salad Recipe

Lotus root and squid are familiar ingredients in Vietnamese cuisine, and when combined, they create a deliciously crunchy, refreshing, and flavorful salad. With a simple yet appealing recipe, this dish is perfect not only for family meals but also as an ideal choice for light parties or appetizers.

Preparing the Main Ingredients

Preparing the main ingredients

Preparing the Lotus Root

• After purchasing, wash the lotus root thoroughly and remove the tough fibers to avoid toughness when eating.
• Cut the lotus root into short segments about 4-5 cm long, and split them into halves or thirds depending on their size.
• Soak the lotus root in water mixed with a bit of lemon or vinegar to maintain its attractive white color and completely remove any bitterness.

Preparing Fresh Squid

• Clean the fresh squid, remove the outer skin, backbone, and ink sac.
• Rinse the squid with diluted saltwater or white wine to eliminate any fishy smell.
• Slice the squid into bite-sized pieces; you can cut them into rings or score them with a dragon scale pattern to enhance their visual appeal.

Detailed Recipe for Lotus Root and Squid Salad

Ingredients Needed

• Lotus root: 300g
• Fresh squid: 200g
• Carrot: 1
• Cucumber: 1
• Vietnamese coriander: a small bunch
• Roasted peanuts: 50g
• Garlic, chili, lemon
• Seasonings: Fish sauce, sugar, vinegar, salt

Steps to Follow

Step 1: Preparing the Additional Ingredients

• Carrot: Peel, wash, and shred thinly, then soak in a bit of salt for about 10 minutes to make the carrot crunchier.
• Cucumber: Wash, remove the seeds, and cut into long strips.
• Vietnamese coriander: Remove wilted leaves, wash, and chop finely.
• Peanuts: Crush lightly to maintain their crunchiness when eaten.

Step 2: Boiling the Squid

• Bring a pot of water to a boil, add a bit of crushed ginger and salt to remove any fishy smell.
• Boil the squid for about 1-2 minutes until it turns opaque white and firm.
• Immediately remove the squid and plunge it into a bowl of ice water to keep it crunchy and visually appealing.

Step 3: Making the Salad Dressing

• Mix the following ingredients thoroughly:
  • 3 tablespoons of fish sauce
  • 2 tablespoons of sugar
  • 2 tablespoons of lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon of water
  • Minced garlic and chili
• Stir the mixture until the sugar completely dissolves, and adjust the seasoning to achieve a balanced sweet and sour taste.

Step 4: Mixing the Salad

• Place the lotus root, carrot, cucumber, squid, and Vietnamese coriander in a large bowl.
• Gradually pour in the salad dressing, and mix well with your hands or chopsticks to ensure the ingredients are well-coated.
• Let the salad sit for about 10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 5: Finishing and Presentation

• Arrange the salad on a plate, sprinkle with roasted peanuts, and garnish with a few decorative chili slices.
• Serve with shrimp crackers or toasted rice paper to enhance the flavor.

Tips and Notes for Making Lotus Root and Squid Salad

• Choose Fresh Ingredients: Fresh squid will be crunchy and naturally sweet, while young lotus root will prevent the dish from being fibrous.
• Soaking Time for Lotus Root: Do not soak the lotus root for too long to avoid it becoming soft.
• Adjusting Seasonings: Depending on your family’s taste, you can adjust the amounts of sugar, lemon, and fish sauce to suit.
• Storage: If not consumed immediately, store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator, but it’s best to consume it on the same day to ensure freshness.

Conclusion

Lotus Root and Squid Salad is a perfect combination of the sweet and crunchy squid, the refreshing crunch of lotus root, and the distinctive sweet, sour, spicy, and salty flavors of the dressing. With this simple recipe and helpful tips, you can easily prepare this dish at home to treat your family and friends. Try it today and experience the unique flavors of this salad!

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