Vegan Shiitake Mushroom and Lotus Seed Salad: Refreshing and Nutritious

Vegan shiitake mushroom and lotus seed salad is a refreshing, nutrient-rich dish perfect for summer meals. Not only is it delicious, but it also offers numerous health benefits thanks to the perfect combination of vitamin-rich shiitake mushrooms and nutritious lotus seeds.

Ingredients Needed

To make the vegan shiitake mushroom and lotus seed salad, you will need the following ingredients:

• Shiitake mushrooms: 200g (fresh or dried)
• Lotus seeds: 100g (fresh or dried)
• Carrot: 1 medium-sized
• Cucumber: 1 piece
• Bell pepper: ½ green and ½ red (optional)
• Roasted peanuts: 50g
• Herbs: Vietnamese coriander, Thai basil, cilantro
• Seasonings: Lime, sugar, vegan fish sauce (or soy sauce), garlic, chili

Ingredients for shiitake mushroom and lotus seed salad

Preparing the Ingredients

Thorough preparation will ensure the best flavor for your salad:

• Shiitake mushrooms: If using dried mushrooms, soak them in warm water for 15-20 minutes until soft, rinse, and slice thinly. For fresh mushrooms, simply rinse and slice.
• Lotus seeds: Soak dried lotus seeds before boiling to ensure they are tender enough. If using fresh lotus seeds, you can boil them directly.
• Vegetables: Peel and julienne the carrot; remove the seeds from the cucumber and julienne it; thinly slice the bell pepper.
• Herbs: Rinse and finely chop the herbs. Crush the roasted peanuts to add crunch.

Steps to Follow

1. Boiling the Shiitake Mushrooms

Place the mushrooms in boiling water and blanch for about 2-3 minutes. Then, remove and drain. Boiling the mushrooms helps eliminate any strong odors and softens the ingredient.

2. Mixing the Dressing

The dressing is a crucial part of the salad. Prepare it using the following recipe:

• 3 tablespoons of vegan fish sauce (or soy sauce)
• 2 tablespoons of sugar
• 2 tablespoons of lime juice
• 1 tablespoon of minced garlic and chili

Adjust the taste to your preference, adding more sugar or lime juice as needed.

Mixing the salad dressing

3. Tossing the Salad

In a large bowl, combine all the prepared ingredients: shiitake mushrooms, lotus seeds, carrot, cucumber, and bell pepper. Gradually pour the dressing over the salad, gently mixing with chopsticks to ensure even coating.

4. Finishing the Salad

Finally, add the chopped herbs and crushed peanuts to the salad bowl. Mix well and arrange on a serving platter. Garnish with additional herbs and peanuts for an enhanced visual appeal.

Tips for a More Appealing Salad

According to culinary expert Nguyen Thi An, owner of the vegan restaurant “An Lac,” the secret to a delicious vegan shiitake mushroom and lotus seed salad lies in selecting quality ingredients and preparing the dressing. Choose fresh, aromatic shiitake mushrooms. Boil the lotus seeds until they are just tender, neither too soft nor too hard. The dressing should be flavorful to stimulate the palate.

Additionally, you can add other vegetables like bean sprouts, white cabbage, or jicama to make the salad more diverse. For an extra flavor boost, sauté shallots in oil and mix them into the salad.

Unique Variations for the Salad

If you want to experiment with new flavors, try these variations:

• Spring Rolls: Wrap the salad with fresh rice noodles, herbs, and rice paper.
• Sesame Dressing: Replace the traditional dressing with a toasted sesame dressing for a richer taste.
• Thai Style: Add galangal, lemongrass, and kaffir lime leaves for a spicy and aromatic twist.

Conclusion

Vegan shiitake mushroom and lotus seed salad is a light, easy-to-make, yet highly nutritious vegan dish. With detailed guidance from “Sổ Tay Món Ăn,” you can confidently prepare this salad to treat your family. Give it a try and share your results!

Frequently Asked Questions

• Q: Can I substitute lotus seeds with another ingredient?
  A: You can use jicama or lotus root instead.
• Q: Where can I buy vegan fish sauce?
  A: It’s available at supermarkets, vegan food stores, or you can make it at home.
• Q: How long can the salad be stored?
  A: It’s best to eat it immediately after mixing. If there are leftovers, store them in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 days.
• Q: Do I need to add chili if I can’t handle spicy food?
  A: You can reduce or omit the chili entirely according to your taste.