Sweet and Nutty Vegan Lotus Stem Salad Recipe

Vegan lotus stem salad is a light, nutritious dish that’s easy to make at home. With the natural sweet and nutty flavor of lotus stems combined with other fresh ingredients, this salad is sure to enhance your vegan meals.

Ingredients for Vegan Lotus Stem Salad for 4 People

• Lotus stems: 300g
• Carrot: 1
• Fried tofu: 200g
• Onion: 1/2
• Vietnamese coriander: 1 bunch
• Roasted peanuts: 50g
• Lime: 1
• Chili: 1-2
• Vegan fish sauce: 3 tablespoons
• Sugar: 2 tablespoons
• Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
• Cooking oil: 2 tablespoons

Ingredients for Vegan Lotus Stem Salad

How to Choose Fresh Ingredients

Choosing Lotus Stems

• Select fresh lotus stem clusters with a natural light yellow color, free from bruises or wilting.
• Buy lotus stems from traditional markets or reputable clean food stores to ensure quality.

Choosing Carrots

• Fresh carrots have a deep orange color, smooth skin, and feel firm.
• Choose long, slender carrots with fewer eyes on the body for easier preparation.

Choosing Tofu

• Good tofu is off-white and has a mild, characteristic aroma.
• When buying, choose tofu that is carefully packaged with clear production and expiration dates.

Steps to Prepare

Preparing Ingredients

Rinse lotus stems and let them drain. Peel and shred the carrot into thin strips. Cut tofu into bite-sized pieces, fry until golden on all sides, and let cool. Thinly slice the onion and soak in ice water for about 10 minutes to reduce its pungency. Pick the Vietnamese coriander leaves, rinse, and chop finely.

Mixing the Salad Dressing

In a small bowl, mix 3 tablespoons of vegan fish sauce, 2 tablespoons of sugar, the juice of 1 lime, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved.

Tossing the Salad

Place lotus stems, carrots, and onions in a large bowl. Pour the dressing evenly over the top and gently toss with your hands to ensure all ingredients are well-coated. Finally, add the fried tofu, Vietnamese coriander, and roasted peanuts, and toss again.

Presentation and Enjoyment

Serve the salad on a plate, garnish with additional roasted peanuts and sliced chili for added visual appeal. This vegan lotus stem salad can be enjoyed with vegan shrimp chips or rice paper rolls.

Finished Vegan Lotus Stem Salad

Tips and Notes

• Do not soak lotus stems in water for too long as it will cause them to lose their natural crunch.
• Adjust the amount of sugar and lime according to your family’s taste preferences.
• For a tastier salad, ensure all ingredients are dry before mixing.

With this sweet and nutty vegan lotus stem salad recipe, you have a delicious addition to your family’s vegan menu. Give it a try and share your results!