Lotus Seeds and Shiitake Mushroom Stir-Fry: Healthy and Delicious Family Recipe

Lotus seeds and shiitake mushroom stir-fry is a light, nutritious dish that’s easy to prepare, perfect for both everyday family meals and special occasions. The sweet, nutty flavor of lotus seeds combined with the distinctive aroma of shiitake mushrooms not only satisfies the palate but also offers numerous health benefits.

Lotus seeds and shiitake mushroom stir-fry

Origin and Significance of Lotus Seeds and Shiitake Mushroom Stir-Fry

Lotus seeds and shiitake mushrooms are familiar ingredients in Vietnamese cuisine, especially in vegetarian dishes or traditional Hue royal cuisine. Lotus seeds symbolize purity and tranquility, while shiitake mushrooms are renowned for their rich flavor and high nutritional value. The combination of these two ingredients creates a dish that is both delicious and beneficial for health, making it a popular choice in Vietnamese households.

Ingredients Needed for Lotus Seeds and Shiitake Mushroom Stir-Fry

To ensure the dish is flavorful, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• Fresh or dried lotus seeds: 200g (soak until soft if using dried)
• Fresh or dried shiitake mushrooms: 200g (soak until rehydrated if using dried)
• Carrot: 1 medium
• Peas: 100g
• Baby corn: 100g
• Onion: ½ medium
• Garlic: 2-3 cloves
• Seasonings: Cooking oil, salt, sugar, seasoning powder, soy sauce, oyster sauce

Tip: Use the water from soaking shiitake mushrooms to enhance the natural sweetness of the dish.

Ingredients for lotus seeds and shiitake mushroom stir-fry

How to Make Lotus Seeds and Shiitake Mushroom Stir-Fry at Home

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

• Lotus seeds: If using fresh, remove the green skin and bitter core, then rinse. For dried seeds, soak in warm water for 2-3 hours, then briefly boil.
• Shiitake mushrooms: Rinse, remove the stems, and lightly score the caps to help them absorb the flavors.
• Vegetables: Dice the carrot into small cubes, rinse the peas and baby corn, and slice the onion into wedges.

Step 2: Stir-Fry the Ingredients

1. Sauté minced garlic in cooking oil until fragrant.
2. Stir-fry the shiitake mushrooms for about 2-3 minutes on high heat.
3. Add the carrot, baby corn, and peas, and continue stir-frying.
4. Finally, add the lotus seeds, gently stir, and season to taste.

Step 3: Finish and Serve

Garnish the completed dish with chopped scallions and cilantro. It’s best enjoyed hot with steamed rice or bread.

Health Benefits of Lotus Seeds and Shiitake Mushroom Stir-Fry

Both lotus seeds and shiitake mushrooms are packed with valuable nutrients:

• Protein and fiber: Good for digestion and helps maintain a feeling of fullness.
• Antioxidants: Protect cardiovascular health and stabilize blood pressure.
• Vitamins and minerals: Boost immunity and improve overall health.

Expert Advice: “This dish is ideal for vegetarians or those looking to add more plant-based nutrition to their diet,” – MSc. Nguyen Thu Ha, nutrition expert.

Health benefits of lotus seeds and shiitake mushroom stir-fry

Creative Variations for Lotus Seeds and Shiitake Mushroom Stir-Fry

You can experiment with additional ingredients such as:

• Different mushrooms: straw mushrooms, enoki mushrooms.
• Plant-based proteins: tofu, soy protein.
• New flavors: Teriyaki sauce or chili paste for a twist.

Pairing the Dish for a Complete Meal

To make your meal balanced and appealing, pair lotus seeds and shiitake mushroom stir-fry with:

• Hot steamed rice.
• Refreshing vegetable soup.
• Garlic chili dipping sauce or lemon pepper salt.

Frequently Asked Questions About Lotus Seeds and Shiitake Mushroom Stir-Fry

1. Are fresh or dried lotus seeds better?
Both are delicious in their own way. Fresh lotus seeds are softer and naturally sweet, while dried ones have a richer, nuttier flavor.

2. Can I substitute shiitake mushrooms with other types?
Yes, you can use straw mushrooms, enoki mushrooms, or oyster mushrooms according to your preference.

3. Is this dish suitable for vegetarians?
Absolutely, just use vegetarian seasonings like vegetarian seasoning powder and vegetarian oyster sauce.

Conclusion

Lotus seeds and shiitake mushroom stir-fry is a simple yet nutritious dish that easily pleases everyone in the family. Try this recipe today and share your results! Don’t forget to follow “Sổ Tay Món Ăn” for more delicious recipes every day.