Crispy & Healthy Vegetarian Lotus Root Salad Recipe

Vegetarian lotus root salad is not only delicious but also very good for your health. With its refreshing and crunchy texture, this salad will be a wonderful choice for your family’s vegetarian meal. Let’s explore how to make this simple and appealing vegetarian lotus root salad with “Sổ Tay Món Ăn” right now.

Ingredients for Vegetarian Lotus Root Salad

For 3 people:

• Lotus root: 200 gr
• Lotus seeds: 100 gr
• Cucumber: 1/2 fruit
• Carrot: 1/2 fruit
• Onion: 1/4 bulb
• Green apple: 1 fruit
• Celery: a small bunch
• White tofu: 1 piece
• Toasted sesame seeds: 2 teaspoons
• Shallots: 3 bulbs
• Apple cider vinegar: 1 tablespoon
• Lemon juice: a small amount (or vinegar)
• Cooking oil: 2 tablespoons
• Maltose syrup: 1 tablespoon
• Salt/pepper: a small amount

Assorted fresh ingredients for Vegetarian Lotus Root Salad

How to Choose Fresh Ingredients

How to Choose Fresh Lotus Root

• Choose lotus root sprouts that are large and short, as they tend to be riper and have a better flavor.
• The exterior of the lotus root should be plump, without unusual bumps or dents.
• The skin of the lotus root should be yellow; avoid choosing lotus root with white skin as it may have been chemically bleached.
• Do not choose lotus root with a strange, unpleasant smell or one that is bruised or weeping liquid.

How to Choose Good Lotus Seeds

• For fresh lotus seeds, choose those that are round, uniform, about half a fingertip in size, and have a slightly yellowish-white color.
• You can check by pressing your finger into the lotus seed; if a little water seeps out when pressed, it’s a fresh lotus seed.
• Avoid choosing bruised lotus seeds or those with wrinkled skin. Also, do not choose lotus seeds that are wet, as they can easily bruise and wilt quickly.

How to Choose Fresh Apples

• Choose medium-sized, round apples that feel firm when held.
• Sweet, juicy apples usually have a fresh color, taut, glossy skin with small white speckles, and feel smooth, not rough, to the touch.
• For the apple stem, choose those with fresh stems firmly attached to the fruit.
• Additionally, you should choose green apples to better suit the flavor of the dish.

Where to Buy Apple Cider Vinegar and Maltose Syrup

You can find apple cider vinegar and maltose syrup at supermarkets, grocery stores, or e-commerce platforms.

Apple cider vinegar and maltose syrup

Tools Needed

• Steamer, blender, pan, peeler, cutting board,…

How to Prepare Vegetarian Lotus Root Salad

Prepare Vegetables

First, peel the thin skin off the lotus root. To prevent the lotus root from darkening during preparation, soak it in water mixed with a little lemon juice. Then, slice the lotus root into pieces about 1/2 a fingertip thick.

Once you’ve bought the lotus seeds, you can remove the lotus heart if you don’t want the seeds to taste bitter, then rinse thoroughly with water and drain.

Next, wash the celery and cut it into bite-sized pieces.

Wash the cucumber, carrot, and onion, then julienne them.

Tip:

• The “knot” of the lotus root is where most nutrients are concentrated, so you shouldn’t discard it!
• Avoid using the seedy center of the cucumber as it releases water, which can make the salad less delicious.

Preparing vegetables for lotus root salad

Preparing vegetables for lotus root salad

Preparing vegetables for lotus root salad

Preparing vegetables for lotus root salad

Cook Lotus Root and Lotus Seeds

Place the lotus root in a pot and cover with water. Bring the pot to a boil on the stove for about 5 minutes.

Then, cover the pot tightly and let the lotus root steep for about 30 minutes.

Next, add 100g of lotus seeds to a steamer and steam for 15 minutes. Afterward, remove and let cool.

Tip: You can use the lotus root boiling water as a refreshing and healthy drink.

Cooking lotus root and lotus seeds for salad

Cooking lotus root and lotus seeds for salad

Fry Tofu

After washing and draining the white tofu, cut it in half for easier frying.

Heat 2 tablespoons of cooking oil in a pan. Once the oil is hot, add the tofu and fry until golden brown on both sides. Then, remove, drain oil, and cut into small, bite-sized pieces.

Frying tofu for vegetarian lotus root salad

Frying tofu for vegetarian lotus root salad

Frying tofu for vegetarian lotus root salad

Prepare the Sauce

For the sauce, prepare peeled shallots and apples cut into wedges.

Place the apples and shallots in a blender with 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar and 1 tablespoon of maltose syrup. Add 200ml of water and 1/4 teaspoon of salt, blend the mixture until smooth, then transfer to a bowl.

Tip:

• For a refreshingly tangy and more appealing sauce flavor, use green apples and apple cider vinegar. However, if these ingredients are not readily available, you can still use red apples and regular vinegar for the dish.
• To adjust the dish to your family’s taste, you can modify the amount of sugar and vinegar added.

Preparing the sauce for lotus root salad

Preparing the sauce for lotus root salad

Preparing the sauce for lotus root salad

Assemble the Salad

Add the lotus root, lotus seeds, cucumber, carrot, celery, onion, and fried tofu to a bowl in layers.

Then, pour the sauce over the mixture, toss well, and season to taste.

Finally, sprinkle with sesame seeds and black pepper.

And just like that, the salad is complete! Plate it and get ready to enjoy!

Assembling the vegetarian lotus root salad

Assembling the vegetarian lotus root salad ingredients

Finished Dish

The crunchy ingredients, the crisp white lotus root, combined with the rich, flavorful dressing, are truly delicious, aren’t they?

This vegetarian lotus root salad can be served with shrimp crackers as an appetizer or enjoyed with white rice – both are equally delicious!

Finished vegetarian lotus root salad served on a plate

Conclusion

Vegetarian lotus root salad is not only a delicious dish but also very nutritious and easy to make. With this detailed recipe and helpful tips from Sổ Tay Món Ăn, you can confidently prepare this dish at home. Give it a try and share your experience with us!

References

• Images and recipe referenced from YouTube channel Hôm Nay Nấu Gì?

Edited by Nguyễn Thị Duy Mỹ • Updated 21/08/2023