Lotus Chips

by scoochmaroo

16K6718

Intro: Lotus Chips

When I saw lotus root at my local Japanese market, I knew it was time to experiment with lotus chips. My recent go-round with baked root vegetables was such a striking disappointment that I decided the only way to tackle lotus was to fry it. I can't say I necessarily made the right decision. While awesomely crispy and perfect in color, the chips did come out slightly oilier than I would have liked. Whether the fault of the type of oil, the frying temperature I used, or the fact that lotus root is meant to be baked, not fried, I don't know. I will be experimenting more in the future.

None of this stopped me from gobbling a whole batch of them - let me be clear about that. Crispy and salty and open to receiving whatever melange of spices you choose to infuse them with, lotus chips are an awesome snack for any time of year.

And yes, these are awesome with a Spicy Celery Cocktail!

STEP 1: Slicing

This is its own step because lotus roots are so beautiful to slice into, that I wanted to make sure this picture could be appreciated in its full glory.

Slice your lotus root very thinly. My mandoline was not slicing them as thin as I liked so I did them by hand. Methinks it's time for a new mandoline!

STEP 2: Fry (or Bake)

I fried the lotus slices in hot hot oil in small batches until they turned light brown They continue to brown a bit once they come out, so don't wait toooooo long!. Once they come out of the oil, I drained them on some paper bags.

If you decide to go the oven-baked route, I would recommend tossing the slices in a little bit of oil and seasoning, and baking for ~20 minutes in a 400F oven. Be sure to check on them and turn the tray halfway through.

STEP 3: Enjoy

I salted the chips while they were still hot, but you should definitely experiment with whatever seasonings you like. I wanted to keep it simple so I could experience what the lotus root tastes like on its own. While I suggest trying this, let me tell you, it's not magical, so feel free to go to town on the seasonings.

I stored the chips in a paper bag to try and absorb some of the extra oil. You could keep them in a sealed container to store them longer and keep them crisper.

Enjoy!

18 Comments

YuanX 9 years ago

I came across this receipe in a korean talkshow.
The women introducing them said they are actually very healthy nack for women, and perfeckt as light night-snack, when you carve for soemthing small but don't wa't to eat a big meal. Lotus is considered as very healthy and benefitable, well the oil kind of kills the slimming efect they can have but with coconut oil in a small amount the oild shouldn't be to bad either.
She said she would lie dem down on a towel or paper tissue to let it suck up the remaining oil on the roots.

I don't know whihch oil you used but I would recomend people to try coconot oil based on the korean receipe.

Anyway they look tasty and it's a nice summer snack or decoration idea

noahh 12 years ago

I saw lotus root at the Asian grocery store I go to and it reminded me of this recipe. I decided to try it out.. I seasoned them with salt and smoked paprika. I only wish I had bought more lotus root because I only ended up with a small amount of chips. Thanks for the cool idea!

An Villain 12 years ago

These don't really look like something you're supposed to eat. They look kind of like the mold-tubes we grew in biology.

bajablue 12 years ago

I would have LOVED to turned these into a Nacho recipe. ;-)

LePyro 12 years ago

If I eat these am I going to fall into a spiral of neverending false bliss and forget everything I know and love? Or are those lotus flowers I'm thinking about?

farzadbayan 12 years ago

I love it and I want to make it as soon as possible. But it's a week I'm looking for Lotus in our shops and grocery.
I will send you a picture of the result! ;)

copilarim 12 years ago

this is very interesting:D!! The result looks really good:)

jskingry 12 years ago

If you can find it cottonseed oil is the best for frying, not oily and does not make the house smell like oil either.

bxiang 12 years ago

Sunflower oil would be less greasy. Lotus is delicious!

cloudifornia 12 years ago

Maybe I should find some lotus seeds and plant them, just to see what grasshoppers up.

midsummermuse 12 years ago

What artistic looking junk food!! Love it <3

anatroccolo 12 years ago

Never had lotus, nor seen them in any shops around here, but this is Italy and Italians are not curious about other people'd food... such a disappointment! :-(
I don't know about the taste, but they look so beautiful! :-)

iminthebathroom 12 years ago

try tossing them in a very light dusting of cornstarch just before hitting the hot oil. And, all though pricey - fry in peanut oil. Higher smoking temperature and a cleaner less clingy flavor, makes all the difference

sunshiine 12 years ago

These look good. Never tried lotus root but just might if I can find it in my area. Thanks for sharing.

Little Mom on the Prairie 12 years ago

I have always wanted to try lotus root, but never had an opportunity...it is so beautiful! Can you tell me what they taste like? I am so very curious!! Perhaps I need to make my own opportunity here, and try this recipe!

splazem 12 years ago

These look delicious and amazing (visually)!