Sweat and Sour Lotus Roots

Lotus roots have a strong earthy fragrance that can be unwieldy to cook (if you never had it before, it smells like cilantro), but in this recipe we create a dish that highlights the natural flavour in a sweet and sour sauce.

Step 1: Materials

• Lotus root
• soy sauce
• vinegar
• sugar
• salt
• starch
• (cilantro for garnishing)

Step 2: Cutting Prep

• Use a peeler to remove the skin on the lotus root
• cut into 0.5 cm thick slices

Step 3: Mixing the Sauce

In a mixing bowl:

• Mix 2 tbsp of vinegar, 1 tbsp of soysauce, 2 tbsp of sugar, 1 tsp of salt

In another bowl:

• mix 1 tbsp of starch with 1/2 cup of water

Step 4: Preheating

In a deep pan/pot, add 1-2L water

• throw in the lotus roots when water is still cold, heat to boil and boil for 3 minutes
• drain the water away

Step 5: Cooking

In a hot frying pan:

• add 2 tbsp of vegetable oil
• once the oil is hot, add lotus roots
• pour in the sauce mixed earlier
• mix and stir for 3 minutes
• add the starch mix, turn to medium heat, cook until evenly mixed

Step 6: Serving

• Transfer from pan to plate
• sprinkle with chopped cilantro