Shanghai Style Sweet and Spicy Crispy Lotus Stem
Description:
Shanghai Style Sweet and Spicy Crispy Lotus Stem is a delightful and healthy Chinese appetizer that combines the unique texture of lotus root with a sweet and spicy sauce. The lotus root, rich in vitamins and naturally gluten-free, is sliced, lightly fried to a golden crunch, and tossed in a savory sauce made from dark soy sauce, light soy sauce, red chili sauce, and a hint of vinegar. The addition of roasted peanuts and fresh spring onions adds both flavor and texture, making this dish a perfect choice for anyone seeking a flavorful yet nutritious treat.
Cuisine: Chinese
Course: Appetizer
Diet: Gluten-Free
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Lotus root | 4, peeled and cut into 1 cm thick pieces |
| Garlic | 2 cloves, sliced |
| Ginger | 1 inch, sliced |
| Roasted Peanuts (Moongphali) | 2 tablespoons |
| Spring Onion (Bulb & Greens) | 4 sprigs, white and green parts separated and sliced |
| Fresh Red Chilies | 4, sliced |
| Oil | For cooking |
| For Stir-fry Sauce | |
| Dark Soy Sauce | 1/2 tablespoon |
| Light Soy Sauce | 1 tablespoon |
| Vinegar | 1 tablespoon |
| Red Chilli Sauce | 2 teaspoons |
| Sugar | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Sesame (Gingelly) Oil | 1 teaspoon |
| For Water Starch | |
| Corn Flour | 1 tablespoon |
| Water | 2 tablespoons |
| Salt | To taste |
Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Instructions
-
Prepare the Sauce and Starch Mixture:
In a small mixing bowl, combine the stir-fry sauce ingredients—dark soy sauce, light soy sauce, vinegar, red chili sauce, sugar, and sesame oil. Also, mix the corn flour with water in another small bowl to create the water starch mixture. -
Boil the Lotus Root:
In a saucepan, add 2 cups of water and 1 tablespoon of vinegar. Bring it to a boil and add the sliced lotus root. Boil for about 5 minutes to ensure the lotus root stays crisp and does not brown. Once done, strain the water and lay the lotus stem pieces on a kitchen towel to absorb excess moisture. -
Coat the Lotus Root:
In a small bowl, add the cornflour and salt. Toss the boiled lotus root slices into this mixture, ensuring each piece is evenly coated. -
Fry the Lotus Root:
Heat a flat-bottomed pan with some oil. Once the oil is hot, add the coated lotus root slices and fry them on both sides until golden and crispy. Remove and set aside on a paper towel to drain excess oil. -
Prepare the Stir-Fry Sauce:
In a wok, heat a small amount of oil. Add the sliced garlic and ginger, and sauté for about 1 minute or until fragrant and crispy. -
Combine the Sauce and Lotus Root:
Slowly pour in the sauce mixture into the wok, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth without lumps. -
Add the Lotus Root to the Sauce:
Once the sauce is ready, add the crispy lotus stem pieces into the wok. Toss the lotus stems gently in the sauce to ensure they are well-coated. -
Garnish and Serve:
Sprinkle the roasted peanuts, sliced red chilies, and chopped spring onions over the lotus stems. Give it a final stir to incorporate the garnishes. -
Serve:
Enjoy your Sweet and Spicy Shanghai Crispy Lotus Stem as a delicious appetizer or pair it with a main course like Dan Dan Noodles for a flavorful meal.
Allergen Information:
- Contains: Soy, peanuts, and sesame.
- Gluten-Free: Yes, this dish is naturally gluten-free when using certified gluten-free soy sauce.
- Nuts: The recipe includes roasted peanuts (moongphali), which are a potential allergen for some individuals.
Dietary Preferences:
- Gluten-Free: This dish is suitable for those following a gluten-free diet, provided that gluten-free soy sauce is used.
- Vegetarian & Vegan-Friendly: The recipe does not contain any animal products, making it a suitable option for vegetarians and vegans.
- Low in Calories: Lotus root is naturally low in calories and high in nutrients, making this dish a good option for those looking to maintain a healthy diet.
Tips & Advice:
- Lotus Root Texture: Lotus root has a crunchy texture, which makes it perfect for frying. To achieve the crispiest lotus root, ensure you remove as much moisture as possible before coating it in corn flour.
- Adjust Spice Level: The red chili sauce and fresh chilies in this recipe provide a nice spicy kick, but you can adjust the spice level by adding or reducing the amount of chili sauce and fresh chilies according to your preference.
- Roasted Peanuts Substitute: If you’re allergic to peanuts or prefer a different flavor, you can use cashews or almonds in place of the roasted peanuts.
- Soy Sauce Substitution: For a gluten-free alternative, ensure you use tamari or a certified gluten-free soy sauce in this recipe.
Conclusion:
Shanghai Style Sweet and Spicy Crispy Lotus Stem is a unique and flavorful dish that brings together the goodness of lotus root with a tantalizing sauce. Perfect as an appetizer or a side dish, it’s crunchy, savory, and packed with vitamins. Its gluten-free nature and delicious balance of sweet and spicy make it a favorite for various dietary needs. Pair it with your favorite noodle dishes or serve it as a standalone snack for an unforgettable culinary experience. Enjoy this dish, and discover the vibrant flavors of Shanghai right at home!
