Sweet and Sour Lotus

Sweet and Sour Lotus is a vibrant and crunchy Chinese appetizer that perfectly balances sweet and tangy flavors. The tender lotus root slices are coated in a glossy sauce that makes this dish an irresistible starter for any meal.

Sweet and Sour Lotus
30 minutes
Difficulty: Medium
Chinese
220 kcal

Ingredients

  • Lotus root - 200 grams
  • Cornstarch - 2 tablespoons
  • Vegetable oil - 3 tablespoons (for frying)
  • Red bell pepper - 50 grams, diced
  • Green bell pepper - 50 grams, diced
  • Pineapple chunks - 100 grams, canned
  • Garlic - 2 cloves, minced
  • Ginger - 1 teaspoon, minced
  • Soy sauce - 2 tablespoons
  • Rice vinegar - 1 tablespoon
  • Sugar - 1 tablespoon
  • Ketchup - 2 tablespoons
  • Sesame seeds - 1 tablespoon, for garnish
  • Green onions - 1 tablespoon, chopped, for garnish

Steps

  1. Peel and slice the lotus root into thin rounds. Rinse under cold water and soak in water to prevent browning.
  2. In a bowl, mix cornstarch with a pinch of salt. Drain the lotus root and coat each slice with the cornstarch mixture.
  3. Heat vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Fry the lotus root slices in batches until golden and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove and drain on paper towels.
  4. In the same pan, add minced garlic and ginger, sautéing for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Add diced red and green bell peppers, and sauté for another 2 minutes until slightly tender.
  6. Stir in pineapple chunks, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, and ketchup. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
  7. Return the fried lotus root to the pan, tossing gently to coat the slices in the sweet and sour sauce.
  8. Remove from heat, and garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions before serving.

Nutrition

  • Calories: 220
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Carbs: 38 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Sugar: 10 g
  • Sodium: 550 mg
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg
  • Total Fat: 8 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Water: 0.1 L

Health Benefits

  • Lotus root is high in dietary fiber, promoting digestive health.
  • Rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C and potassium, supporting overall health.

Tags

ChineseHalalAppetizer