How Does Lotus Root Taste Like?

The lotus root is a very popular Asian ingredient. It can be stir-fried in sesame oil, or, if you like, you can even eat it raw. The lotus root looks like a cross between a carrot and a swede. But what does lotus root taste like? This guide will discuss the flavor, texture and uses of lotus root in cooking.

How does fresh lotus root taste like?

The sweetness of fresh or raw lotus roots is mild. What texture is raw lotus root? It is crunchy with a little starch and a bit like celery. Some even call it Taro-like, a little nuttier.

If you are looking for a crunchy vegetable then this is the one to try.

You can also see how artichoke tastes.

How can you cook lotus root?

Boil
Fry
Bake
Microwave

What does Lotus Root look like?

Lotus root is a large root vegetable that often has purple-to-white skin. The color of the root changes as it ages to become brownish. It has holes that make it edible. It can also hold sauces similar to tube pasta.

What does Lotus Root smell like?

Lotus root should smell mildly sweet when it is freshly sliced. If you notice a slight sour taste after cutting the root, it is likely that it has become spoiled.

How do you choose a lotus root?

The first step to creating the perfect lotus root is choosing a healthy and fresh root. You want firm, plump specimens without any marks, bruises or soft, mushy areas.

How to prepare a lotus root?

It is easy to prepare lotus roots for cooking. A good knife and a sharp peeler are the most important tools.

You can start by cleaning the root by running your hand under water.

Next, cut off the ends.

Use the peeler to remove the skin. This will reveal the flesh beneath.

Then, use a sharp knife to cut it into 1/4 inch thickness.

Sprinkle lemon juice on the cut lotus roots to stop the browning and oxidation. You can also store them in a vinegar bath. Be sure to rinse the vinegar off before you cook.

How to Eat Raw Lotus Root?

It can be used in salad dressings. It is better to use a young lotus root. The root becomes more difficult the older it gets.

Top 5 Ways to Cook Lotus Root

Lotus root is flexible and can be prepared in many different ways, including baking, boiling, microwaving, air frying, and baking.

How to Stir Fry Lotus Root

Stir fry with Lotus root is great and retains its crisp texture, making it perfect for stir-fry recipes.

Another great feature of lotus roots is their ability to absorb the flavors and sauces Szechuan sauce.

How to Stir Fry: Cut the onion into thin slices. Turn the heat up to medium-high, and cook for four minutes.

What other vegetables go well with lotus roots?

Edamame
Broccoli
Asparagus
Snow peas
Celery
Red peppers

How to Boil Lotus Root

Boiling is a great way to reduce your fat intake. Boil lotus root slices can be served in a bowl with green beans. You can also sprinkle it with some chili and soy sauce.

Boil a pot of water. 1/4 teaspoon lemon juice is what I prefer to add. Add the 1/4″ slices to the boiling water. Cook for 4-5 minutes. To drain the lotus root, use a sieve.

How to Bake Lotus Root?

Baking lotus roots is one of my favorite ways to make crispy chips. This lotus root snack is great for kids.

Slice the lotus root into quarter inch slices. Place the slices on a parchment-covered baking tray. Place the slices evenly spaced on a baking tray covered with parchment paper. Keep them separated. Olive oil can be sprayed or lightly drizzled. Season the oil with salt and pepper. Salt, pepper, red pepper flakes. Bake one side for 10 minutes, at 340F. Turn the lotus chips over and bake for another 10 minutes. Make sure they are done. You can return them for 5 more minutes if they aren’t.

How to Microwave Lotus Root?

Although it’s quick and simple, the results are not as crisp as oven baking.

The lotus root should be prepared the same way, in 1/4 inch slices. Place a dampened paper towel on a microwave-safe plate. Turn the microwave on high for 2 minutes, and then check that they are done.

You can also use lotus root in other ways.

As crunchy vegetable chips, dry in a dehydrator

Dry in the oven, and then grind into flour.

To make candied lotus, slice extra thin.

As a garnish for salads

You can preserve it by picking the lotus root

Lotus root Benefits

Although they are aquatic plants, lilies can also be found on land. Since ancient times, the roots have been used to treat ailments. Chinese herbalists first mentioned them around 500 BC.

Benefits of lotus roots include:

vitamin C
Riboflavin
thiamin
Improves digestion
It helps to prevent constipation
Promotes healthy skin
Boosts energy levels
Reduces stress
Treatments for arthritis
Menstrual cramps can be relieved
Reduce cholesterol
It’s good for your heart

What can I add to Lotus Root to increase the mild flavor?

Rice vinegar
Green onion
Shaoxing wine
Black bean dish
Sticky rice
Sesame oil
Oyster sauce
Sesame seeds
Lotus seed

Lotus Root Chips

Lotus root chips in take-away boxes Ingredients
1/2 pound lotus root
2 tablespoons peanut oil
Sea salt, to your liking

Method

Cut off the lotus root ends and peel them. To prevent them from turning brown, place them in a bowl with 2 Tbsp vinegar.

You will have to heat oil in a small saucepan. After the oil has warmed up, you will have to strain the lotus roots slices and dry them before adding to the pan. You should leave enough space between each piece.

Turn the root and cook for another 3-5 minutes, until they are golden brown on the bottom. If the roots are not cooking evenly on the outside, add more oil and reduce the heat.

To transfer lotus root chips onto a brown or paper towel, use tongs. Sprinkle salt. These chips are best enjoyed hot.

Lotus root soup

Ingredients

3 cups lotus roots, sliced
3 cups carrot, cut into large cubes
10 Chinese mushrooms, soaked 2 hours and then sliced
7 water chestnuts, shelled & halved
2 Tbsp ginger
2 cloves of garlic, crushed

Method

To make the soup, add one gallon (4 liters), of water to a large saucepan.

Boil for 2 to 3 hours, and then serve.

FAQ

Is lotus root safe to eat raw?

The lotus root can be eaten raw or added to salads. Avoid mature roots as they can be very tough.

How long does lotus root take to cook?

It takes 4 minutes to cook lotus root in the pan.

Because they are similar to potatoes, Lotus roots can be cooked easily. You can boil them in water until they are tender. Then, you can mash them with butter or olive oils if desired.

How do you store lotus root?

Washing and cleaning lotus roots before storing them is the best thing. Cut off 1/4 inch at the ends and any segmented joints. Place the Ziploc in a container with some water. It will keep in the fridge for up to six days.

Most well-known facts about lotus roots

The lotus root’s scientific name is the Nelumbo Nucifera. It is also called the sacred lotus, Indian lotus, or sacred lotus. It is part of the Nelumbonaceae Family.

These roots are often used in stir-fries or kinpira. They are loved for their unique taste and crunchy texture.

Lotus root contains high levels of vitamin C, thiamin and roboflavin.

The edible root, which can grow to 4 feet under water, is part of the lotus plant. It is easily identifiable by its colorful flowers and lily pads.

The root can be sliced open to reveal a pattern that is similar to an old-fashioned telephone dialer.

Wrapping up

So, what does lotus root taste like? I suppose I have already given you the answer in the earlier part of the post. Anyway, lotus root, a tasty vegetable, has been eaten as food for thousands of years. Because of its many uses, it’s often called the “Queen of Vegetables”.

Lotus root is a great source of vitamin C and potassium as well as iron, calcium, magnesium, fiber, protein, and iron. It is also high in antioxidants that protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.

Lotus Root is great in soups, stews and stir-fries. You can eat the roots raw or cooked. They have a mild, crispy flavor. It can be used in salads, stews, or raw.

It is important to clean the Lotus root before you use it for cooking. You might experience symptoms such as vomiting or fever if you don’t take care of it.