Crunchy, refreshing, and bursting with flavor, lotus root salad is a culinary delight that transcends simple side-dish status. This versatile root vegetable, with its unique honeycomb texture, offers a delightful contrast to the savory shrimp and tender pork we'll be incorporating into our recipe. The subtle sweetness of the lotus root pairs perfectly with the richness of the protein, creating a balanced and satisfying dish that's perfect for a light lunch, a vibrant appetizer, or a sophisticated addition to a larger meal. We'll use a simple yet elegant dressing to highlight the natural flavors of the ingredients, resulting in a salad that's both visually appealing and incredibly tasty.
Imagine a salad that's both visually stunning and remarkably easy to prepare. This recipe for Lotus Root Salad with Shrimp and Pork will guide you through each step, ensuring a delicious and impressive outcome. From preparing the lotus root to mastering the perfectly balanced dressing, we’ll cover everything you need to know to create this culinary masterpiece in your own kitchen. Get ready to discover a new favorite salad!
Tools Needed
- knife
- bowl
- pot
- dragon bowl
Ingredients
- Pork belly: 250g
- Shrimp: 300g
- Lotus root: 500g
- Fried onions: 20g
- Roasted peanuts: 20g
- Celery: 30g
- Vietnamese coriander: 30g
- Onion: 150g
- Lemons: 2
- Carrot: 150g
- Chili pepper: 15g
- Garlic
- Vinegar: 0.5 cup + 90ml
- Water: 2 liters
- White sugar: 100g
- Fish sauce: 5 tbsp + 2 tbsp
- Sugar for fish sauce: 3 tbsp + 2 tbsp
- Lemon juice: 2 tbsp + 1 tbsp
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Ingredients
- Clean the pork belly by squeezing it with lemon and salt, then wash it again. Cut the lotus root into 4-5cm pieces. Soak it in water to keep it clean and white.
- Peel and cut the carrots into small pieces. Peel and thinly slice the onion. Soak the onions in ice water to reduce pungency.
- Remove seeds from chili peppers and cut into strips. Chop Vietnamese coriander, keeping the stems, tops, and leaves. Squeeze lemon juice.
- Remove the head and vein from the shrimp. Wash thoroughly.
- Soak the lotus root in water for half an hour, then wash and drain.
Step 2. Cook the Proteins and Prepare the Salad Base
- Drain the onions. Combine lotus root, onion, and carrot in a pot, add 100g sugar and 90ml vinegar, and mix well. Let it sit for a while.
- 3 tablespoons sugar, 5 tablespoons fish sauce, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, and a spoonful of chili sauce.
- Boil the shrimp for 2 minutes, then soak in ice water to maintain crispness. Cut the boiled pork thinly and soak it in ice water.
- Gently squeeze the lotus root, onion, and carrot mixture to remove excess water.
Step 3. Make the Sauces and Combine the Salad
- Finely chop chili and garlic for the dipping sauce.
- 2 tablespoons sugar, 2 tablespoons fish sauce, and 1 tablespoon lemon juice. Stir until the sugar dissolves.
- Peel and cut the shrimp. Cut the pork into 1cm pieces.
- Combine all ingredients (shrimp, pork, coriander, celery, chili peppers) in a bowl. Add the salad sauce and mix well.
Step 4. Serve and Garnish
- Arrange the salad on a plate, alternating layers of lotus root, shrimp, and pork. Garnish with fried onions and roasted peanuts.
Read more: Vietnamese Banana Blossom Salad: A Refreshing Recipe
Tips
- Cut the lotus root in half before cutting it shorter to save time.
- Don't cut the carrots too thick so they can absorb the spices better.
- Don't boil the shrimp for too long or it will become tough.
- Don't cut the pork too big, it will take longer to cook and won't absorb the spices well.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I substitute the shrimp or pork?
Absolutely! Chicken, tofu, or even cooked fish would be great substitutes for the protein. Feel free to experiment!
2. How far in advance can I prepare the lotus root?
You can prepare the thinly sliced lotus root up to a day ahead and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Just toss it with the dressing right before serving to prevent it from becoming soggy.
This Lotus Root Salad with Shrimp and Pork is a testament to the beauty of simple ingredients, expertly combined. Its refreshing taste and satisfying textures make it a perfect dish for any occasion, from casual weeknight dinners to more elegant gatherings. Enjoy the delightful crunch and savor the harmonious blend of flavors in this easy-to-make, yet impressive, salad!