Lotus Stem Salad is a popular and refreshing dish that embodies the perfect balance of flavors and textures in Vietnamese cuisine, making it a staple at family celebrations. This salad features crunchy lotus stems combined with shrimp, pork, fresh herbs, and a tangy-sweet dressing, creating a delightful harmony of savory, sour, and mildly sweet flavors. Often enjoyed at family gatherings or special occasions, Lotus Stem Salad is both nutritious and visually appealing, capturing the essence of Vietnamese culinary artistry

At Viet Kitchen, we’ll guide you on how to make traditional Lotus Stem Salad at home with our simple, easy-to-follow recipe. Get ready to enjoy the vibrant, fresh flavors of Vietnam with this delicious salad!

How to Make Lotus Stem Salad

Ingredients (Serves 4):

• Fresh lotus stems: 200g, cut into thin strips and soaked in vinegar water for crispness
• Shrimp: 150g, boiled and peeled
• Pork belly: 100g, boiled and sliced thinly
• Carrots: 1, julienned
• Onion: 1/2, thinly sliced
• Fresh herbs: a handful each of mint, cilantro, and Thai basil
• Peanuts: 2 tablespoons, roasted and crushed
• Fried shallots: 1 tablespoon (optional)
• Vietnamese fish sauce: 2 tablespoons
• Lime juice: 2 tablespoons
• Sugar: 1 tablespoon
• Chili: 1, finely chopped (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Lotus Stems:

• Soak the lotus stems in a mixture of water and a splash of vinegar for about 15 minutes to retain their crisp texture. Rinse and drain well before using.

2. Make the Dressing:

• In a bowl, mix fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, and chili until well combined. Adjust sweetness or acidity to taste.

3. Combine the Salad:

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the lotus stems, shrimp, pork, carrots, and onion. Add fresh herbs and toss lightly.
• Drizzle the dressing over the salad and gently toss to evenly coat all the ingredients.

4. Serve:

• Transfer the salad to a serving plate, garnish with crushed peanuts and fried shallots, if using. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.

Additional Tips:

• Substitute Ingredients: If lotus stems aren’t available, you can substitute with celery or cucumber for a similar crunch.
• Customize Protein: This salad can be customized with other proteins like chicken or tofu for a vegetarian option.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Lotus Stem Salad

Advantages: Lotus Stem Salad is a healthy, low-calorie dish with a good balance of protein and vegetables, making it perfect for a light meal or appetizer. The fresh herbs and tangy dressing highlight traditional Vietnamese flavors. Disadvantages: Fresh lotus stems may be difficult to find outside of Asia, though some specialty stores may carry them.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Lotus Stem Salad

1. How do I keep the lotus stems crunchy in the salad?
Soak the lotus stems in a bit of vinegar water for about 10-15 minutes before rinsing. This helps them stay crisp and enhances the texture of the salad.

2. Can I prepare this salad in advance?
You can prepare the salad ingredients in advance and keep them separate; additionally, chilling the ingredients on ice before assembling helps maintain the salad’s crispness. However, for the best freshness and texture, add the dressing and herbs just before serving.

3. Is there a vegetarian version of this salad?
Absolutely! Substitute shrimp and pork with tofu, mushrooms, or additional vegetables like bell peppers for a delicious vegetarian alternative.

4. What can I use if I don’t have fish sauce?
If you prefer a vegan option, you can substitute soy sauce or a vegan fish sauce for a similar salty depth in the dressing.

5. What side dishes go well with lotus root salad?
This salad pairs well with puff pastry, which is a perfect combination

Conclusion

Vietnamese Lotus Stem Salad is a light, flavorful dish that brings together the best of Vietnamese ingredients and textures. With its vibrant colors and fresh, tangy flavors, this salad is a wonderful choice for special occasions or simply as a refreshing meal. Try making it at home to experience the unique taste of Vietnamese cuisine!
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