9 Nutritious Lotus Root Recipes To Try

Lotus root is widely used in Asian recipes and is known for its nutrients and health benefits. Lotus root is mildly sweet and resembles the taste of water chestnuts. The texture of the edible stem is crisp and crunchy. It is also described as a chewy potato when steamed or boiled as a stew.

The root plant is extremely versatile. It can be made into healthy snacks, sides, a main dish and even dessert.

Our mum loves to use it in her Chinese herbal soups, but we've found many different ways to cook. Here are 9 popular recipes sourced from Chinese, Japanese, Korean and Indian cuisine.

We'll also show you how to pick fresh, sweet-tasting reckon from the supermarket and how to prepare it.

Jump to:

• What Is Lotus Root?
• How to pick fresh lotus root
• How To Prepare Renkon
• 9 Nutritious Renkon Recipes To Try
• Chinese Lotus Root Soup with Pork Ribs and Peanuts
• Renkon Nutrition And Benefits

What Is Lotus Root?

It is the edible stem of the lotus flower. The flower is an aquatic plant that bears white or pink flowers. It is native to Asia, Australia and parts of the Middle East. The flowers of the plant often symbolise purity and beauty. 

The plant can grow up to 4 feet long, with a stem 10 to 20 cm long and a 6 to 10 cm diameter. Fresh roots are light brown, while matured ones are dark brown.

The root plant typically grows in shallow ponds and marshes. This edible stem has cylinder-shaped segments that are linked together like sausages. Its long and tubular roots have symmetrically arranged air canals running along its length, giving it a unique appearance.

It is called Lian Ou (莲藕) in China, Renkon (れんこん) in Japan, Yeonguen (연근) in Korea, and Kamal Kakdi in India. In Malaysia and Singapore, the root vegetable represents abundance and is eaten during the Chinese New Year.

How to pick fresh lotus root

If you want to pick out the lotus root, which has more flavour and is naturally sweeter, avoid picking out the entirely white ones. Instead, you should pick out the ones which are a bit yellowish or beige.

How To Prepare Renkon

Fresh renkon can be prepared in a few easy steps. Firstly, peel off the brown skin and cut it into slices. Dirt might sometimes get trapped between the rhizomes, so make sure to wash thoroughly with cold water. The root plant contains a high amount of starch, so it will begin to discolour when exposed to air.

Therefore, place the cut slices in a bowl of cold water with a few drops of white vinegar to preserve the colour. If you use the dry root vegetable, soak it in water for at least 30 minutes before use. If you are using frozen lotus root, allow this to thaw for 10 minutes before using it in any recipe. You can buy the edible stem in many forms in Asian supermarkets and online.

9 Nutritious Renkon Recipes To Try

Sourced from parts of China, Japan, Korea and India, here are some popular recipes from the region. Use the root plant in snacks, sides, as a main and even in desserts and tea! Let's begin with the snacks and starters!

Pickled Lotus Root Salad

A pickled tart salad perfect for the summer days! Try this vegan and gluten-free salad for a refreshing yet filling afternoon snack. To make this spicy, drizzle over the optional spicy sauce.

Ingredients

• 100g of the edible stem, peeled and sliced ⅛ inch thick
• 1 tablespoon oil 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ cup water
• 1½ tablespoon rice wine vinegar
• 1 scallion, chopped
• ½ tablespoon sesame seeds
• More kosher salt, to taste

Optional Spicy Sauce

• 1 tablespoon light soy sauce
• 1-2 tablespoon LaoGanma chilli sauce or Chinese red oil
• 2 teaspoon chopped ginger
• ½  tablespoon black vinegar
• 2 garlic cloves chopped
• ½  tablespoon sesame oil
• ¼  teaspoon sugar

Method

1. Heat a deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add vegetable oil, the lotus root, ½ teaspoon sugar and some salt. Cook for 5 minutes until the root vegetable begins to soften.
2. Add ½ cup of water and bring to a boil. Lower the heat and close the lid. Leave this to simmer for another 5 minutes. For a more crunchy texture, remove from heat earlier.
3. Drain and transfer the edible stem to a large bowl. Add the rice wine vinegar, chopped scallion, ½ teaspoon of sugar and sesame seeds. Toss and mix well. Add salt to taste.

Baked Renkon Chips

These baked renkon chips make a healthy Japanese snack and a good substitute for potato chips. Experiment with different spices and create your own flavour of chips. Enjoy these lotus root chips with a gochujang mayo or guacamole dip. This snack can be made in the oven. Alternatively, you can also cook it in an air fryer which will make them extra crispy!

Ingredients

• 200g of the edible stem, peeled and sliced ⅛ inch thick
• 1 teaspoon of ground black pepper
• ½ tablespoon salt
• ½ tablespoon sesame oil
• 2 tablespoon olive oil (add more for the pan)

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees.
2. Add the root vegetable, sesame oil, black pepper, and salt in a large bowl. Mix well until evenly covered.
3. Add oil to the baking sheet and place the sliced vegetables on top.
4. Bake for 20 minutes, or until golden brown.
5. Remove from the oven and transfer to a paper towel to absorb excess oil. Enjoy with a dip or by itself.

Kinpira Renkon, Japanese Style Stir Fry

Kinpira renkon is a simple dish served in Japanese homes as a starter or side. This Japanese lotus root recipe can be made gluten-free by substituting the soy sauce with tamari sauce.

Ingredients

• 230g of the edible stem, peeled and sliced into ¼  inch thick
• 1 cup water
• 1 teaspoon rice wine vinegar
• 1 dried red chilli pepper, cut finely
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil (roasted)
• ½ tablespoon toasted white sesame seeds
• 1 tablespoon sake
• 1 tablespoon mirin
• ½ tablespoon sugar
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce

Method

1. In a large pan, add sesame oil and heat over medium-high heat. Add the root vegetable and stir occasionally.
2. Once the vegetable turns slightly translucent, add seasonings. This included mirin, sake and sugar. Then, add in red chilli pepper and soy sauce. Stir and cook for another 2 minutes.
3. Once the liquid reduces, add in toasted white sesame seeds. Toss and serve hot.

Yeongeun Jorim, Sweet Soy Braised Root Vegetable

Yeongeun Jorim is a typical Korean side dish using lotus root. It is crunchy, sweet and savoury. A popular snack in the autumnal season.

Ingredients

• 250g of lotus root, peeled and sliced into ¼  inch thick
• 1 tablespoon vinegar
• ½ teaspoon sesame seeds - optional garnish
• 4 tablespoon soy sauce
• 2 tablespoon rice wine
• ½ tablespoon for less sweet
• 1 tablespoon cooking oil
• 2 tablespoon corn syrup or 1 tablespoon honey
• ½ tablespoon sesame oil

Method

1. In a large pot, boil the root vegetable for 10 minutes. Boil for another 10 minutes for a softer texture.
2. Drain and transfer to another large pot. Add cooking oil, soy sauce, rice wine, sugar, and 1 cup of water. Bring this to a boil, uncovered, over medium-high heat. This should be around 15-20 minutes.
3. When the liquid is reduced to about 4 tablespoons, add the corn syrup and sesame oil. Stir well for 3 to 4 minutes. Plate and garnish with white toasted sesame seeds.

Slow Cooker Chinese Soup with Pork Ribs and Peanuts

This slow-cooked Chinese lotus root soup recipe is filling and packed with nutrients. Many Chinese households will make this soup during Chinese New Year as it is an auspicious symbol of wealth and abundance.

Also, the soup helps to ease menstrual pain through improving blood circulation. This is because the method of slow cooking helps to retain the nutrients of the lotus root.

Chinese Stir Fry with Wood Ear Mushrooms

This Chinese style stir fry is packed with flavour. Cooked this way, the root vegetable absorbs the sauce that’s made from oyster sauce, ginger, garlic and Shaoxing wine. A delicious vegetable side dish that can be eaten as a main with rice. To make this vegetable dish gluten-free, use gluten-free oyster sauce.

This Chinese-style stir fry is packed with flavour. Cooked this way, the root vegetable absorbs the sauce that's made from oyster sauce, ginger, garlic and Shaoxing wine. A delicious vegetable side dish that can be eaten as a main with rice. To make this vegetable dish gluten-free, use gluten-free oyster sauce.

Ingredients

• 350g of the lotus root, peeled and sliced into ¼  inch thick
• 8 wood ear mushrooms, rehydrated and cut into slices
• ½  cup sugar snap peas
• ⅛  teaspoon white pepper
• 2 teaspoon oyster sauce
• ¼  cup chicken stock
• ¼  teaspoon sugar
• ½  teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 6 slices ginger
• 2 scallions, cut into 1-inch sized pieces
• 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine
• 2 teaspoon cornstarch (combined with 1 tablespoon water)

Method

1. In a large pot, boil and blanch the edible root vegetable, sugar snap peas and mushrooms for 1 minute. Drain and set aside. Mix the chicken stock, oyster sauce, salt, sugar, and white pepper in a small bowl and set aside.
2. In a large pan, add sesame oil and heat over medium-high heat. Add the ginger and cook for 30 seconds. Then, add the garlic and scallions. Cook for another 30 seconds and add the vegetables.
3. Stir-fry for 1 minute and add the Shaoxing wine to the pan. Then, add the sauce mixture. Cook until the sauce simmers. Add the cornstarch and water mixture to thicken the sauce.
4. Stir-fry for another 30 seconds and serve hot.

Indian Kamal Kakdi Sabji

Sabji or Sabzi, is an Indian cuisine term. It describes vegetable dishes cooked in gravy. This Indian lotus root recipe is moderately spicy and is perfect when served with daal or flatbread.

Ingredients

• 250g edible stem, peeled and sliced into ¼  inch thick
• 2 medium onions, grated
• 2 large tomato, pureed
• 2 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 2 cloves
• 2 tablespoon of lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon mustard oil
• 2 teaspoon mustard seed or honey-dijon mustard
• ½ teaspoon garam masala
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon chilli powder
• 1-inch cinnamon stick
• 1 tablespoon coriander powder
• 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
• Salt to taste
• Oil for deep frying
• Coriander leaves for garnish

Method

1. In a large pot, heat the oil to 375 degrees. Deep fry the lotus root for 2 minutes, or until golden brown. Once this is done, deep fry the potatoes for 3-4 minutes.
2. In a large pan, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium heat and add cumin. Once the cumin begins to brown, add cinnamon and clove. Stir fry for 2 minutes.
3. Add the onions and fry till golden brown. Secondly, add ginger-garlic paste and fry for another 2 minutes.
4. Add tomato puree and cook until the liquid is reduced. Then, add all the dry spices except for garam masala. Add the fried root vegetables and cook for 5 minutes.
5. Lastly, add lemon juice and garam masala. Sautee for another 2 minutes. Garnish this with coriander leaves and serve with flatbread or daal.

Lotus Root Stuffed With Glutinous Rice

Stuffed with sticky rice, this is a classic appetiser from China. However, as the dish has a floral, sweet taste, it can also be served as a dessert. This dish can be served both warm or cold.

Ingredients

• 400g of the edible stem, peeled but uncut.
• 150g glutinous rice
• 2 teaspoon white sugar
• ½  cup white sugar
• 2 tablespoon brown sugar
• 4 tablespoon osmanthus syrup (or honey)

Method

1. Rinse the glutinous rice 2 to 3 times. Add water to cover the rice. Let the rice soak overnight at room temperature. Drain the rice and mix in 2 teaspoon of white sugar.
2. Cut off the tough ends of the lotus root. Make sure only one end exposes the tubes within. Save the cut piece to use as a lid later.
3. Stuff the edible stem with glutinous rice. Use a chopstick to push the rice in the holes. Place the lid back to cover the cut end. Secure with toothpicks to seal.
4. In a small pot, add 2 cups of water, ½ cup of white sugar, 2 tablespoons of brown sugar and the stuffed root vegetable. Bring to a boil over high heat. Stir to help dissolve the sugar. Allow this to boil for 1 hour with the lid on. Flip the stuffed root vegetables 2-3 times to ensure the rice cooks evenly inside.
5. Turn to the lowest heat to simmer for another 20 minutes. Allow to cool before serving. Cut into evenly thick slices and drizzle osmanthus syrup on top.

If sweet isn't for you, then have a go at this crunchy, savoury stuffed version.

Easy Digestion Tea

This easy lotus root tea is often used as a home remedy to soothe coughs. It also helps with digestion after eating too much oily food.

Ingredients

• 6 slices of the edible stem, peeled and sliced into ¼  inch thick
• 750 ml water
• 2 slices fresh ginger

Method

1. In a large pot, add the water, edible stem and fresh ginger. Bring to a boil over medium heat.
2. Once it starts to boil, lower the heat to a minimum. Allow to brew for another 20 minutes. Serve warm.

Renkon Nutrition And Benefits

The edible stem is packed with nutrients and minerals, including Vitamin C, Vitamin B, iron, potassium, copper, thiamin, and zinc. It provides a good source of protein and dietary fibre. It has long been used in traditional Chinese medicine as well as cooking for its benefits. Here are the 6 nutritional health benefits of the edible stem.

• Regulates blood pressure
• Helps digestion
• Promotes weight loss
• Lowers blood sugar levels
• Ease menstrual pain
• Prevents excess water retention

Let us know if you tried any of these 9 nutritious lotus root recipes. Tag us on Instagram with Honest Food Talks.