Stir-Fried Lotus Root with Pork

This dish is a classic combination of crispy lotus root and savory pork, a staple in Chinese cuisine. The lotus root provides a unique texture and mild flavor, while the pork adds richness and umami. The dish is typically stir-fried with aromatics like ginger, garlic, and scallions, and seasoned with soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, and a touch of sugar for balance.

Ingredients:

For the lotus root:
1 pound (450 grams) lotus root, peeled and sliced into 1/2-inch (1.25-cm) rounds
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 tablespoon vegetable oil

For the pork filling:
1/2 pound (225 grams) ground pork
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine or dry sherry
1 teaspoon cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon ginger, minced
1 clove garlic, minced
2 scallions, thinly sliced

For the stir-fry:
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 tablespoon ginger, minced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 scallions, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine or dry sherry
1 teaspoon sugar
1/4 cup (60 ml) chicken broth or water
1 teaspoon cornstarch, mixed with 1 tablespoon water
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the lotus root:
   In a medium bowl, combine the lotus root slices with 1 tablespoon of cornstarch. Toss to coat evenly.
   Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
   Add the lotus root slices and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy.
   Remove from the pan and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
2. Prepare the pork filling:
   In a medium bowl, combine the ground pork, soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, cornstarch, ginger, garlic, and scallions. Mix well until the ingredients are evenly distributed.
3. Assemble the dish:
   Place a spoonful of the pork filling onto the center of each lotus root slice.
   Top with another lotus root slice to create a sandwich.
   Gently press the sandwiches together to seal the filling inside.
4. Stir-fry the lotus root sandwiches:
   Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
   Add the ginger, garlic, and scallions and stir-fry for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
   Add the lotus root sandwiches and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes per side, until the pork is cooked through and the sandwiches are heated through.
5. Finishing touches:
   In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, sugar, chicken broth or water, and cornstarch mixture.
   Pour the sauce over the stir-fry and stir gently to coat the lotus root sandwiches evenly.
   Season with salt and pepper to taste.
   Serve hot with steamed rice or noodles.

Tips:

For a more flavorful lotus root, marinate the slices in soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, and cornstarch for 30 minutes before frying.
If you don’t have ground pork, you can substitute with ground chicken or beef.
You can also add other vegetables to the dish, such as carrots, bell peppers, or onions.
Serve Fried Pork with Lotus Root as a main course or appetizer.