3. If you’ve never tried lotus root before, it’s kind of like a crunchy potato with holes. Before you add the cucumber to the minced chicken, try to remove a lot of the moisture. This lotus root recipe is healthy and easy to replicate at home! If you’re lucky enough to find fresh lotus root, choose the segment that has holes spaced out evenly in a circle. 3/4 lb Renkon (about 6″, thin sliced into wheels) 1 small carrot (sliced crosswise and halved) Add sake and stir-fry until the liquid is gone. Lotus root like other vegetables can be cooked in a variety of ways. Required fields are marked *. Satisfying and simple—this is Japanese comfort food. Pre-heat frypan on low heat and coat with coconut oil. My girlfriend at the time suggested red pepper, which worked. Make one of Japanese cuisine's favourite vegetable dishes for yourself with this easy recipe for kinpira gobo. 2. It has a knobby appearance and looks a bit like ginger on steroid. 1. Sharing how to cook japanese foods.Facebook : https://Facebook.com/handmadesoap98/Instagram : https://Instagram.com/flowerysoapy/#renkon#japan#cook If you don’t have coconut oil at home, you could try an alternative cooking oil. In the meantime, finely chop cucumber, red pepper, and ginger. In Buddhism, the petals of the lotus flower represent the eight stages of enlightenment. Lotus root about 300 grams (3 pieces) Chicken thighs about 400 grams. Just like a potato, you wouldn’t eat it raw. Also, peel or slice off the ends where the holes are to remove any … Renkon is not the most familiar ingredient to most. Peel lotus root skin and slice it to 3-4mm/⅛" thick round slices (note 5). japanese diet – how do japanese women stay slim? Serving Size . Blanch the slices in a pot of boiling water for 1 minute and then drain. This is one of my all-time favorite yakitori recipes. Add the sliced renkon and deep fry for about 5 minuets … This ended up being the perfect combination of tastes and color. In fact, unless you reside in the Far East, chances are that you will not come across this odd looking vegetable at all. It’s commonly found in bento boxes, as it’s quick and simple to make. Measure one heaping teaspoon of minced chicken mix and press it against one side of a slice of lotus root. Simply season with salt and serve as is, or we love it in our home over salads. Dec 24, 2020 - This is one of my all-time favorites to order at yakitori : renkon nikuzume. In a frypan, cook chopped red pepper and ginger on low to medium heat. Sign up to receive free recipes from my kitchen in Japan directly to yours! Place on "tempura paper" or paper towel to remove some of the oil. Cut it into slices about 1 – 2 mm as regular as possible and leave them to soak in water for about 10 to 15 minutes. Lotus root (renkon in Japanese) is a vegetable that has amazing health benefits. Preparing several kinds of 'jobisai' helps save cooking time as well as achieving a well-balanced diet. You’ll recognize the beautiful lotus flowers and leaves floating on the water’s surface. Next, bring the konbu and water to a boil. Here’s my new, healthier version that you can stuff yourself with at home! Though, you’ll find it being sold during other harvesting seasons as well. 2. Karashi Renkon is a popular regional dish on the island of Kyushu in Japan. Wash the renkon thoroughly, then peel off the outer layer with a vegetable peeler, and slice into thin slices. Kinpira renkon is braised lotus root and is part of the Japanese culinary tradition of izakaya, or small plates.Â, Kinpira is a Japanese cooking style in which sliced vegetables are stir-fried and seasoned with sugar and soy sauce. They have segments linked together like sausages. Repeat with each slice of lotus root until you run out of minced chicken. Thank you, Emily! Eating a diet high in dietary fiber prevents weight gain. Heat enough oil to deep fry the sliced renkon to 180 degree. A Japanese food blog with authentic Japanese home cooking recipes. I’m definitely a renkon lover. Japanese Renkon & Wakame Salad - Lotus Root & Seaweed Salad This is a refreshing and healthy salad tha t can be quickly prepared.

gtag('config', 'UA-91383533-1'); ©2020 eyesandhour.com, all rights reserved. It's low in calories, aids digestion, increases energy levels, helps treat lung related illnesses such as asthma and lots more! Renkon is also know as lotus root and can be found fresh, vacuum packed, or frozen, from Asian supermarkets (see the directory for a list). Adding too many chopped vegetables will cause the minced chicken to break apart from the lotus root when cooking. The next time you go out for some sushi, it may be worth asking them where you can buy lotus root locally. This dish is an excellent introduction to cooking with renkon (lotus root), which is in season from August through the fall. Though, I assume it was steamed and pickled. Your email address will not be published. After Cooking sake or regular sake 1/4 of a cup (50 ml) Salt about 1/3 of a teaspoon. With the slice of lotus root in your palm, press down with your fingers to flatten the minced chicken against the lotus root so it holds tightly and fills into the holes. If in countries such as China, Japan or Korea, Renkon appears very often in cooking. Browse hundreds of delicious recipes and learn traditional Sushi and Miso soup to contemporary Japanese curry rice and Chicken Katsu with easy instructions, step by step photos and videos. If not, packages or cans of boiled, pre-cut slices are also sold outside of Asia. Then, remove from heat and set aside. The lotus is an aquatic plant that’s native to many parts of Asia, from India and Vietnam to China and Japan. It has a delicate and sweet flavor along with a crispy crunchy texture. It's a simple, quick way to enjoy lotus roots in season. Lotus root is a crunchy, neutral tasting root that is visually beautiful. Healthy Dumplings – Japanese Gyoza Recipe (Low Carb, Keto), Renkon Yakitori Recipe – Japanese Stuffed Lotus Root, Citron Tea – How to Make Yuzu Cha (Healthy Version), Ajitama – How to make ramen egg for a snack or appetizer, Natto Recipe for People Who Don’t Like Natto (Yet). Mar 28, 2020 - This is one of my all-time favorites to order at yakitori : renkon nikuzume. by Matt | Jan 23, 2021 | Lotus Root | 2 comments. Simply thinly slice the lotus root across the grain, this is best done with a Benriner mandolin. The two options I found on Amazon looked expensive, more than I would pay. Also, err on the side of adding too little cucumber than too much. Renkon is served as a side dish, in soups and stews, refined with vinegar as a salad, but also fried as tempura. Setsuko Yoshizuka is a freelance food writer and Japanese cookbook author. red pepper, seeds removed and finely chopped. Wipe the excess water off with more paper towels. Get it free when you sign up for our newsletter. Nami-san as the owner of the recipe tries to make a light dish before eating the main course. Cut lotus root into 7 - 8 slices approximately 1 cm wide. It has small holes throughout its length which, when sliced open, revealed the most intricate lattice design like a beautiful blossom flower or a snowflake. After she took the first bite (see picture above), I got an oishi! The consistency of the lotus root changes depending on the preparation: if Renkon is blanched only briefly, it is crisply fresh; if it is cooked longer, however, it becomes much softer - … Lotus root chips, from what I’ve read, are commonly served as appetizers at Japanese restaurants in the US and Australia. If you have leftover renkon, make homemade lotus root chips. It is eaten often during the New Year, for good luck, as it’s believed to bring good fortune (they say, you can see your future through the […] Kinpira is the name of a character in a traditional Japanese puppet theatre play dating back to the 1600s.Kinpira, the son of the character Kintaro who was well-known for his superhuman … A mixture of miso and Japanese karashi hot mustard is stuffed in lotus root, coated in turmeric flour batter, and deep-fried until a crispy crust forms. Also, peel or slice off the ends where the holes are to remove any browning or black parts. 4. Mild in taste like taro– the color and texture is similar to raw potato. The nutrients and fiber in lotus root help promote cardiovascular health. Renkon is thought to have amazing health benefits. As you slice lotus root, put … 5. Place slices in a frypan (with no oil). carrot (peeled and sliced into thin half-rounds), 1 1/2 tbsp. Reduce heat to medium. Further, add soy sauce and stir-fry quickly. It has a crunchy texture and a delicate flavor, and the way it blends with the chicken broth is what makes this recipe so good. mirin (sweet Japanese rice wine). As a general rule, always cook your lotus root. Chikuzenni is usually cooked at home in Japan. Stir regularly. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Soak the lotus root slices for 5 minutes to prevent changing of color and The “holes” in lotus root are pathways for air from above the water’s surface to reach the submerged parts of the plant. Crossing my fingers, I hope you can find fresh lotus root at your local Asian food market. I first discovered renkon nikuzume, lotus root stuffed with minced chicken, at a yakitori restaurant in Tokyo. Your email address will not be published. First thing, lotus root is not actually a root. FUN FACT! 3/4 lb. renkon lotus root (peeled and sliced into thin rounds or thin half rounds, half moon shapes), 3 oz. Lotus root, when exposed to air will begin to turn brown. Add chopped cucumber, red pepper, and ginger. The most common ingredients used for Kinpira is gobo (burdock root) and carrot, but the lotus root is another common ingredient of this cooking style. The name Kinpira comes from legendary muscleman, and that shows how nutritious the dish really is.Â. Eating lotus root helps strengthen bones and support your metabolism because of its high copper content. It’s quick, tasty, and foolproof. Paperback and Kindle version is now available on Amazon. Renkon is one of my favorite vegetables to cook with. The roots are planted in the muddy soil beneath a shallow pond. Sorry I don’t have more suggestions than that. Pat dry on a paper towel and then saute in a small amount of oil over medium heat until crispy. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until ginger begins to brown slightly. With its holes stuffed with minced meat, it’s the best. Once the minced chicken meat is fully cooked, remove each stuffed lotus with a spatula or chopsticks. You can use just a normal vegetable peeler that you would use to peel potatoes. Mostly crunchy with a very subtle flavor it goes great with almost savory seasoning. It is delicious when served raw in a salad. function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments);} 2. I couldn’t have taken all these pictures without her. I also pan-fried these using coconut oil, which isn’t typical in Japan. Kinpira is a style of Japanese dish, using crunchy vegetables and basic Japanese seasonings. First, you’ll always want to peel lotus root before cooking it. When sliced, it resembles a flower. When the bottom side begins to brown, carefully turn slices with chopsticks or a spatula and heat the other side. Add mirin and sugar and stir-fry until the liquid is gone. Learn how your comment data is processed. I wanted to add chopped veggies to my renkon nikuzume to make them even healthier and taste better. Wash and peel lotus root. I want to thank my lovely assistant, Mana, who helped with the photoshoot! I’m guessing that the chef at a Vietnamese, Indian, or Chinese restaurant would also know where to buy some. Lotus root is high in Vitamin C. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant which promotes having glowing, healthy skin and boosts your immune system. Stir-fry carrot and renkon slices for a couple minutes on medium heat. Or if you want to throw these on your BBQ, I’d go for it! Biting into a slice of cooked lotus root, you’ll discover that it has more crunch like raw carrot or celery. Cook on low to medium-low heat.*. window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; Clean Eating Lunch And Dinner Recipes More information Kinpira Renkon Recipe for Good Luck 1 lb bag renkon, thinly 1 carrot thinly sliced 2 tbsp sake 2 tbsp ea sugar and mirin 3 tbsp shoyu 1 can sardines, packed in oil 1/8 tsp red pepper flakes 1/2 tsp shiro goma 2 tbsp veg oil 1 tbsp sesame oil Serves 8-10 as a side dish. On low heat, uncovered, precook lotus root. To prevent this, keep it wrapped up until you’re ready to start prepping and cooking. Well because this time the theme is appetizer. Lotus root contains iron, which helps support your energy levels. gtag('js', new Date());

Add dried konbu (kelp) dashi powder and soy sauce (to taste). Wash and peel lotus root. Nov 28, 2020 - This is one of my all-time favorites to order at yakitori : renkon nikuzume. I don’t own a grill so my version of stuffed renkon is for your stovetop. Once cooked, it retains most of its crunchiness and is a great absorber of flavors, perfect for stew or other braising dishes. Over the last two weeks, I’ve experimented with different combinations of vegetables to add to the minced chicken. This lotus root recipe is healthy and easy to replicate at home! Last resort, I suppose, is to find a lotus flower garden. Renkon (lotus root) chips are easy to make and irresistible. The first time you try renkon nikuzume in Japan, you’ll say it’s like nothing you’ve ever eaten before. Make your favorite takeout recipes at home with our cookbook! Then, I added fresh Japanese cucumber and ginger. In Japanese, lotus root is called renkon. From my research online, frozen packages are also available in the US and Australia. Let me know how it goes– I’d love to hear from you! In Vietnam, I vaguely remember eating young lotus root in salads. I just hope you can find some lotus root this Autumn. This dish has a slightly salty and sweet taste which gets absorbed by the lotus root. The renkon or lotus root recipe has been one of my favorite ones because of the unique texture of the lotus root. YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE THESE HEALTHY RECIPES: Image above (credit- Mana): using leftover slice of renkon to make a chopsticks stand. Autumn, September through November, is the best season for lotus root in Japan. Under the water, lotus rhizomes can grow quite long. Yes, lotus root peel contains bitter tannins. 3. After reading through all these health benefits, it’s no wonder that lotus root powder is used in traditional Chinese medicine. Instructions Add 1 tsp rice vinegar in 4 cups (1L) of water. – Lotus root usually has 8 or 9 holes. Soak renkon slices in water for 5 to 10 minutes. 'Kinpira' is one of the basic jobisai recipes using root vegetables and 'renkon' means lotus root. I love renkon and this recipe was super delicious and easy to follow. carrot (peeled and sliced into thin half-rounds) 2 tsp It is not really a root but the rhizome of the lotus flower. Green onion (NEGI) or onion • Fresh ginger, grated • Lotus root (2 whole roots) • Ground pork • Salt • Flour • • Flour (cake or pastry flour if you have it) 30 mins 4 servings especially Nabemono or Oden. In Japan, lotus root is typically grilled, steamed, or fried before being eaten. Red-Cooked Pork Belly With Lotus Root Recipe. 3. 3. INTERESTED IN MORE HEALTHY, JAPANESE-INSPIRED RECIPES? In a large stock pot, add the large piece of dried dashi konbu (seasoned kelp) and water, and allow this to steep for 30 minutes to 1 hour. For this recipe, I picked out the smaller sizes of renkon from what was available. Basically, choose the prettiest one (small to medium-sized). Renkon (lotus root) has a snappy texture and a distinct appearance. Renkon is thought to be a good luck food in Japan. I’ve heard that it is possible to eat young lotus root raw. renkon lotus root (peeled and sliced into thin rounds or thin half rounds, half moon shapes) 3 oz. healthy, renkon lotus root, seasonal, yakitori. For the Buddhist, it is a symbol of purity even though it is grown in muddy conditions. If you’re not familiar with shishito, see the next two photos below. Heat sesame… Consider making this spicy, adding dried chilies to the mix. This simple recipe is easy to replicate, as long as you can get your hands on some lotus root. Ginger, turmeric, and galangal are other examples of rhizomes you may be familiar with from different Asian cuisines. This lotus root recipe is healthy and easy to replicate at home! Store kinpira renkon in an airtight container in the fridge and eat it the next day or a few days later (it tastes even better). Using paper towel, remove as much moisture from the cucumber as possible. Renkon Chips Recipes. Defrost the sliced renkon on a paper towel to let the paper towel absorb the water. Put minced chicken into a small bowl. When both sides have slightly browned, remove from pan and set aside. You’ll recognize the beautiful lotus flowers and leaves floating on the water’s surface. When the meat begins to turn golden brown (2-4 minutes), flip and cook the reverse side until it begins to brown. She was also my hand model and chopsticks holder. Serve kinpira renkon as a side dish on a small plate with sesame seeds sprinkled over the dish. If sides are not browning after a few minutes, turn up heat slightly. Stuffed lotus root slices has always been my favorite at yakitori (grilled chicken) restaurants in Japan. Renkon is used in many different Japanese dishes. I listen for a soft sizzling sound from the fry pan to know the temperature is just right. It’s more practical than buying an entire stem. 1. Persons . I will definitely do it again! At supermarkets in Japan, you’re more likely to find smaller segments or cuts of renkon in various sizes being sold by weight. The leftover shishito peppers I had originally tried adding became the garnish for the side. Commonly served as a side dish with grilled meat, rice, and miso soup, kinpira gobo consists of finely sliced burdock, lotus root and carrot, pan-fried in sesame oil and drizzled with a … *If you use regular cucumbers, such as what's available in the US, rather than Japanese cucumbers, I recommend removing the seeds to reduce the moisture. Combine the remaining ingredients then toss with the renkon slices. It's low in calories, aids digestion increases energy levels, helps treat lung-related illnesses such as asthma and more.Â. At yakitori restaurants in Japan, renkon nikuzume is cooked over a charcoal grill alongside the skewers of chicken. *When cooking stuffed lotus root in frypan, I use sound as an indicator of the right cooking temperature. We call batch cooking side dishes 'jobisai' in Japanese. Mix with a spoon or using your hands. You may have heard of the dish kinpira renkon or baked lotus root chips. It features chicken and a variety of vegetables, including, carrots, renkon (lotus root), and konnyaku. The copper in lotus root may also help prevent decreased cognitive functioning. The fiber content helps aid digestion. I think this recipe would get an oishi out of you too! “Chikuzen” used to be the name of what is now modern-day Fukuoka, and was the most popular cuisine from that city. Dry off slices with paper towel to remove some of the moisture. The renkon should turn translucent. (official approval). Simple, delicious sautéed Lotus Root, or kinpira renkon in Japanese. help of a potato peeler and wash it well. Tip: Putting the slices in a bowl of water with a little vinegar is a common trick to keep your lotus root white.