Cold Hunan-Style Spicy Lotus Root Salad

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Crunchy lotus root slices tossed in a tangy, spicy dressing with fresh herbs, perfect as a refreshing appetizer or side in Hunan cuisine. This chinese-inspired vegetarian ready in about 20 minutes pairs lotus root, chopped fresh cilantro, garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 80 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 5 min Serves 4 Chinese cuisine 80 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Peel and thinly slice 10 oz lotus root into 1/8-inch rounds. Place in a bowl of cold water with 1/2 tsp salt and soak for 10 minutes to remove starch and prevent discoloration.
  2. Step 2: Bring a pot of water to a boil and blanch the lotus root slices for 2 minutes until just tender-crisp. Drain and immediately transfer to an ice bath to stop cooking and maintain crunch.
  3. Step 3: Mince 3 garlic cloves and finely slice 2 scallions. In a mixing bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp sesame oil, 1 tsp sugar, and 1 tsp dried red chili flakes until sugar dissolves.
  4. Step 4: Drain lotus root well and toss gently with the dressing, minced garlic, sliced scallions, and 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro.
  5. Step 5: Let the salad chill in the refrigerator for 20 minutes to meld flavors. Serve cold as a refreshing appetizer or side dish.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Cold Hunan-Style Spicy Lotus Root Salad take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (15 min prep + 5 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Cold Hunan-Style Spicy Lotus Root Salad?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep lotus root from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Cold Hunan-Style Spicy Lotus Root Salad?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Cold Hunan-Style Spicy Lotus Root Salad for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Cold Hunan-Style Spicy Lotus Root Salad?

Chinese vegetarian like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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