If you’ve never tasted lotus root, this Lotus Root and Minced Pork Pies Recipe is a delicious way to experience it. Known as 藕盒 (ouhe) in Chinese, these Traditional Chinese Pork Pies are a savory, crispy dish perfect for family gatherings and holiday meals like the Mid-Autumn Festival. The combination of crunchy lotus root with a juicy, seasoned pork filling creates a unique texture that makes it a standout among Chinese Lotus Root Recipes.
Why Make Lotus Root Pork Patties?
Lotus root is a classic ingredient in Chinese cooking, valued not only for its distinct crunchy texture but also for its symbolism in Chinese culture. Chinese Lotus Root and Pork Pies symbolize family unity and partnership, making them ideal for festive occasions. The mild, earthy flavor of the lotus root pairs beautifully with a savory pork filling, making this a dish you’ll want to make again and again.
What Are the Health Benefits of Lotus Root?
Lotus root is a highly nutritious root vegetable with a host of health benefits. It’s rich in dietary fiber, vitamins C and B6, and essential minerals like potassium. Low in saturated fat, it’s an ideal choice for adding heart-healthy ingredients to your meals. With benefits like improved blood circulation, reduced inflammation, and digestive health support, Asian Lotus Root Dishes are a tasty way to boost wellness.
The Significance of Lotus Root Pork Patties in Chinese Culture
In Chinese tradition, lotus root symbolizes purity and harmony, while 藕盒 (ouhe) has a double meaning, sounding similar to words for “togetherness” or “family reunion.” Families make these Lotus Root Pork Patties to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival and other gatherings, honoring both cultural heritage and the joy of being together.
Key Ingredients for Homemade Lotus Root Pork Pies
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Lotus root | 370g (sliced thinly) |
| Leek | Half of a large leek |
| Pork belly | 270g (or 20% fat minced pork) |
| Fresh ginger | 2g |
| Plain flour | ½ cup |
| Corn starch | ½ cup |
| Medium-sized egg | 1 |
| Soy sauce | 1 tsp |
| Salt | To taste |
| Sugar | ⅓ tsp |
| Chinese five spice or thirteen spice powder | ½ tsp (optional) |
| Sweet chili sauce or ketchup | For dipping |
How to Make Lotus Root and Pork Pies: Step-by-Step
1. Prepare the Lotus Root
- Peel and thoroughly wash the lotus root. To keep it fresh and reduce bitterness, soak it in water with a bit of vinegar.
- Clean the holes with a straw cleaner to remove any dirt or mud residue.
- Slice the lotus root into thin pieces and set them aside in lightly salted water to maintain freshness.
2. Make the Pork Filling
- Use a food processor to blend the ginger and leek until finely chopped.
- Add pork belly, corn starch, salt, soy sauce, and sugar. Blend until the ingredients are well mixed. If you don’t have a food processor, you can finely chop the ingredients by hand and use minced pork with 20% fat for a similar texture.
3. Prepare the Batter
- In a mixing bowl, combine plain flour, corn starch, a pinch of salt, egg, optional five spice powder, and water (or beer for added crispiness). Add 2 tsp of oil, stirring until the batter is smooth but not too thick.
4. Assemble the Chinese Pork Patties with Lotus Root
- Take two slices of lotus root and spread a thin layer of the pork mixture on one slice.
- Place the other slice on top to form a “sandwich,” pressing firmly to seal. Repeat with remaining slices.
5. Cook the Lotus Root Pork Patties
- Heat a grill pan or skillet to medium-high, coating it with a thin layer of oil.
- Dip each lotus root sandwich into the batter, ensuring a thin, even coating.
- Place the patties in the pan, cooking until golden brown on one side before flipping to cook the other, making sure the pork filling is fully cooked.
6. Serve and Enjoy!
- Drain excess oil using a paper towel. Serve warm with sweet chili sauce or ketchup for dipping.
These Homemade Lotus Root Pies are perfect as a main dish alongside a simple side salad or as a delicious appetizer for sharing.
Tips for Buying and Storing Lotus Root
- Choosing Fresh Lotus Root: Look for light brown lotus root at Asian markets. It should be firm and free of blemishes for the best flavor.
- Storage: Keep fresh lotus root in the refrigerator and use within a few days to maintain quality.
- Cleaning Thoroughly: Lotus root has a unique hollow structure, so clean each hole carefully to remove any debris.
Why You’ll Love This Lotus Root and Minced Pork Pies Recipe
- Unique Texture and Flavor: The combination of crisp lotus root and juicy pork filling makes these Crispy Pork and Lotus Root Patties a treat for the taste buds.
- Nutritious and Filling: Lotus root is low in calories but rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, adding a healthy boost to your meal.
- A Festive, Traditional Dish: Perfect for celebrations and family gatherings, these Chinese Dim Sum Style Pies are a great way to share the warmth and joy of Chinese culture.
Make these Savory Pork and Lotus Root Pies part of your next meal for a deliciously unique dish that honors tradition and satisfies your taste buds. Serve it with your favorite dipping sauce, and as we say in Chinese, 用餐愉快 (yòng cān yú kuài) – enjoy your meal!
Lotus Root and Minced Pork Pies: Traditional Chinese Lotus Root and Pork Pies Recipe
Course: Pies, PorkCuisine: ChineseDifficulty: Easy3
servings30
minutes40
minutesLearn how to make Lotus Root and Minced Pork Pies with this traditional Chinese recipe. Crispy lotus root sandwiches filled with juicy pork, perfect for family gatherings or as a savory appetizer. Discover the rich flavors and cultural significance behind this delicious dish!
Ingredients
Lotus root, 370g (sliced thinly)
Leek, half of a large leek
Pork belly, 270g (or 20% fat minced pork)
Fresh ginger, 2g
Plain flour, ½ cup
Corn starch, ½ cup
Medium-sized egg, 1
Soy sauce, 1 tsp
Salt, to taste
Sugar, ⅓ tsp
Chinese five spice or thirteen spice powder, ½ tsp (optional)
Sweet chili sauce or ketchup (for dipping)
Directions
- Peel and wash the lotus root thoroughly, I soaked it in warm light vinegar and salt water and brushed all the holes with a straw cleaner, then rinsed with tap water
- Cut the lotus root into thin pieces, soak them in lightly salted water
- Add 270g pork belly into the food processor (with the ginger and leek mix still inside), add 1 tsp of corn starch, ½ tsp of salt (or salt to your taste), 1 tsp of soy sauce, 1 tbs water, ⅓ tsp of sugar, blend until pork is well minced and mixed with the rest of the ingredients (if you don’t have a food processor you could achieve this manually or replace pork belly with 20% fat minced pork)
- Now let’s prepare the batter, mix ½ cup of plain flour, ½ cup of corn starch, 1 pinch of salt, 1 medium sized egg, ½ tsp Chinese five species or thirteen spices (this is optional, so don’t worry if you do not have any), ⅔ cup of water (can also replace with beer), 2 tsp of cooking oil and mix well, the batter should run smoothly and not too thick
- Pat dry all of your thinly sliced lotus root
- Here is the fun part – ensemble time! Put a thin layer of the meat mix on one piece of lotus root slice, spread it evenly, and put another piece on top like making a burger or a sandwich, firmly press the two pieces together, some of the meat mix will come through the hole, that is perfectly ok, just press it evenly
- Repeat the process until all of them are done
- Heat up your grill to medium high, coat with a thin layer of oil
- Coat your lotus pork sandwiches with a thin layer of batter, gently place in your grill pan, cook until one side is golden brown and gently flip it to cook the other side
- Make sure the lotus root and the meat stuffing are thoroughly cooked, soak the excessive oil paper tower then plate. Me and my husband love to dip this into sweet & chilli sauce, my daughter on the other hand loves to eat it with ketchup. This dish can serve like a main with just a simple salad, or a side dish if you don’t want to make a lot in one go. Enjoy! 用餐愉快 （yòng cān yú kuài）!
