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

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

1. 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.
2. Nutritious and Filling: Lotus root is low in calories but rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, adding a healthy boost to your meal.
3. 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

Recipe by LinCourse: Pies, PorkCuisine: ChineseDifficulty: Easy

Servings

3

servings

Prep time

30

minutes

Cooking time

40

minutes

Learn 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）!
  

The post Lotus Root and Minced Pork Pies: Traditional Chinese Lotus Root and Pork Pies Recipe appeared first on Lin's Chinese Kitchen.

The Magic of Pumpkin Dough

Now, you might be wondering, “Why go through the extra effort to make pumpkin dough when there are quicker alternatives available?” Here’s why:

1. Flavor and Texture: Pumpkin imparts a subtly sweet and earthy flavor that simply can’t be replicated with standard dough. This perfectly complements the savory richness of the pork and vegetables, creating a unique taste experience.
2. Nutritional Boost: Pumpkins are a rich source of vitamins, particularly Vitamin A, which is essential for vision and immune functions. By incorporating pumpkin into your dough, you’re adding a nutritional kick to your pies.
3. Vibrant Color: The natural orange hue of the pumpkin makes for a visually appealing and festive dough, adding a touch of vibrancy to your dish.
4. Soft and Moist Crust: The moisture from the pumpkin creates a soft crust, which provides a delightful contrast to the crispy exterior once pan-fried.
5. A Conversation Starter: Trust me, when you serve these to friends or family, the pumpkin dough will be a focal point of conversation. It’s unique, and your effort won’t go unnoticed!

So, while it might take a bit more time and effort, the pumpkin dough is truly what elevates these pies from ordinary to extraordinary. The rich history and cultural significance, combined with the benefits mentioned above, make every minute spent in the kitchen worth it.

Explore More Meat Pie Delights

If you’ve developed a newfound love for Chinese meat pies after trying this pumpkin dough delicacy, then you’re in for a treat! Dive deeper into the world of savory pastry by checking out these other meat pie favorites:

• Chinese Beef & Leek Pie Recipe: A classic combination of juicy beef and aromatic leeks encased in a golden, crispy crust. This pie is a testament to the time-honored union of meat and vegetables in Chinese cuisine.
• Xianbing Chinese Meat Pie Recipe: Xianbing is a traditional meat pie that’s beloved for its flavorful filling and flaky exterior. A staple in Northern Chinese households, it’s a taste that transports you straight to the bustling streets of China.
• Why stop at one when you can explore a world of flavors? Let these recipes guide your culinary journey through the art of Chinese meat pies.

Ingredients for Soft Pumpkin Dough Minced Port Pies

To make these absolutely delightful Chinese pies, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the pumpkin dough:

• 270g pumpkin
• 6g dry yeast
• 80g warm water (35 °C)
• 400g plain flour

For the pork filling:

• 200g minced pork
• 100g Spring onions
• 100g stringless green beans
• 50g garden peas
• 50g scallop
• 5g ginger
• 3 cloves garlic
• 2 tbs light soy
• ½ tbs dark soy
• 1 tsp roasted sesame oil
• 1 tbs vegetable oil
• ½ tsp Chinese 13 Spices Mix
• 1 tsp sugar
• Salt to taste

How to make Minced Pork Pies with Pumpkin Crust

Here are the steps you need to follow to make these delicious meat pies:

1. Peel and slice 270g pumpkin, steam cook until soft.
2. Mix 6g dry yeast in 80g warm water.
3. Slowly mix 400g plain flour, 270g steamed pumpkin, and the mixed yeast water together.
4. Knead the dough until the surface is smooth.
5. Let it rise on the side for 30 mins at room temperature (20°C).
6. As the dough rises, let’s prepare the stuffing.
7. Boil a pot of water, put 100g stringless green beans and 50g garden peas in the boiling water for 3 mins, rinse under cold water, then set aside.
8. Finely chop the stringless green beans, spring onions, scallops, garlic, and ginger. Combine them in a bowl and set it aside.
9. Put 200g minced pork in a big container. Add the roasted sesame oil, light soy, dark soy, vegetable oil, Chinese 13 spices mix, sugar, and salt. Mix well and set aside.
10. Retrieve the risen dough, knead again for 2-3 mins, then separate into 16 equivalent small doughs.
11. Coat your cutting board with plain flour, then flatten the mini doughs using a rolling pin or your hands.
12. Integrate the finely chopped vegetables into the pork mix.
13. Spoon the mixed stuffing onto the center of each flattened dough.
14. After securely sealing each pie, flatten them into round shapes.
15. Heat a frying pan and coat it with vegetable oil, setting it to medium heat.
16. Gently place the pies in the frying pan, covering with a lid, and cook for 4 mins. Ensure they don’t burn by checking midway and adjusting the heat if necessary.
17. Flip the pies after 3-4 mins, remove the lid, and continue cooking for an additional 4 mins.
18. Ensure the pies are thoroughly cooked before serving.

For an authentic experience, enjoy these pies with Chinese dark rice vinegar or light soy and chili sauce.

Hope you enjoy (请慢用 qǐng màn yòng).

Traditional Chinese Pumpkin Dough Pies: My Grandmother’s Minced Pork Recipe

Recipe by LinCourse: Pies

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

1

hour 

30

minutes

Cooking time

30

minutes

Discover the warmth and flavors of a beloved family dish with this minced pork pie with pumpkin crust recipe.

Ingredients

• Pumpkin dough

• 270g pumpkin

• 6g dry yeast

• 80g warm water (35 °C)

• 400g plain flour

• Pork filling

• 200g minced pork

• 100g Spring onions

• 100g stringless green beans

• 50g garden peas

• 50g scallop

• 5g ginger

• 3 cloves garlic

• 2 tbs light soy

• ½ tbs dark soy

• 1 tsp roasted sesame oil

• 1 tbs vegetable oil

• ½ tsp Chinese 13 Spices Mix

• 1 tsp sugar

• Salt to taste

Directions

• Peel and slice 270g pumpkin, steam cook until soft
• Mix 6g dry yeast in 80g warm water
• Slowly mix 400g plain flour, 270g steamed pumpkin and the mixed yeast water together
• Knead the dough until the surface is smooth
• Let it rise on the side for 30 mins in room temperature 20°C
• Now let’s prepare the stuffing
• Boil a pot of water, put 100g stringless green beans and 50 garden peas in the boiling water for 3 mins, rinse under cold water, put them aside
• Finely chop the stringless green beans, spring onions, scallops, garlics and ginger, put them in a bow and set it aside
• Put 200 minced pork in a big container, add 1 tsp roasted sesame oil, 2 tbs light soy, ½ tbs dark soy, 1 tbs vegetable oil, ½ tsp Chinese 13 spices mix, 1 tsp sugar, salt, mix well, set it aside
• Get the raised dough out, knead again for 2-3 mins, separate it into 16 equivalent small doughs
• Coat your cutting board with plain flour, flatten the mini doughs with a rolling pin or with hand
• Add finely chopped vegetables into the pork mix, mix well again
• Use a spoon to put the mixed stuffing in the middle of the flattened dough, close it up, details technic please see YouTube video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dMVOQ2CW2n4
• After securely wrapped it up, flatten it on your cutting board into a round shape
• After done with all the doughs, warm up a frying pan and coat it with vegetable oil, keep the heat to medium
• Slowly place the pies into your frying pan, cover the lid and let them cook for 4 mins, check mid-way to make sure they are not burned, reduce heat if necessary
• Flip the pies are 3-4 mins, open the lid and cook for further 4 mins
• Make sure food is thoroughly cooked before serving

The post Traditional Chinese Pumpkin Dough Pies: My Grandmother’s Minced Pork Recipe appeared first on Lin's Chinese Kitchen.