Lotus Root and Black Sesame Seed Salad
Lotus Root and Black Sesame Seed Salad
A Must-Try for Guest Feasts! How to Make Restaurant-Style Lotus Root and Black Sesame Seed Salad
Hello everyone, this is Kim Jin-ok. Have you ever enjoyed the delightful Lotus Root and Black Sesame Seed Salad at a fine Korean dining restaurant or a galbi place? Making this salad is surprisingly simple, yet the taste is wonderfully sophisticated! With lotus root being so great right now, why not consider adding this exquisite salad to your table when you have guests over for the year-end holidays?
Ingredients (Serves 4)- 300g lotus root
- 2.5 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 2 Tbsp black sesame seeds
- 2 Tbsp plain yogurt
- 2.5 Tbsp mayonnaise
- 1.5 Tbsp sugar
- 1/4 to 1/3 Tbsp fine salt
- 1 Tbsp lemon juice
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
1. Prepare the Lotus Root: You’ll likely find some mud on the lotus root. Scrub it clean with a scouring pad. Use a vegetable peeler to remove the outer skin, and trim off the ends of the lotus root with a knife.
Step 2
2. Slice and Soak the Lotus Root: We’ll use only half of the prepared lotus root (300g) for the salad. Slice the prepared lotus root into approximately 0.5cm thick rounds. Prepare a bowl of water with about 2 tablespoons of vinegar, and soak the sliced lotus root in it for a little while. This helps prevent discoloration and maintains a crisp texture.
Step 3
3. Blanch and Rinse the Lotus Root: Bring a pot of water to a boil over high heat. Add about 2-3 tablespoons of vinegar to the boiling water. Once the water is at a rolling boil, carefully add the lotus root slices (drained from the vinegar soak) and blanch them for 5 minutes over high heat. After blanching, rinse the lotus root thoroughly under cold running water 2-3 times. Drain the lotus root well in a colander, ensuring all excess water is removed. It’s crucial to get rid of as much moisture as possible, as this will prevent the salad dressing from becoming watery.
Step 4
4. Make the Black Sesame Dressing and Combine: Finely grind 2.5 tablespoons of toasted sesame seeds and 2 tablespoons of black sesame seeds using a blender or a mortar and pestle. Grinding the seeds just before use ensures the most fragrant and nutty flavor. (Tip: You can easily find sesame grinders at many supermarkets or online these days, making it convenient to grind seeds fresh for your cooking.) In a bowl, combine the ground sesame seeds with 2 tablespoons of plain yogurt, 2.5 tablespoons of mayonnaise, 1.5 tablespoons of sugar, 1/4 to 1/3 tablespoon of fine salt, and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Mix everything thoroughly to create the dressing. Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning according to your preference. If the dressing is too thin, add more ground sesame seeds. If it’s too thick, add a little more mayonnaise. Finally, add the blanched and drained lotus root slices to the prepared dressing and gently toss to coat everything evenly. Your delicious Lotus Root and Black Sesame Seed Salad is now complete! It’s best to chill the salad in the refrigerator before serving for a refreshing taste. (Note: It’s recommended to make only the amount you plan to eat at one time to ensure freshness. Adjust the sugar amount based on the sweetness of your chosen plain yogurt. If you don’t have lemon juice, you can use vinegar, but lemon juice adds a brighter, more refreshing tang even in small quantities. Adding a bit of ground perilla seed (deulggae) can also enhance the nutty flavor of the dressing.)
