600gfresh lotus rootslook for one with even shape. Washed and peeled.
1litreKnife Blended Oilfor deep frying
For the meat filling:
340gminced pork
1tbspchinese cooking wine
2tbsplight soy sauce
60mlwater
2tspsesame oil
1tspcornstarch
1/4tspwhite pepper
1scallionchopped finely
1/4tspfive spice powder
Batter
1tbspKnife Blended Oil
70gall-purpose flour
60gcornstarch
1/2tspsalt
1/4tspfive spice powder
160mlwater
Garnishing, optional
Sichuan Mala Powder
lettuce
Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the pork
Place the meat filling together in a bowl. Use a chopstick, mix in a single direction for 5 mins till it is pasty and evenly mixed. Set aside.
Step 2: Slice the lotus root and fill in the meat
Slice the lotus root into 0.5cm but do not cut all the way through. Follow the video for the slicing demonstration.
Fill the lotus root with meat. Press it tightly till the meat fills the holes between the lotus root.
Step 3: Prepare the batter
Mix the batter ingredients in a bowl evenly. #Tip: Adding the oil will give it a crispier crunch on the batter.
Step 4: Deep fry the lotus root and ready to serve
Pour the oil until it reaches 1/3 of the wok.
Dip the lotus root into the batter and deep fry it till golden brown. Once it is added into the oil, do not flip it until the side in the oil is golden brown. #Tip: Avoid overcrowding the wok with the lotus root to prevent them from sticking together.
Once all the lotus roots are fried, remove them from the wok. Increase the temperature of the oil, and transfer the lotus root back into the wok to double-fry it. This action will make it crispier!
Plate the lotus roots and sprinkle some Sichuan mala powder over them. Garnish with lettuce and serve.