• 1 lb lotus root
  • 3 tbsp water
  • 1/2 lb pork butt
  • 1 tbsp light soy sauce
  • 2 slices fresh ginger root
  • 2 tbsp white vinegar
  • 1 tbsp peanut oil
  • cornstarch paste
  • 2 tbsp sugar

To make sweet and pungent lotus root with pork we will first place the pork and ginger in boiling water and simmer for 30 minutes. Immediately transfer the pork to a bowl of iced water to cool for another 30 minutes. Slice pork with the grain into 2″ strips.

Next, wash and peel the fresh lotus root. Slice crosswise into 1/4″ pieces. Blanch for 10 minutes in the same water used for pork and then drain in cold water. Arrange lotus root in circle of overlapping slices on round serving plate with the mound of pork in the center. Cover and reserve.

In a wok or saucepan, heat oil to medium hot. Add in the sugar, water, soy sauce and vinegar. Stir until all the sugar is dissolved, then add cornstarch paste to make a light Sauce. Cook briefly. Pour sauce over lotus root and pork. Allow to marinate for at least 15 minutes before serving. Serve the sweet and pungent lotus root with pork slightly warm to your guests.