Fried Lotus Root Stuffed with Pork (炸藕盒)

炸藕盒

Fried Lotus Root Stuffed with Pork (炸藕盒) — a Shandong Chinese recipe, ready in about 35 minutes. Step-by-step instructions with photos.

Ingredients

• fresh lotus root
• ground pork
• garlic, minced
• light soy sauce
• ginger, minced
• all-purpose flour
• cornstarch
• neutral oil (for frying)

Instructions

1. Peel lotus root, slice into 1cm rounds. Cut each slice in half but not all the way through—create a pocket. (Slice opens like a book, connected at bottom)
2. Mix pork with garlic, soy sauce, ginger, and a pinch of salt until sticky.
3. Stuff pork into lotus root pockets, press gently to seal. (Pork slightly visible, not overflowing)
4. Dip stuffed lotus root in flour, then batter (flour + cornstarch + water), shaking off excess.
5. Heat oil to 170°C, fry 3-4 minutes per side until golden and crispy.
6. Drain on wire rack, sprinkle with salt, serve hot.