Sprinkled with salt and pepper, these lotus root chips are crispy and delicious. It’s an Asian inspired snack that’s both healthy and easy to make.
Last week, my best friend and I went to a dumpling restaurant because we’re both obsessed with Shanghai dumplings, the ones with the soup in the center. While I was browsing through the menu, I noticed that they offered lotus root chips as an appetizer. I didn’t order them, but all of a sudden, I had this craving for them. I know. Odd, right? How can you crave something you’ve never had before? But I did.
So after figuring out how I could make these lotus root chips crispy, a recipe formed and ta da. We now have lotus root chips.
Have you ever had lotus roots before? I actually haven’t seen them anywhere other than at an Asian supermarket or restaurant. They look exactly how you probably think they look, like a root. With lots of holes in the middle. Lotus roots are crunchy in general. When they’re sliced and cooked in soup, there’s a crunch with every bite. Filled with lots of vitamins, minerals, and fiber, the lotus root is very healthy. Even better? It’s low in calories and fat content. Doesn’t that sound perfect? It certainly does to me. That means another guilt free snack. Yay!
If you’re not sure whether you’ll like lotus root, buy a small one. They come in many different sizes. Make them into chips by following my recipe and try it to see if you like it. It takes about 20-30 minutes for you to get crispy chips. Worth a try, isn’t it? Especially for a guilt free snack? Did I mention they’re gluten-free and vegan too?
First, preheat the oven to 350oF. Line a baking sheet with foil and coat with nonstick cooking spray.
While the oven is heating, peel the skin from the lotus root, and cut them into thin even slices. You want the slices to be as even as possible. Otherwise, the chips will be ready at different times.
Place the lotus root slices into a Ziploc bag or a plastic bag. Add in cornstarch and toss until the lotus roots are evenly coated.
Place the lotus root slices onto the baking sheet in a single layer. Don’t place them on top of each other. Otherwise, the chips will be less crispy.
Drizzle olive oil over the lotus root slices as evenly as possible. Sprinkle salt and pepper over the slices.
Allow the lotus roots to bake for about 8-10 minutes before flipping the lotus roots over. Bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until the chips turn a golden brown. If your chips were cut unevenly, they will be ready at different times so make sure to remove the ones that are ready first to prevent them from burning.
Remove the lotus root chips from the oven and allow it to cool for several minutes. If the lotus root chips are a little soft, don’t worry. Once they cool, they will become crispier.
Once the lotus root chips have cooled, serve them in a bowl or a plate. It’s important to eat them the same day. If not, they will lose their crispiness. Enjoy!
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Reblogged this on Life in arrghland and commented:
Never heard of these before. Anyone know what they taste like? Looks yummy!
This is super interesting! How’s the taste? I think I had lotus root a few times when I lived in Japan, and I thiiiink the taste was pretty mild, but I’m interested as to how chip-ifying them changes that. Can’t wait to try them though!
I’m so jealousy! I’ve always wanted to visit Japan. The taste is pretty mild, slightly sweet. And when it’s baked, it’s crispy, like chips. Hope you’ll like them if you get the chance to try them =)
That looks beautiful!
Thank you!
I’m going to have to seek out some lotus root …
Hope you’ll find them, Poppy =)
What is the flavor like? Can you think of something to compare it to??? They sure are pretty! I don’t think I’ve ever seen them in the store… Gonna have to look for them, now! 😉
Lotus root is crunchy and slightly sweet. Some people say it can be compared to turnips. But I’ve never had them raw so I’m not sure about the comparison. I usually eat it in soups. =)
Ooohhh, sounds yummy! 🙂
My asian mom cooks lotus root, and I love it. I’ve never had lotus chips though, and I may have to make it! 🙂
Hope you’ll like it =)
I love Shanghai dumplings and dim sum but it is almost impossible to find either in south Texas. Thanks for the lotus chip recipe!
You’re welcome! I love dim sum and can’t imagine not having easy access to it!
I must try these. I have several friends who would enjoy them also! Yummy!
Thanks! Hope you and your friends will like the recipe =)
I had these in China. Could not believe how good they are!
I love them too =)
That sounds good! I can’t wait to try your recipe! I never heard of the root before! Thanks for sharing! I will let you know how I like them! Hugz Lisa and Bear
Thanks, Lisa! I’ve only seen lotus root at Asian markets. We eat it often in my family =)