How do you use dried lotus root?
Ava Robinson
Updated on May 15, 2026
Considering this, how do you eat lotus root?
My favorite way to eat this crunchy and starchy lotus root is to simply stir-fry (bokkeum, ??) with some other vegetables. To prepare the lotus root for cooking, peel the skin, slice or cut into bite size pieces, rinse, and then soak in the vinegar water.
Likewise, what is the benefit of lotus root? Lotus root is very nutritious and contains many properties that make it an especially healthy ingredient to consume. The large amount of vitamins and minerals it contains include Vitamin B, Vitamin C, iron, potassium, copper, thiamin, and zinc, among others. It is also a good source of protein and dietary fiber.
Simply so, do you need to peel lotus root?
Mature lotus root has a sort of slightly bitter or tannic quality, so should not be eaten raw. (Apparently young lotus roots can be eaten raw, but I've never encountered them unfortunately.) The bitter/tannic substance is most concentrated in the skin, so you should peel it. Inside, it's a light flesh color.
How do you keep lotus root white?
Look for lotus root that is heavy and firm, with no soft spots or bruising. Once the stem has been peeled, soak it in vinegar to preserve its pale-colored flesh. Packages of cut and sliced lotus root, which often come in a solution of water and salt, can be used in the same way as fresh lotus root.