‘Kimpira’ is a Japanese dish of vegetables, commonly root vegetables, that is stir-fried and seasoned with Mirin, Soy Sauce and Sugar. Chilli is a popular addition. Today I cooked Lotus Root and thinly sliced Beef. Fresh Lotus Roots are difficult to find where I live, so I used frozen and already thinly sliced Lotus Root. They are available from many Asian grocery stores.

Makes

4 Servings

Ingredients

1 bag (400g) Frozen Lotus Root Slices *thinner slices recommended
250g thinly sliced Beef *cut into the size that is easy to eat
1/2 tablespoon Sesame Oil OR Oil of your choice *plus extra
Toasted Sesame Seeds

Sauce
1/2 to 1 tablespoon Sugar
3 tablespoons Soy Sauce
2 tablespoons Mirin
1 tablespoon Rice Vinegar *optional
Chilli Flakes as required

Method
  1. Combine all the sauce ingredients in a small bowl. Check the flavour. You may wish to add more Sugar or Chilli.
  2. Frozen Lotus Root Slices don’t need to be thawed, but you might need to half-thaw them to cut in half if they are large.
  3. Heat Oil in a frying pan or wok over high heat, and cook Beef. When cooked, transfer the Beef to a plate. There must be some Beef Fat in the pan.
  4. To cook Lotus Root slices, you have a choice to use the Beef Fat OR remove it with paper towel and add some Oil.
  5. Cook 1/2 of Frozen Lotus Root until nicely browned and just cooked enough. Transfer to the plate of Beef, add extra Oil if required, and cook remaining Frozen Lotus Root Slices until nicely browned and just cooked enough.
  6. Return the Beef and first batch of Lotus Root to the pan, add the sauce, and cook until the sauce is caramelised.
  7. Sprinkle with some Toasted Sesame Seeds, and serve.