At the table
Take a few slices with chopsticks as a shared vegetable side. The cooling step gives this preparation a refreshing bite, while the hot-oil finish adds aroma.
Oil and added seasonings vary. Peanut or sesame oil may appear in more seasoned versions; confirm ingredients and cross-contact with the kitchen. For a vegetarian or vegan meal, explicitly request vegetable oil and no animal-based seasonings. The dish name alone does not guarantee the actual preparation.
Sourness, sweetness, oil and garnish vary. Related Shaanxi qiang liancai preparations may add ginger, dried chilli, Sichuan pepper, peanut oil or sesame oil; these are not required ingredients of the plain Shanyang version. For a plant-based order, request vegetable oil and no meat-based seasonings.
GET TO KNOW THE DISH
What goes into it?
Explore some key ingredients below. Preparations may use additional seasonings and ingredients.
Sourness, sweetness, oil and garnish vary. Related Shaanxi qiang liancai preparations may add ginger, dried chilli, Sichuan pepper, peanut oil or sesame oil; these are not required ingredients of the plain Shanyang version. For a plant-based order, request vegetable oil and no meat-based seasonings.
Typical ingredients
Recipes vary by restaurant.
How does it taste?
Lightly sour and savoury, with a little sweetness and the aroma of hot oil. The plain Shanyang preparation described here has no chilli; more strongly seasoned versions can taste different.
- Chili heat
- Texture
- Thin, crisp-tender slices with a light glossy dressing and the lotus root's natural air channels.
- How it’s made
- The lotus root is sliced thinly, briefly boiled, cooled in clean water and drained. White vinegar, salt and sugar are added, followed by hot oil, then the slices are tossed. This is a blanched and dressed dish, not deep-fried lotus chips.
Sourness, sweetness, oil and garnish vary. Related Shaanxi qiang liancai preparations may add ginger, dried chilli, Sichuan pepper, peanut oil or sesame oil; these are not required ingredients of the plain Shanyang version. For a plant-based order, request vegetable oil and no meat-based seasonings.
A CONNECTION TO PLACE
Origin & regional roots
Associated with Shaanxi.
About this regional connection
Shaanxi: Shanyang in southern Shaanxi.
Ask if they have it first
请问你们有山阳炝拌九眼莲吗？
Do you have this item?
A LITTLE SOMETHING TO READ
Story & history
A local lotus-root dish from Shanyang
Jiuyan lotus root is associated with Shanyang in southern Shaanxi, where the quick-tossed preparation is part of local home-style cooking. Its lightly dressed slices emphasize texture rather than a rich sauce. The local name is not a guarantee that every slice has exactly nine holes.