Crunchy Oven Baked Renkon Chips (Lotus Root Chips)

Do you like vegetable snacks, or do you usually reach for buttery cookies and sugary treats? I hear you. I love sweet desserts and salty chips too.

But when I make these Renkon Chips, my family doesn’t ask for anything else. They could honestly snack on them all day. When I take my son to the market, he already knows exactly where to go in the vegetable section. Renkon is a default item - straight into the shopping cart every time.

Crunchy, lightly salty, and so simple to make, these oven-baked lotus root chips are an easy snack that both kids and adults love. Let me show you how easy it is to make them at home.

RECIPE

Servings: 3-4

Time: 30 min

Ingredients:

1 medium renkon (lotus root)
1 tbsp olive oil
salt, to taste
1 tbsp Aonori (Japanese dried seaweed)

Instructions:

Prepare the Renkon:
Peel the renkon and slice it thinly (about 1/5 inch each).
Soak the slices in a bowl of water for 10 minutes to remove excess starch.
Drain well and place the renkon slices in a bowl, or directly to the oven tray.
Drizzle with olive oil, add a pinch of salt, and mix until evenly coated.
Bake:
350°F (180°C) for 25-30 minutes, until crisp.
You may flip the chips, but I normally leave it without flipping.
Season the chips:
Remove from the oven and sprinkle with aonori while still warm.
Add some salt if desired.

SHOP MORE

What Is Renkon?

Renkon is the edible root of the lotus plant and is commonly used in Japanese cooking. It has a mild, slightly sweet flavor and a naturally crunchy texture, even after cooking. One of its most recognizable features is the beautiful hole pattern that appears when sliced. In Japan, renkon is also considered a lucky ingredient, as the holes symbolize being able to “see ahead” into the future.

Tips

Slice the renkon evenly for the best crunch. A mandoline works great if you have one.
You can also fry them in cooking oil.
These chips are best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be reheated in the oven for a few minutes to bring back the crispiness.
You can also experiment with other seasonings, but the simple salt and aonori combo is a family favorite.