Kinpira Lotus Root

Kinpira is a popular preparation: thinly sliced or julienned ingredients are quickly stir-fried in sesame oil; flavored with sugar, shoyu (soy sauce), and shichimi togarashi (seven-spice powder); and served, after resting, at room temperature. Renkon, lotus root, is a vegetable frequently used in this recipe, since it gives a pleasant crunchiness to the finished dish. If lotus root is not available, try using burdock, fennel bulbs, parsnip, carrot, or jicama.