Prepare the lotus root. Clean and peel the skin with a vegetable peeler. Then, cut the lotus root crosswise into thin, uniform slices.
Next, rinse the lotus root slices in a large bowl of water to remove excess starch. Then, drain the water from the bowl.
Bring a pot of water to a boil. When the water starts to boil, add a dash of vinegar. Adding vinegar helps prevent the lotus root from blackening as it boils.
Afterward, add the lotus root slices and boil for 1 minute. Remove them from the pot and let them cool in water. Make sure to have a timer set to 1 minute to avoid overboiling the lotus root slices. Cooling in water prevents the lotus root from further cooking and becoming too soft and soggy.
While the lotus root is cooling, make the dressing. In a heat-resistant bowl, combine minced garlic, minced ginger, and chopped dried red peppers.
Heat 3 tablespoons of oil in a saucepan until it is sizzling hot. Carefully pour the hot oil over the dressing. This releases the fragrance of the aromatics and partially cooks them.
Next, season with salt, chicken bouillon powder (if using), sugar, vinegar, and a drizzle of sesame oil. Mix well.
Remove the cooled lotus root from the bowl of water and drain well. Then, transfer the lotus root slices to a serving bowl.
Pour the dressing over the lotus root slices.
Add a handful of chopped coriander and mix everything well until the dressing is evenly coated.