AppetizerSide DishBrunch

Turnip Cake (Lo Bak Go)

Name: Turnip Cake (Lo Bak Go)
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 1 h 15 min
Total time: 5 h 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: chinese
Ingredients: 500 g daikon radish peeled and coarsely grated; 150 g rice flour; 30 g cornstarch; 240 ml water for the batter; 240 ml water for cooking the daikon; 2 pcs chinese sausage finely diced; 20 g dried shrimp soaked and finely chopped; 4 pcs dried shiitake mushroom soaked and finely diced; 1 pcs shallot finely chopped; 1 tbsp vegetable oil; 1 tbsp light soy sauce; 1 tsp sesame oil; 1 tsp sugar; 1 tsp salt; 0.5 tsp white pepper ground; 2 tbsp vegetable oil; 1 pcs scallion finely chopped (optional)

A classic savory dim sum dish made from grated daikon radish and rice flour, studded with Chinese sausage and dried shrimp. The steamed cake is chilled then pan-fried until golden and crisp on the outside while remaining soft inside.

An original recipe by Forkin

Total time: 5 hr 45 min
Serves: 4
Difficulty: Medium
Per serving: 413 kcal

Allergen information: may contain crustaceans, gluten, sesame, and soy. Always check ingredient packaging if you have an allergy.

Mise en place

Ingredients

500 gdaikon radish, peeled and coarsely grated
150 grice flour
30 gcornstarch
2 pcschinese sausage, finely diced
20 gdried shrimp, soaked and finely chopped
4 pcsdried shiitake mushroom, soaked and finely diced
1 pcsshallot, finely chopped
1 tbsplight soy sauce
1 tspsesame oil
1 tspsugar
1 tspsalt
0.5 tspwhite pepper, ground

batter

240 mlwater, for the batter

daikon cooking

240 mlwater, for cooking the daikon

sauté

1 tbspvegetable oil

pan-frying

2 tbspvegetable oil

garnish

1 pcsscallion, finely chopped(optional)

Equipment

loaf_pan · box_grater · large_skillet · steamer · large_bowl · cutting_board · knife · whisk

The method

Step by step

1
Soak the dried shrimp and dried shiitake mushrooms in warm water for at least 20 minutes before preparing them as indicated in the ingredient list.
About 20 min
Cook’s note: Soaking rehydrates the ingredients and makes them easier to chop.
2
In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil for sautéing over medium heat.
About 1 min
3
Add the chopped shallot and cook for one minute until fragrant.
About 1 min
4
Add the diced Chinese sausage, chopped dried shrimp, and diced mushrooms. Sauté for 4 minutes until aromatic, then remove the mixture from the skillet and set aside.
About 4 min
5
In the same skillet, add the grated daikon radish and the water for cooking. Bring to a simmer.
About 3 min
Cook’s note: No need to clean the skillet; the leftover flavors will enhance the daikon.
6
Cook the daikon for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it becomes soft and translucent.
About 10 min
7
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the rice flour, cornstarch, salt, sugar, and white pepper.
About 2 min
8
Gradually whisk the batter water, light soy sauce, and sesame oil into the flour mixture until the batter is smooth.
About 2 min
Cook’s note: Whisking gradually prevents lumps from forming.
9
Pour the hot daikon mixture and the sautéed aromatics into the batter. Stir vigorously until everything is well-combined and thickened.
About 2 min
Cook’s note: The heat from the daikon will start to cook the flour, which is normal.
10
Lightly oil a 20cm (8-inch) loaf pan or square pan and pour the batter in, smoothing the top.
About 2 min
11
Steam the cake over high heat for 50-60 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
About 50 min
Cook’s note: Check the water level in your steamer halfway through to ensure it doesn't boil dry.
12
Carefully remove the pan from the steamer and let it cool completely to room temperature.
About 2 hr
13
Cover the pan and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight, until the cake is completely firm.
About 2 hr
Cook’s note: Chilling is essential for clean slicing; do not skip this step.
14
Invert the chilled cake onto a cutting board and slice it into 2cm thick pieces.
About 5 min
15
Heat the vegetable oil for pan-frying in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.
About 1 min
16
Pan-fry the slices in batches for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
About 10 min
Cook’s note: Don't overcrowd the pan, as this prevents the slices from getting crispy.
17
Transfer the fried turnip cake to a plate and garnish with chopped scallions before serving.
About 1 min

Per serving

Nutrition

30%Score

Calories: 412.5kcal
Protein: 9.6g
Carbs: 51.7g
Fat: 18.7g
Fibre: 4g
Sugar: 5.4g

Estimated from the recipe’s ingredient quantities. Values can vary with brands and substitutions.

Keep it good

Storage

Store the un-fried steamed cake tightly covered in the refrigerator.

Reheating

Pan-fry chilled slices in a lightly oiled pan until hot and crispy on both sides.