If you’ve ever indulged in the delightful array of dim sum at a Chinese restaurant, you may have come across the savory and satisfying Turnip Cake (also known as “Lo Bak Go”). This traditional Cantonese dim sum delicacy is a flavorful combination of grated turnips, rice flour, and various ingredients, resulting in a soft, yet delightfully crispy cake that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a tasty snack. In this comprehensive recipe article, we’ll take you on a culinary journey to master the art of making Turnip Cake Dim Sum from scratch. So, let’s gather our ingredients and dive into the world of this delectable savory treat!
Understanding Turnip Cake Dim Sum
Turnip Cake Dim Sum, or “Lo Bak Go,” is a popular Cantonese dish commonly served during dim sum sessions or as part of a festive celebration, such as Chinese New Year. Despite its name, this savory cake does not actually contain any cake batter. Instead, it is made from grated turnips, rice flour, and other delicious ingredients. Once steamed and pan-fried, Turnip Cake Dim Sum boasts a delightful contrast of textures, with a soft and tender interior and a crispy exterior.
Turnip Cake Dim Sum
Materials
- 2 lbs Chinese turnips daikon radish
- 1 cup rice flour
- 1/4 cup wheat starch
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 1/2 cups water or chicken/vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup dried shrimp rehydrated and chopped
- 4-6 dried shiitake mushrooms rehydrated and diced
- 2 Chinese sausages lap cheong, diced
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon dried shrimp roe optional, for extra umami flavor
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon white pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
- Salt to taste
- Chopped green onions and cilantro for garnish
- Chili sauce or hoisin sauce for serving optional
Instructions
Preparing Turnip Cake Dim Sum:
- Peel the Chinese turnips and grate them using a box grater or a food processor fitted with a grating blade. After grating, squeeze out excess water from the turnips using a clean cloth or cheesecloth. Removing the excess moisture is crucial to achieve the right texture in the final dish.
- Rehydrate the dried shrimp and shiitake mushrooms in separate bowls of hot water for about 20-30 minutes until they become plump and tender. Once rehydrated, chop the shrimp and mushrooms into small pieces.
- In a small pan, cook the diced Chinese sausages over medium heat until they release their flavorful oils and become slightly crispy. Remove the sausages from the pan and set them aside.
- In a bowl, mix together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, white pepper, sugar, and sesame oil. This seasoning sauce will add a wonderful depth of flavor to the Turnip Cake Dim Sum.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the rice flour, wheat starch, and cornstarch. Gradually add the water or chicken/vegetable broth to the dry ingredients while whisking continuously to create a smooth and lump-free batter.
- In a wok or large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. Next, add the chopped dried shrimp, rehydrated shiitake mushrooms, and dried shrimp roe (if using), and stir-fry for a few minutes until the flavors are well combined.
- Add the grated and drained turnips to the wok, and stir-fry with the sautéed aromatics until they are fully coated with the flavorful oil.
- Pour the prepared seasoning sauce over the turnip mixture in the wok and continue to stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the turnips to absorb the flavors of the seasoning.
- Gradually pour the batter mixture into the wok with the turnips, stirring continuously to ensure even distribution of the batter. Keep stirring until the mixture thickens and forms a smooth and cohesive mixture.
- Prepare a deep, greased round cake pan or a square baking dish. Transfer the turnip mixture into the greased pan and smooth the top with a spatula to create an even surface.
- Place the cake pan with the turnip mixture in a steamer, and steam over high heat for approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the Turnip Cake Dim Sum is cooked through and becomes firm to the touch.
- Once steamed, remove the Turnip Cake Dim Sum from the steamer and let it cool slightly in the pan. Once cooled, cover the pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate the cake for at least 3-4 hours or overnight to allow it to set.
Pan-Frying the Turnip Cake Dim Sum:
- Once the Turnip Cake Dim Sum is thoroughly chilled and set, remove it from the cake pan and slice it into pieces of your desired thickness. Traditionally, the cake is sliced into rectangular or square shapes.
- In a non-stick pan or cast-iron skillet, heat a small amount of vegetable oil over medium heat. Place the slices of Turnip Cake Dim Sum in the pan and cook until both sides turn golden brown and crispy. The dim sum should have a delicious contrast of textures, with a tender interior and a crispy exterior.
Serving Turnip Cake Dim Sum:
- Garnish the pan-fried Turnip Cake Dim Sum with chopped green onions and cilantro. The vibrant colors of the herbs add a fresh and appealing touch to the dish.
- Serve the Turnip Cake Dim Sum hot, either on its own or with your choice of dipping sauce, such as chili sauce or hoisin sauce.
- Turnip Cake Dim Sum is an excellent addition to a dim sum spread, along with other favorites like shrimp dumplings (har gow) and siu mai.
Tips for Perfect Turnip Cake Dim Sum
Grating Turnips: Make sure to grate the turnips finely to ensure they cook through and blend well with the other ingredients.
Chilling and Setting: Refrigerating the steamed Turnip Cake Dim Sum allows it to firm up, making it easier to slice and pan-fry without losing its shape.
Consistency of Batter: The batter mixture should have a thick, smooth consistency to hold the turnips together. If it’s too runny, the Turnip Cake Dim Sum may not set properly.
Adjusting Seasonings: Feel free to adjust the seasonings to suit your taste preferences. You can add more soy sauce for a saltier taste or more white pepper for added heat.
Storage and Reheating: Leftover Turnip Cake Dim Sum can be refrigerated and pan-fried again for a crispy texture. Alternatively, you can also enjoy it by steaming the slices until they are heated through.
Conclusion
Making Turnip Cake Dim Sum is an immersive experience that pays homage to the rich heritage of Cantonese cuisine. The marriage of grated turnips, rice flour, and a harmonious blend of seasonings results in a savory and satisfying dish that’s sure to impress your family and friends. As you master the art of creating this classic dim sum delicacy, you’ll discover the joy of sharing authentic Chinese flavors at home. So, gather your ingredients, embrace the art of dim sum-making, and embark on a culinary journey that will leave you craving for more. Happy cooking and bon appétit!
