Craving a taste of authentic dim sum? Look no further than this recipe for incredibly delicious and crispy Chinese Turnip Cake (Lo Bak Go). This iconic Cantonese dish, made with daikon radish, rice flour, and savory ingredients, offers a delightful contrast of textures – a wonderfully crispy exterior giving way to a soft, flavorful interior. Forget bland, tasteless versions; this recipe delivers a truly unforgettable experience, perfect as a breakfast treat, a satisfying snack, or a unique addition to your next dim sum feast. The vibrant flavors and satisfying crunch will have you hooked.
This recipe guides you through creating a truly exceptional Chinese Turnip Cake, from preparing the daikon radish to achieving that perfect crispy finish. Get ready to transform simple ingredients into a culinary masterpiece – let’s dive into the step-by-step process!
Tools Needed
- Box grater or food processor
- Large saute pan
- Heatproof dish
- Steamer
- Cutting board
- Spatula
- Frying pan
Ingredients
- Daikon Radish: 1 large
- Rice Flour
- Corn Starch
- Salt
- White Pepper
- Cold Water
- Cooking Oil
- Eggs
- Chopped Scallions
- Soy Sauce (optional)
- Sweet and Tangy Dipping Sauce (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Radish and Batter
- Wash and peel a large, firm daikon radish. Shred it using a box grater or food processor.
- In a large saute pan, combine rice flour, cornstarch, salt, and white pepper. Stir to combine.
- Pour in cold water and whisk until the flour is dissolved and smooth.
- Add the grated radish and stir.
- Cook the batter over medium heat, whisking continuously to prevent burning. Once thickened (about 5 minutes), reduce heat to low and continue whisking until a thick paste forms (another 5 minutes).
Step 2. Steam and Cool the Cake
- Coat a heatproof dish with cooking oil. Pour the batter into the dish and smooth the top.
- Steam the batter in a boiling steamer for 40 minutes.
- Let the radish cake cool completely (about 2 hours).
Step 3. Fry and Crisp the Cake
- Gently remove the cake from the dish and cut into rectangular pieces (1/2 inch or 1 inch thick).
- Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Fry the radish cake slices until golden brown and crispy on both sides.
Step 4. Finish and Serve
- Crack eggs into the pan, breaking the yolks. Add chopped scallions and cook until eggs are set.
- Serve hot, optionally with soy sauce or a sweet and tangy dipping sauce.
Read more: Vietnamese Sponge Wedding Cake: A Step-by-Step Guide
Tips
- Choose a daikon radish that is beautiful white and firm.
- Continuously whisk the batter while cooking to prevent burning.
- For fully egg-covered radish cakes, add the radish slices to the pan with the eggs before the eggs fully set.
Nutrition
- Calories: varies
- Fat: variesg
- Carbs: variesg
- Protein: variesg
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of radish?
While daikon radish is traditional, you can experiment with other firm, white radishes. However, the flavor and texture might vary slightly.
2. How do I achieve the crispy exterior?
High heat is key! Use a well-seasoned pan or wok and ensure the cake is cooked thoroughly before reducing the heat to crisp the bottom and sides. A little oil helps too!
3. Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! The turnip cake can be made a day or two in advance and reheated. It actually tastes even better the next day!
So there you have it – your very own perfectly crispy Chinese Turnip Cake! Enjoy this delicious and versatile dish as a delightful snack, a hearty breakfast, or a stunning addition to your dim sum spread. Now go forth and impress your friends and family with this authentic taste of Cantonese cuisine!