Delicious Turnip Cake Lo Bak Go Recipe
A traditional and savory Chinese Turnip Cake (Lo Bak Go) featuring a flavorful filling of dried shrimp, shiitake mushrooms, Chinese sausage, and grated daikon radish, steamed to perfect tenderness and then pan-fried to a crispy golden finish. This dish makes a delightful snack or side, offering a perfect balance of textures and umami flavors.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 80 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dim Sum / Snack
- Method: Steaming and Pan Frying
- Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients
Scale
For the Batter
- 2 cups Regular Rice Flour – Essential for structure; do not substitute with glutinous rice flour.
- 1/2 cup Cornstarch – Provides binding; adjust according to preference.
- 3 cups Water – Adjusting its amount affects the cake’s texture.
- 1 teaspoon Salt – Enhances overall flavor; adjust to taste.
- 1 tablespoon Sugar – Optional based on personal preference.
For the Filling
- 1/2 cup Dried Shrimp – Wash, soak, and chop before using.
- 1/2 cup Dried Shiitake Mushrooms – Soak and chop before adding.
- 1 piece Chinese Sausage – Dice into small pieces.
- 3 stalks Scallions – Chopped finely for freshness.
- 1 large Daikon Radish – Grated for texture and flavor.
For Cooking
- 2 tablespoons Neutral Oil – Adds richness and prevents sticking.
- Optional Oyster Sauce – For dipping; adds a savory finish.
Instructions
- Prepare the Filling: Heat a wok over medium heat and add neutral oil. Stir-fry dried shrimp, shiitake mushrooms, and Chinese sausage for about 5 minutes until fragrant and cooked through. Toss in chopped scallions, then remove from heat and let the mixture cool slightly.
- Cook the Daikon Radish: In the same wok, add the grated daikon radish and 1 cup of water. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for about 10 minutes, which prevents browning while softening the radish perfectly.
- Make the Batter: In a mixing bowl, combine rice flour, cornstarch, and 1/2 cup water. Gradually adjust water, up to the total 3 cups, to achieve a smooth batter consistency. Add salt, sugar, and white pepper, then mix in the cooled filling mixture until well combined.
- Prepare for Steaming: Lightly brush a loaf or round pan with oil to prevent sticking. Pour the batter into the pan and smooth the top with a spatula for even cooking.
- Steam the Cake: Position the pan inside a steamer. Steam for 50 minutes if using a loaf pan or 40 minutes for a round pan. Check doneness by inserting a chopstick; it should come out clean when the cake is fully cooked.
- Cool and Slice: After steaming, allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 30 minutes. Carefully invert the cake onto a cutting board and slice into ½-inch thick pieces.
- Pan-Fry for Crispiness: Heat a splash of oil in a pan over medium-low heat. Sauté the cake slices until golden brown and crispy on both sides, enhancing texture and flavor.
- Serve: Serve hot with optional oyster sauce on the side for dipping and an added savory finish.
Notes
- The texture of the turnip cake can vary depending on water quantity; add water gradually to avoid a too-soft or too-firm cake.
- Soaking dried shrimp and shiitake mushrooms beforehand helps soften them and release their flavors.
- If you prefer a vegetarian version, omit dried shrimp and Chinese sausage, or replace with mushrooms and tofu.
- Ensure the steaming environment maintains consistent steam for even cooking.
- Pan-frying the sliced cake adds a delightful crispy crust, but you can skip this step if you prefer a softer texture.
Keywords: Turnip Cake, Lo Bak Go, Chinese Dim Sum, Daikon Radish Cake, Steamed Cake, Pan Fried Cake
Find it online: https://tastybynova.com/delicious-turnip-cake-lo-bak-go-recipe/
