Turnip cake is made of daikon radish (lo bak in Cantonese), which is a long vegetable that looks like an extra-large white carrot.Daikon is an excellent source of various nutrients, including vitamin C and folate. Daikon is a type of radish or is also known as mooli, so technically, this dish ought to be “radish or mooli cake.” Turnip cake is a savory snack that is a popular dim sum dish and Chinese New Year food. Lunar New Year comes with an array of traditions, customs and auspicious acts, and food is far from being an exception. The word for radish in Chinese sounds like good fortune so traditionally people made this at Lunar New Year to celebrate. Also, it is thought that the origins of this dish came from humble beginnings where the daikon radish was economical and readily available in the winter. This year Lunar New Year falls on the 1st of February 2022 and is the year of the Tiger.
There are many variations of turnip cake for this version the ingredients are radish, rice flour, shiitake mushroom and dried shrimp.
Serves 3-4
Ingredients:
- 1.5lb white radish (Also called Daikon, Mooli or White Carrot).
- 2 cups of rice flour
- 1.5 tsp salt
- 1 tsp white pepper
- 1.5 tsp sugar
- 1 green onion stalk
- 5 dried shiitake mushrooms
- 6 dried shrimps
- 2 tbsp Vegetable oil
How to make Turnip Cake
Steps:
1.Wash and shred the radish with a grater or food processor.
2.Soak shiitake mushrooms and dried in boiling water for about 20 mins.
3.Drain and chop into to small pieces.
4.Wash and chop green onion finely.
5.In large non-stick pan lightly sauté the mushrooms and shrimps.
6.Add the shredded radish and simmer until it becomes tender.
7.Add white pepper, salt, sugar, rice flour, and green onion.
8.Stir in 1.5 cups of water and combine the mixture evenly.
9.Lightly oil a large container that can be used for steaming the turnip cake.
10.Pour the mixture into the container and steam with water for 30-40minutes.
11.Let the turnip cool down for around 30 minutes.
12.Gently tip the container over and the turnip cake should slide out easily.
13.With a sharp knife cut into squares.
14.Add 2 tbsp of vegetable oil to a hot non-stick pan and pan fry the turnip cake on both sides until crispy and golden.
15.Serve immediately and enjoy. Pair with XO sauce or chili sauce if desired.
Wee Wooden Spoon 