Chinese Radish Cake Recipe: How to Make This Savory Delight at Home
If you're a fan of Cantonese cuisine, you've probably heard of Chinese radish cake, also known as turnip cake or lo bak go. This traditional dish is often served during dim sum and is a popular snack or appetizer. Made with grated daikon radish and rice flour, this savoury cake is steamed or pan-fried until crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
Chinese radish cake is a staple during Chinese New Year and is believed to bring good luck and prosperity. It's a versatile dish that can be enjoyed on its own or paired with a variety of sauces and toppings. While the recipe may seem intimidating, it's actually quite simple to make and requires only a few ingredients. In this article, we'll break down everything you need to know about making Chinese radish cake, from the ingredients to the preparation guide and cooking techniques.
Key Takeaways
- Chinese radish cake is a traditional Cantonese dish often served during dim sum.
- It's made with grated daikon radish and rice flour and can be steamed or pan-fried.
- Chinese radish cake is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed on its own or paired with a variety of sauces and toppings.
Ingredients Breakdown
Chinese radish cake, also known as lo bak go, is a savoury dish that is popular in Chinese cuisine. It is made from a few main components, flavour enhancers, and additional elements. Here's a breakdown of the ingredients that go into making this delicious dish.
Main Components
The main components of Chinese radish cake are rice flour and radish or daikon. Rice flour is a fine, powdery flour made from ground rice. It is used in many Chinese dishes and is an essential ingredient in making radish cake. Radish or daikon is a root vegetable that is commonly used in Asian cuisine. It has a slightly sweet and spicy flavour and is a key ingredient in radish cake.
Flavour Enhancers
To enhance the flavour of the radish cake, several ingredients are added. Dried shrimp, Chinese sausage, and dried scallops are commonly used to add umami flavour to the dish. Dried shiitake mushrooms are also used to add a rich, earthy flavour. Shallots are added for their sweetness and to provide a subtle onion flavour.
Additional Elements
To provide additional texture to the radish cake, cornstarch is added to the rice flour mixture. Sesame oil is also added to provide a nutty flavour. Soy sauce and white pepper are added to enhance the overall flavour of the dish.
Chinese radish cake is a delicious dish that is made from a few simple ingredients. By combining rice flour, radish, and a few flavour enhancers, you can create a savoury and satisfying dish that is perfect for any occasion.
Preparation Guide
Before you start making Chinese radish cake, it's important to prepare the ingredients properly. Here is a simple guide to help you get started.
Rinsing and Soaking
First, rinse the radish and soak it in water for at least 30 minutes. This will help to remove any dirt or impurities and make it easier to shred. After soaking, drain the water and squeeze out any excess moisture from the radish.
Slicing and Dicing
Next, prepare the other ingredients such as the Chinese sausage, dried shrimps, and mushrooms. Slice the sausage into small pieces and dice the mushrooms. You can also chop the dried shrimps coarsely.
Batter Mixing
To make the batter, mix rice flour, cornstarch, salt, sugar, and white pepper in a bowl. Gradually add water and stir until the batter is smooth. Then, add the shredded radish and the other ingredients to the batter and mix well.
It's important to get the right consistency of the batter. It should be smooth and not too thick. If it's too thick, add a little more water, and if it's too thin, add a little more rice flour.
Once you have your batter mixed, pour it into a greased baking dish and steam it for about an hour until it's cooked through. The result should be a tender and smooth radish cake that's crispy on the outside.
By following these simple steps, you can prepare the ingredients and mix the batter to make a delicious Chinese radish cake that's perfect for any occasion.
Cooking Technique
When it comes to cooking Chinese radish cake, there are two popular methods: steaming and pan-frying. Both techniques produce slightly different textures and flavours, so you can choose the one that suits your preference.
Steaming Process
Steaming is the traditional way of cooking radish cake in Chinese cuisine. It is a healthy cooking technique that preserves the nutrients and flavours of the ingredients. To steam the radish cake, you need a steamer basket or a bamboo steamer.
Here's how to steam the radish cake:
- Cut the radish cake into slices or cubes.
- Place the radish cake on a heatproof plate or dish.
- Put the plate or dish in the steamer basket or bamboo steamer.
- Cover the steamer with a lid and steam the radish cake for 20-30 minutes, or until it is cooked through.
- Remove the steamer from the heat and let the radish cake cool for a few minutes before serving.
Pan-Frying Method
Pan-frying is another popular way of cooking radish cake, especially in dim sum restaurants. It gives the radish cake a crispy exterior and a soft and chewy interior. To pan-fry the radish cake, you need a non-stick frying pan and some oil.
Here's how to pan-fry the radish cake:
- Cut the radish cake into slices or cubes.
- Heat some oil in a non-stick frying pan over medium-high heat.
- Add the radish cake to the pan and cook for 3-5 minutes on each side, or until it is golden brown and crispy.
- Remove the radish cake from the pan and place it on a paper towel to absorb any excess oil.
- Serve the radish cake hot with some soy sauce or chilli sauce.
Both steaming and pan-frying methods are simple and easy to follow. You can choose the one that fits your taste and cooking preference. Whether you prefer steamed or pan-fried radish cake, it is a delicious and healthy dish that you can enjoy at home or in a dim sum restaurant.
Serving and Garnishing
Accompaniments
Chinese radish cake is traditionally served with a variety of accompaniments that complement its savoury flavour. A popular dipping sauce is hoisin sauce, which is made from soybeans, vinegar, sugar, and spices. You can also serve it with chilli sauce or sweet chilli sauce for a spicy kick. Sesame oil is another popular condiment that adds a nutty flavour to the dish.
Presentation Tips
Garnishing the radish cake can make it look more appetising and add an extra layer of flavour. One simple way to garnish is to sprinkle chopped scallions on top of the cake. This adds a pop of colour and freshness to the dish. You can also add a few drops of sesame oil on top for added flavour.
To make the presentation more visually appealing, you can cut the radish cake into bite-sized pieces and arrange them on a platter. You can also use a cookie cutter to cut the cake into different shapes. This is a fun way to make the dish look more creative and interesting.
When serving the radish cake, it is best to do so while it is still warm. This will ensure that it retains its soft and fluffy texture. You can reheat it in a steamer or microwave if needed.
Serving and garnishing Chinese radish cake is a simple process that can elevate the dish to a new level. Experiment with different accompaniments and presentation styles to find what works best for you.
Storage and Reheating
Once you have made your Chinese Radish Cake, you may be wondering how to store it and reheat it later. Well, you can store the radish cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to store it for longer, then you can put it in the freezer in an airtight freezer-safe container for up to 1 month.
When reheating the cake, you can either pan-fry it on a hot oiled skillet until warm or steam it for a few minutes. Some people even like to microwave it, but this can make the cake a bit soggy, so it's not recommended.
Here are some tips to help you store and reheat your Chinese Radish Cake:
Storage
- Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- If you want to store it for longer, then you can put it in the freezer in an airtight freezer-safe container for up to 1 month.
Reheating
- Pan-fry the Chinese Radish Cake on a hot oiled skillet until warm.
- Steam the cake for a few minutes.
- Avoid microwaving the cake as it can make it soggy.
By following these simple tips, you can ensure that your Chinese Radish Cake stays fresh and tasty for longer. So, next time you make a batch, you can enjoy it for days to come!
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best way to get a crispy exterior on radish cakes?
To get a crispy exterior on radish cakes, it's best to pan-fry them in a non-stick pan with a generous amount of oil over medium-high heat. Be sure to let the pan get hot before adding the radish cakes to it. Fry them until they are golden brown on both sides.
Can you suggest a simple method for making radish cake at home?
Making radish cake at home is actually quite simple. You will need shredded Chinese radish, rice flour, wheat starch, and some seasonings. Mix the ingredients together, pour the mixture into a greased pan, and steam until cooked through. Once it's cooled, you can slice it into pieces and pan-fry until crispy.
What's the secret to a flavourful Nyonya-style radish cake?
The secret to a flavourful Nyonya-style radish cake is in the seasoning. Nyonya-style radish cakes typically include dried shrimp, Chinese sausage, and mushrooms. These ingredients give the radish cake a rich umami flavour that is hard to resist.
How do you properly cook a frozen radish cake to maintain its texture?
To properly cook a frozen radish cake, it's best to let it thaw in the fridge overnight. Once it's thawed, slice it into pieces and pan-fry until crispy. Avoid microwaving or boiling the frozen radish cake, as this can make it mushy.
Why do radish cakes hold such cultural importance?
Radish cakes hold cultural importance because they are a traditional Chinese New Year dish. They are believed to bring good luck and prosperity to those who eat them. In addition, they are a popular dim sum dish that is enjoyed year-round.
How do you prevent homemade turnip cake from becoming too mushy?
To prevent homemade turnip cake from becoming too mushy, be sure to squeeze out as much liquid as possible from the shredded Chinese radish before mixing it with the other ingredients. This will help to keep the texture of the radish cake firm and prevent it from becoming mushy.