Turnip cake is a beloved traditional dish most commonly associated with Chinese cuisine, especially during Lunar New Year celebrations. Despite its name, turnip cake is not sweet like Western-style cakes, nor is it typically made with the Western-style turnip. Instead, it is a savory dish prepared with grated Chinese white radish often called daikon mixed with rice flour and flavored with a variety of ingredients such as dried shrimp, Chinese sausage, mushrooms, and shallots. Steamed until firm and then often pan-fried for a crispy outer layer, this dish is known for its unique texture and rich umami flavor. Understanding what turnip cake is and how it’s made can offer deeper appreciation for this classic dim sum staple.
Understanding Turnip Cake
What Exactly Is Turnip Cake?
Turnip cake, also known as ‘lo bak go’ in Cantonese, is a type of savory rice cake made primarily from shredded daikon radish, rice flour, and a mix of savory add-ins. It’s a common feature on dim sum menus and often appears during Chinese festivals as a symbol of prosperity and good fortune. The dish gets its name from the root vegetable used in the recipe, which is more accurately a radish rather than a turnip. The ‘cake’ part of the name refers to its loaf-like shape and the firm, sliceable texture it acquires after being steamed.
Why Is It Popular?
Turnip cake is loved not only for its taste but also for its texture a harmonious blend of softness from the steamed radish and a crispy crust from pan-frying. It combines salty, slightly sweet, and umami-rich flavors, thanks to ingredients like dried shrimp and Chinese sausage. Many people enjoy it as a breakfast item, side dish, or snack, especially with a dipping sauce like soy sauce or chili oil.
Main Ingredients in Turnip Cake
The Base
- Daikon Radish: Also known as Chinese white radish, this root vegetable is grated and provides moisture, volume, and a subtle peppery flavor.
- Rice Flour: This binds the grated radish into a firm, sliceable texture. It’s essential for creating the cake-like consistency.
- Water: Used to mix with rice flour and form a smooth batter that coats the shredded radish.
Flavor Add-Ins
- Dried Shrimp: These are soaked to soften and add a deep umami and slightly salty taste.
- Chinese Sausage (Lap Cheong): A sweet and savory cured meat that provides pockets of rich flavor throughout the cake.
- Shiitake Mushrooms: Dried and rehydrated, mushrooms bring earthy undertones and chewiness.
- Shallots or Onions: These are usually sautéed and added for aromatic depth.
- Seasonings: Common seasonings include white pepper, salt, and sometimes a dash of sugar or chicken bouillon.
How Turnip Cake Is Made
Step-by-Step Preparation
Making turnip cake involves several steps, each of which contributes to the final taste and texture:
- Grate the Daikon: Peel and shred the daikon radish, then lightly cook it to release moisture and soften its texture.
- Prepare the Batter: Mix rice flour with water to create a smooth mixture.
- Cook the Add-Ins: Sauté chopped sausage, mushrooms, shrimp, and aromatics until fragrant.
- Combine Ingredients: Mix the cooked daikon, sautéed ingredients, and rice flour batter together.
- Steam the Mixture: Pour the mixture into a greased loaf pan and steam it for about an hour, until firm.
- Cool and Slice: Let the cake cool completely before slicing. It can be served as is or pan-fried until golden.
Serving Suggestions
How to Enjoy Turnip Cake
Turnip cake can be enjoyed in multiple ways depending on personal preference or occasion. Here are a few popular methods:
- Pan-Fried: After slicing, turnip cake is commonly pan-fried in a bit of oil until crispy and golden on the outside, while staying soft inside.
- With Dipping Sauce: Serve with soy sauce, hoisin, chili oil, or XO sauce for added flavor.
- As Part of Dim Sum: In restaurants, it’s often served as one of many small plates in a traditional dim sum setting.
- Reheated as Leftovers: It stores well in the refrigerator and can be easily reheated for a quick snack or meal.
Variations and Regional Differences
Different Takes on Turnip Cake
While the basic ingredients remain consistent, variations exist depending on region and household preferences. Some popular additions or substitutions include:
- Use of taro root instead of daikon: For a nuttier and creamier flavor profile.
- Vegetarian versions: Made without shrimp or sausage, but enhanced with more mushrooms or dried seaweed for umami.
- Spicy versions: Infused with chili flakes or served with spicy sauces.
- Festive versions: More elaborate, often including additional ingredients like scallops or dried scallops (conpoy).
Turnip Cake in Chinese Culture
Symbolism and Celebration
Turnip cake plays an important role in Chinese cultural celebrations, especially during the Lunar New Year. The word for ‘radish’ (cai tou) in Chinese sounds like ‘good fortune’ or ‘good beginning,’ making turnip cake a symbolic dish believed to bring luck and success. Families often prepare it in advance to enjoy during holiday feasts or share with guests. It also signifies hard work and togetherness, as the preparation is labor-intensive and often involves multiple family members contributing to the cooking process.
Nutrition and Dietary Considerations
Is Turnip Cake Healthy?
Turnip cake offers some nutritional benefits, particularly from the radish, which is low in calories and a source of fiber and vitamin C. However, some of the additional ingredients, like sausage and dried shrimp, are higher in sodium and fat. If health is a concern, it’s possible to reduce the amount of sausage used or opt for a vegetarian version. Steaming instead of frying also keeps the dish lighter.
Tips for Making Perfect Turnip Cake at Home
- Use fresh, firm daikon radish for the best texture and moisture content.
- Allow the steamed cake to cool fully before slicing it will hold together much better.
- Don’t skip the sautéing step for the add-ins; it deepens the flavor of the final dish.
- Use a non-stick pan when pan-frying to achieve a golden, crispy crust without sticking.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days, or freeze for later use.
Turnip cake is a savory and satisfying dish that combines tradition, flavor, and texture in one delicious bite. Whether you’re enjoying it during a festival or preparing it as part of a dim sum spread, understanding what turnip cake is and how it’s made enhances the overall experience. With its rich cultural roots, versatility, and crowd-pleasing taste, turnip cake remains a beloved dish that continues to be passed down through generations. Once you’ve tried it especially with a crispy pan-fried crust you may find it becomes a favorite in your own kitchen too.