Turnip Cake

The origin of Turnip Cake can be traced back to the ancient Chinese culinary culture. Turnips, as a common vegetable, were widely cultivated and consumed by people. At that time, people discovered that by mashing turnips into a paste-like consistency and mixing them with rice flour, they could create a unique and delicious cake. Over time, people have improved and innovated the recipe for Turnip Cake, making it a distinctive and traditional delicacy.
Servings: 8 yield(s)
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 60 mins
Total Time: 80 mins
Ingredients
  • 1 lb (453g) turnips (Chinese white radish) (grated)
  • 1 oz (28g) dried shrimp (rehydrated and minced)
  • 2 dried shiitake mushrooms (soaked and diced)
  • 2 oz (56g) Chinese sausage (diced)
  • 1/2 tsp (3g) salt
  • 1/2 tsp (1g) ground white pepper
  • 1 tbsp (12g) sugar
  • 1 tbsp (16g) light soy sauce
  • 1 tsp (4g) sesame oil
  • 1 cup (240g) water
  • 1 tbsp (12g) vegetable oil
  • Slurry:
  • 1 1/4 cup (187g) rice flour
  • 2 tbsp (20g) tapioca starch
  • 2 tbsp (20g) wheat Starch
  • 2 cup (480g) water
Instructions
  1. Peel and grate the turnips using a grater. Set aside.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the rice flour, tapioca starch, and wheat Starch. Add 2 cups of water and mix until the batter becomes smooth.
  3. Heat the vegetable oil in a large non-stick pan over medium heat.
  4. Add dried shrimp, shiitake mushrooms, and Chinese sausage; stir-fry for about 2 minutes. Add shredded turnips, salt, white pepper, sugar, light soy sauce, and sesame oil. Pour in 1 cup of water. Cook until the turnips are slightly softened and aromatic. Pour the slurry into the pan and mix thoroughly to combine.
  5. Grease a heat-resistant container with oil, pour the turnip mixture into the container. Place the container in a steamer with enough water, steam over medium-high heat for 40 minutes or until the turnip cake is set.
  6. Take the turnip cake out of the steamer and let it cool for a bit. Once it's cooled, refrigerate the turnip cake for at least 2 hours or overnight. Chilling helps it firm up and makes slicing easier. Cut the turnip cake into your preferred shapes and sizes.
  7. Heat some oil in a pan and pan-fry the turnip cake slices until golden brown and crispy on both sides.
  8. Serve the turnip cake hot with your favorite dipping sauce, such as soy sauce or chili sauce.