Hong Kong Style Pan-Fried Turnip Cake with Dried Shrimp
A popular dim sum item and street food, this pan-fried turnip cake (lo bak go) is made from grated daikon radish, rice flour, and savory additions like dried shrimp and Chinese sausage. When pan-fried, it develops a delightful crispy exterior and a tender, flavorful interior.
🧂 Ingredients
- 2 lbs Daikon radish(peeled and grated)
- 1.5 cups Rice flour
- 1 cup Water
- 4 medium Dried shiitake mushrooms(rehydrated, stems removed, finely chopped)
- 1/4 cup Dried shrimp(rinsed and finely chopped)
- 2 oz Chinese sausage (lap cheong)(finely diced)
- 2 stalks Scallions(white and light green parts, finely chopped)
- 2 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 2 tbsp Soy sauce
- 1 tbsp Oyster sauce
- 1 tsp Sesame oil
- 1/2 tsp White pepper
- 2-3 tbsp Vegetable oil(for pan-frying)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Rehydrate dried shiitake mushrooms and dried shrimp as per their respective instructions. Chop them finely. Dice the Chinese sausage.
- 2
In a large pan or wok, heat 1 tbsp of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and diced Chinese sausage, and sauté until the sausage is slightly rendered and fragrant. Add the chopped dried shrimp and shiitake mushrooms, and sauté for another 2 minutes.
- 3
Add the grated daikon radish to the pan. Stir-fry for about 5-7 minutes until the radish starts to soften and release its moisture. Season with soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and white pepper. Stir well to combine.
- 4
In a separate bowl, whisk together the rice flour and 1 cup of water until smooth. Pour this mixture into the pan with the radish and other ingredients. Stir continuously over medium-low heat until the mixture thickens to a sticky, cohesive mass. Stir in the chopped scallions.
- 5
Grease a rectangular steaming pan or dish (approx. 8x8 inches). Transfer the turnip cake mixture into the pan and press it down evenly. Smooth the top.
- 6
Steam the turnip cake over high heat for 45 minutes, or until firm and cooked through. Let it cool completely in the pan, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or preferably overnight) to firm up, making it easier to slice.
- 7
Once chilled and firm, cut the turnip cake into desired shapes (squares or rectangles). Heat 2-3 tbsp of vegetable oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Pan-fry the turnip cake slices until golden brown and crispy on both sides, about 3-5 minutes per side.
- 8
Serve hot, often with a side of chili sauce or a mixture of soy sauce and chili oil.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Ensure the turnip cake is completely cooled and chilled before slicing and frying for best results.
- ✓Don't overcrowd the pan when frying; fry in batches if necessary to achieve crispiness.
- ✓The quality of the daikon radish significantly impacts the final taste and texture.
🔄 Variations
- Omit the Chinese sausage and dried shrimp for a vegetarian version, adding more mushrooms or other vegetables.
- Add a small amount of glutinous rice flour along with the rice flour for a slightly chewier texture.