Turnip Cake with XO Sauce
ChineseBrunch

Recipe Story

origins & traditions

Turnip cake, known as lo bak go in Cantonese, is a beloved dim sum staple that transforms humble daikon radish into an elegant brunch dish. This recipe features finely shredded radish mixed with rice flour and studded with lap cheong sausage, dried mushrooms, and tiny dried shrimp for umami depth. After steaming until set, the cake is chilled, sliced, and pan-fried until golden and crispy on the outside while maintaining a soft, slightly chewy interior. The finishing touch of homemade XO sauce adds a luxurious spicy-savory element with its blend of dried seafood, chili, and aromatics. This dish exemplifies the Cantonese mastery of balancing textures and flavors, making it an impressive yet approachable centerpiece for any brunch table. Traditionally served during Chinese New Year celebrations, turnip cake symbolizes prosperity and good fortune, though its delicious taste makes it welcome any time of year.

Instructions

step by step
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  1. Peel and grate 3 pounds of daikon radish using a box grater. Place in a large bowl and sprinkle with 1 teaspoon salt. Let sit for 15 minutes, then squeeze out excess liquid and reserve the liquid.

  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups rice flour with the reserved radish liquid plus enough water to make 2.5 cups total liquid. Whisk until smooth and lump-free.

  3. Rehydrate dried mushrooms in hot water for 20 minutes. Drain, remove stems, and dice finely. Slice lap cheong sausage thinly.

  4. Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a wok over medium-high heat. Sauté minced garlic and ginger for 30 seconds. Add diced mushrooms, sliced sausage, and dried shrimp. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.

  5. Add the grated radish to the wok and stir-fry for 5 minutes until softened. Season with white pepper and a pinch of sugar.

  6. Remove from heat and let cool for 5 minutes. Pour the rice flour batter over the radish mixture and stir thoroughly to combine.

  7. Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with oil. Pour the turnip cake batter into the dish and smooth the top with a spatula.

  8. Prepare a steamer with boiling water. Place the dish in the steamer, cover, and steam over high heat for 60 minutes until fully set. A toothpick inserted should come out clean.

  9. Remove from steamer and let cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight until firm.

  10. Cut the chilled turnip cake into 1/2-inch thick slices. Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.

  11. Pan-fry the turnip cake slices in batches for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Add more oil as needed between batches.

  12. Serve hot with XO sauce drizzled on top or on the side for dipping. Garnish with chopped cilantro and sliced green onions.

Turnip Cake with XO Sauce

4.4 (80)

Pan-fried radish cake layered with dried seafood, Chinese sausage, and aromatic XO sauce. A classic dim sum favorite perfect for weekend gatherings with crispy edges and tender centers.

medium
2h
8 servings

Ingredients

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Main Ingredients

  • 3 pieces radishes, peeled and grated (use large daikon radish)
  • 2 cups rice-white, rice flour (not cooked rice)
  • 6 pieces mushrooms, dried shiitake, rehydrated and diced
  • 200 grams ham, Chinese lap cheong sausage, thinly sliced

Aromatics

  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 teaspoons ginger, fresh, minced

Seasoning

  • 1 teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoons black-pepper, white pepper preferred

Cooking Oil

  • 6 tablespoons vegetable-oil, for frying

Garnish

  • 3 tablespoons cilantro, chopped, for garnish (optional)

Chef Tips

expert advice
The key to perfect turnip cake is achieving the right ratio of radish to rice flour - too much flour makes it dense, too little makes it fall apart.
Squeezing out excess moisture from the grated radish is crucial.
For the best texture, always refrigerate the steamed cake overnight before slicing and frying.
If you cannot find Chinese lap cheong sausage, you can substitute with finely diced bacon or ham.
The dried shrimp adds authentic umami flavor but can be omitted for those with shellfish allergies.
For a vegetarian version, replace the sausage and dried shrimp with extra mushrooms and a splash of soy sauce.
The turnip cake can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator before frying.
Some prefer to add small cubes of cured pork belly for extra richness.
When pan-frying, resist the urge to flip too early - let a proper crust form for the best crispy exterior.
XO sauce can be purchased at Asian markets or made from scratch using dried scallops, dried shrimp, Chinese ham, shallots, garlic, and chili oil.