Radish cake, also known as turnip cake, is a savory Chinese dim sum dish made from daikon radish, rice flour, and various tasty fillings, then steamed to perfection and pan-fried to crispy bliss.
Ah, the radish cake, a hidden gem of the culinary world! You’re about to embark on a savory journey where radishes turn into an irresistible delicacy. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a curious foodie, this recipe will guide you step-by-step to crunchy, delectable perfection. Ready to transform radishes into a masterpiece? Let’s get cooking!
Radish Cake Delight
This radish cake is a delightful savory treat you’ll find hard to resist! A popular dish in Chinese cuisine, it offers a unique combination of flavors and textures. Cooked to perfection, it’s tender on the inside with a slight crisp on the outside. Perfect for breakfast, lunch, or anytime snacking.
- Cooking Method: Steaming, pan-frying
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Cuisine Type: Chinese
Ingredients
- 1 large daikon radish (~1 lb), peeled and grated
- 2 cups water
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 Chinese sausages, diced
- 4 shiitake mushrooms, soaked and diced
- 1⁄4 cup dried shrimp, soaked and chopped
- 1 1⁄2 cups rice flour
- 1⁄4 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1⁄2 teaspoon sugar
- 1⁄2 teaspoon white pepper
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
Cooking Instructions
- In a large pot, combine grated radish and 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10-12 minutes until radish is softened. Drain and reserve the liquid.
- Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat. Add Chinese sausages, shiitake mushrooms, and dried shrimp. Stir-fry for 5 minutes until fragrant. Set aside.
- In a mixing bowl, combine rice flour, cornstarch, salt, sugar, and white pepper. Gradually add the reserved radish liquid, stirring until smooth.
- Mix in the cooked radish, sausage mixture, and green onions into the batter. Stir well.
- Grease a 9-inch round cake pan. Pour the mixture into the pan and smooth the top.
- Steam the cake over high heat for 50 minutes. Insert a toothpick to check for doneness; it should come out clean.
- Let the cake cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up.
- Cut the cake into rectangular slices. Pan-fry the slices in a lightly oiled skillet over medium heat until both sides are golden brown and crispy.
- Serve warm, and enjoy!
Suggestions
- Swap Chinese sausages with bacon or ham for a twist.
- Top with crispy shallots or fried garlic for extra crunch.
- Add a pinch of five-spice powder to jazz up the flavor.
- For a vegetarian option, skip the sausages and shrimp, and add more mushrooms.
- Serve with hoisin sauce or a spicy chili sauce for a delightful dip.
