Turnip cake (Lo Bak Go) is a classic savory dim sum dish that is also commonly made during Chinese New Year. This homemade vegan version is generously studded with shiitake mushrooms, scallions and bell peppers.

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Vegan Turnip Cakes (Lo Bak Go/蘿蔔糕)

★★★★★

5 from 5 reviews

Author: Lisa Kitahara
Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

Turnip cake (Lo Bak Gou) is a classic savory dim sum dish that is also commonly made during Chinese New Year. This homemade vegan version is generously studded with shiitake mushrooms, scallions and bell peppers.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Filling

1/2 bell pepper, finely diced (100g)
6–8 dried shiitake mushrooms, rehydrated
4 scallions, whites and greens seperated
2 tbsp mushroom sauce (or hoisin sauce)
1/2 tsp salt

Daikon

600g radish
1 1/3 cup water + shiitake mushroom soaking liquid total to cook (this gets removed and-re measured)
1/2 tsp garlic powder
2 tsp sugar
2 tsp kombu dashi powder or mushroom powder, optional
1/2 tsp salt
110g rice flour
40g corn starch
200ml water + cooking liquid total

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Instructions

In a pan, over medium heat add the garlic and fry for a few seconds. Add the white part of the scallions, shiitake mushrooms, bell peppers, mushroom sauce and salt, and cook for 1 minute. Turn off the heat and stir in the green onions. Remove the filling from the pan onto another dish and set aside.
Wash and peel the daikon. Weigh out 600 grams and then set aside 200g. Take 400 grams and shred with a grater or food processor. Take the remaining 200 grams and slice them into match sticks. If you prefer a smooth turnip cake, you can also shred all 600g of the daikon.
Measure out the liquid the shiitake mushrooms were soaking in. Then add additional water until you have 1 1/3 cup. Using the same pan, add the the daikon, water/shiitake water, garlic powder, sugar, dashi powder and salt. Cook for 5 minutes covered, stirring occasionally so it doesn’t brown. When the daikon is cooked, it will look translucent. Fish out the daikon and measure out the liquid. Add water to get a total of 200ml (about 3/4 cup + 1 tbsp).
Make the batter by adding in the rice flour, corn starch and salt to the daikon mixture. Mix until well incorporated. Then add in the filling and mix. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes or until thickened.
Stir once more and then pour into parchment lined or oiled pan that fits your steamer basket. You may need to use two small vessels. I used two 6×8 inch mini pans. Place the pan into a steamer and steam over medium high for 30-40 mins (depending on the size).
After cooked, remove the pot from the stove and open the steamer basket lid. Let it sit for 10 minutes and then discard any water that may have accumulated on the surface. Cover and let it set in the refrigerator for 1 hour (I usually let it sit overnight). Remove from pan and then slice into ½ inch thickness.
You can eat it as is, but it’s most commonly served pan fried. Pan fry the radish cakes over medium to medium high heat until both sides are crispy to your liking. Serve soy sauce, black vinegar, chili crisp oil, sambal oelek and/or hoisin sauce. Enjoy!

Notes

*This turnip cake is generous on the filling, which I personally prefer. If you like turnip cakes with less filling and a smoother consistency, use 1/2-2/3 of the amount listed.
Helpful Equipment:
Nutritional Information Disclaimer: Nutrition information is a rough estimate calculated on an online tool (Cronometer).

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