Turnip Cake Recipe (Lo Bak Go - Authentic Hong Kong Dim Sum)
Turnip Cake, also known as Lo Bak Go, is a traditional Hong Kong dim sum dish made from daikon radish, rice flour, and savory ingredients like Chinese sausage and dried shrimp. It is steamed, sliced, then pan-fried until golden and crispy on the outside while soft inside.
Menu: Turnip Cake (Lo Bak Go)
Prep Time, Cook Time, Servings
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 45–50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Servings: 6–8 slices
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 kg daikon radish (white radish), grated
- 200 grams rice flour
- 50 grams cornstarch
- 2 cups water (for radish cooking liquid)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
Optional Fillings (Traditional Dim Sum Style)
- 2 Chinese sausages (lap cheong), diced
- 2 tablespoons dried shrimp, soaked and chopped
- 2 tablespoons dried scallops (optional), shredded
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon oil
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Radish
Peel and grate the daikon radish. Cook it in a pot until soft and release its natural water. Do not discard the liquid.
Step 2: Cook Aromatics
In a pan, sauté garlic, Chinese sausage, dried shrimp, and scallops until fragrant. Set aside.
Step 3: Make the Batter
Mix rice flour and cornstarch with the reserved radish cooking liquid until smooth. Add salt and sugar.
Step 4: Combine Everything
Add cooked radish and sautéed ingredients into the batter. Mix well until evenly combined.
Step 5: Steam the Cake
Pour mixture into a greased steaming tray. Steam over high heat for 40–45 minutes until firm and set.
Step 6: Cool and Slice
Let the cake cool completely before slicing into thick pieces.
Step 7: Pan-Fry
Pan-fry slices in a lightly oiled pan until golden brown and crispy on both sides.
Step 8: Serve
Serve hot with soy sauce or chili sauce as part of dim sum or breakfast.
Tips for Perfect Turnip Cake
- Use fresh daikon for best texture and flavor.
- Let the cake cool fully before slicing to avoid breaking.
- Pan-fry for crispy exterior and soft interior contrast.
- Do not add too much flour—keep texture light.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping steaming time – cake will not set properly.
- Slicing too early – causes crumbling.
- Too much starch – makes cake too dense.
- Not draining radish properly – watery texture.
Extra Info / Insights
Lo Bak Go is a staple in Hong Kong dim sum culture and is especially popular during Lunar New Year. The dish symbolizes prosperity and good fortune because the word “radish” in Chinese sounds similar to “good luck.”
Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)
- Calories: 210 kcal
- Protein: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fat: 7g
- Sodium: 420mg
FAQ
- Is turnip cake actually made from turnips? – No, it uses daikon radish.
- Can I skip Chinese sausage? – Yes, but flavor will be lighter.
- Can I freeze it? – Yes, before or after steaming.
- Why is my cake too soft? – Not enough steaming time or too much water.
- Do I need to pan-fry? – Optional, but recommended for texture.
Internal Links
Related recipes: Cheung Fun, Char Siu Bao
Conclusion
This Turnip Cake (Lo Bak Go) Recipe brings authentic Hong Kong dim sum flavor with a crispy outside and soft, savory inside. A perfect dish for celebrations or everyday comfort food.
