Taro Cake (Yùtóu Gāo, 芋头糕) is a classic Cantonese dim sum dish featuring silky steamed taro combined with rice flour and savory fillings. With its creamy interior and slightly firm texture, taro cake is often pan-fried to golden perfection before serving, creating a crispy exterior and soft, flavorful center.

Popular in dim sum restaurants and festive celebrations, taro cake is rich, comforting, and versatile, offering a perfect balance of umami and subtle sweetness.

📝 Ingredients (Serves 3–4)

Main Ingredients:

500g taro, peeled and cut into small cubes

150g rice flour

2 tbsp cornstarch

50g Chinese sausage (lap cheong), diced

50g dried shrimp, soaked and chopped

2–3 spring onions, chopped

1 tsp salt

½ tsp white pepper

1 tsp sugar

1 tbsp vegetable oil

🔥 Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Taro

Peel and dice taro into small cubes.

Steam or boil taro until tender (about 10–15 minutes).

Mash slightly or leave some cubes for texture.

Step 2: Prepare the Fillings

In a pan, sauté diced Chinese sausage and dried shrimp in vegetable oil until fragrant.

Add chopped spring onions and cook briefly.

Step 3: Mix the Batter

In a bowl, combine rice flour and cornstarch with 250ml water to form a smooth batter.

Mix the cooked taro and sautéed fillings into the batter until evenly incorporated.

Season with salt, sugar, and white pepper.

Step 4: Steam the Taro Cake

Grease a heatproof dish or cake pan.

Pour in the taro mixture and smooth the surface.

Steam over boiling water for 45–60 minutes until set and firm.

Allow to cool completely before slicing.

Step 5: Pan-Fry (Optional)

Cut the cooled taro cake into 1–2 cm thick slices.

Pan-fry in a lightly oiled skillet until golden and crispy on both sides.

Step 6: Serve

Serve warm with soy sauce, hoisin sauce, or chili sauce.

Enjoy the creamy taro interior with a flavorful, slightly crisp exterior.

🌿 Tips & Variations

Taro: Use fresh taro for the best flavor; canned taro can alter texture.

Fillings: Mushrooms or bacon can be added for extra flavor.

Consistency: Ensure enough rice flour binds the taro for a firm cake.

Steaming: Cover the pan tightly to prevent water from dripping onto the cake.

🍚 Serving & Experience

Taro Cake is soft, flavorful, and comforting, with a delicate sweetness from taro and umami from the fillings.

The crispy pan-fried edges contrast beautifully with the tender, silky interior, making it a dim sum favorite, ideal for brunch, festive celebrations, or family meals, showcasing the rich flavors and textures of Cantonese cuisine.