Turnip Cake (Luóbo Gāo, 萝卜糕) is a staple in Cantonese dim sum known for its soft, savory texture and subtle umami flavor. Made from grated Chinese white radish (daikon), rice flour, and optional fillings like Chinese sausage or dried shrimp, turnip cake is steamed to perfection and often pan-fried before serving to create a crispy exterior.

This dish is especially popular during Chinese New Year as it symbolizes prosperity and good luck.

📝 Ingredients (Serves 3–4)

Main Ingredients:

500g Chinese white radish (daikon), peeled and grated

150g rice flour

2 tbsp cornstarch

50g dried shrimp, soaked and chopped

50g Chinese sausage (lap cheong), diced

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 Radish

Peel and grate the radish.

In a pan, cook the grated radish with a little water for 5–10 minutes until slightly softened.

Drain any excess liquid and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Fillings

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

Combine cooked radish, sautéed fillings, salt, sugar, and white pepper.

Step 3: Mix the Batter

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

Combine batter with the radish and filling mixture until evenly incorporated.

Step 4: Steam the Turnip Cake

Grease a heatproof dish or cake pan.

Pour in the mixture and smooth the top.

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

Let cool completely before slicing.

Step 5: Pan-Fry (Optional)

Slice turnip cake into 1–2 cm thick pieces.

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

Step 6: Serve

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

Enjoy the soft, savory interior with a slightly crispy exterior.

🌿 Tips & Variations

Radish: Use fresh Chinese white radish for authentic flavor.

Fillings: Customize with mushrooms, bacon, or scallions.

Consistency: Ensure enough rice flour binds the radish for firm texture.

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

🍚 Serving & Experience

Turnip Cake is soft, savory, and flavorful, with a subtle sweetness from radish and a rich umami taste from the fillings.

Crispy pan-fried edges paired with a tender interior make it a favorite in dim sum cuisine, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or festive celebrations, and it’s especially loved during Chinese New Year for its symbolism of good fortune.