Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 lb turnips, peeled and grated
- 1/2 lb Chinese ham, diced
- 1/2 cup dried shrimp, soaked and chopped
- 1/4 cup dried shiitake mushrooms, soaked and chopped
- 1/4 cup scallions, chopped
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup oyster sauce
- 1/4 cup Shaoxing wine
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp white pepper
- 2 cups water
- 2 cups rice flour
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
Special equipment needed:
- 9-inch square baking dish
- Steamer
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a large bowl, mix together the grated turnips, diced Chinese ham, chopped dried shrimp, chopped shiitake mushrooms, chopped scallions, and chopped cilantro.
2. In a separate bowl, mix together the vegetable oil, soy sauce, oyster sauce, Shaoxing wine, sugar, salt, white pepper, and water.
3. Pour the liquid mixture into the turnip mixture and stir until well combined.
4. In a separate bowl, mix together the rice flour and cornstarch.
5. Gradually add the rice flour mixture to the turnip mixture, stirring constantly, until a smooth batter forms.
6. Pour the batter into a greased 9-inch square baking dish and smooth the top with a spatula.
7. Place the baking dish in a steamer and steam for 1 hour, or until the turnip cake is set and cooked through.
8. Remove the turnip cake from the steamer and let it cool for 10 minutes.
9. Invert the turnip cake onto a cutting board and cut it into squares or slices.
10. Heat a wok or large skillet over high heat and add a tablespoon of vegetable oil.
11. Fry the turnip cake squares or slices until golden brown and crispy on both sides.
12. Serve hot, garnished with additional chopped scallions and cilantro.
- Time:
Preparation time: 30 minutes
- Cooking time: 1 hour
Temperature:
- Steaming temperature: 212°F (100°C)
- Frying temperature: 350°F (180°C)
Serving size:
- Makes 6-8 servings
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 350 per serving
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Protein: 15g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Chinese ham can be substituted with bacon or prosciutto.
- Dried shrimp can be substituted with fresh shrimp or scallops.
- Dried shiitake mushrooms can be substituted with fresh mushrooms or other dried mushrooms.
- Shaoxing wine can be substituted with dry sherry or rice wine.
Variations:
- Add diced Chinese sausage or lap cheong to the turnip mixture for extra flavor.
- Add chopped water chestnuts or bamboo shoots for extra crunch.
- Add a beaten egg to the turnip mixture for a richer texture.
Tips and tricks:
- Be sure to squeeze out any excess liquid from the grated turnips before mixing them with the other ingredients.
- Use a non-stick baking dish or line a regular baking dish with parchment paper to prevent the turnip cake from sticking.
- To make the turnip cake ahead of time, steam it and let it cool completely before slicing and frying. Store the sliced turnip cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Storage instructions:
- Store leftover turnip cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
- To reheat the turnip cake, place it in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the turnip cake on a platter with additional chopped scallions and cilantro for garnish.
- Arrange the turnip cake squares or slices on individual plates and drizzle with soy sauce or hoisin sauce.
Garnishes:
- Chopped scallions
- Chopped cilantro
- Soy sauce
- Hoisin sauce
Pairings:
- Steamed rice
- Stir-fried vegetables
- Chinese tea
Suggested side dishes:
- Steamed bok choy
- Stir-fried snow peas
- Egg drop soup
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the turnip cake is too soft or mushy, it may be because there is too much liquid in the batter. Try squeezing out more liquid from the grated turnips or reducing the amount of water in the liquid mixture.
Food safety advice:
- Be sure to cook the turnip cake thoroughly to prevent foodborne illness.
- Store leftover turnip cake in the refrigerator and consume within 3 days.
Food history:
- Turnip cake, also known as radish cake, is a popular Chinese dim sum dish that originated in southern China.
- It is traditionally made with grated daikon radish, but turnips are often used as a substitute.
- Chinese ham, dried shrimp, and shiitake mushrooms are common ingredients in turnip cake, adding umami flavor and texture.
Flavor profiles:
- Savory
- Umami
- Salty
- Sweet
Serving suggestions:
- Serve the turnip cake as a main dish or as part of a dim sum spread.
- Pair it with steamed rice and stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.
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Region: Chinese