Chinese New Year Turnip Cake

Chinese New Year Turnip Cake Recipe - A Delicious Dish from China

Region / culture: China | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 50 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Chinese New Year Turnip Cake, also known as "Lo Bak Go," is a traditional dish enjoyed during the Chinese New Year festivities. This savory cake is made with shredded turnips, Chinese sausage, and rice flour, creating a delicious and hearty dish that is perfect for celebrating the Lunar New Year.

History

Turnip cake has been a staple dish in Chinese cuisine for centuries, especially during the Chinese New Year celebrations. It is believed that eating turnip cake during the New Year brings good luck and prosperity for the coming year. The dish is also popular during other special occasions and festivals in Chinese culture.

Ingredients

2 tbsp vegetable oil
8 oz (227 g) Chinese dried mushrooms, soaked overnight in water
0.33 cup dried shrimp, soaked in water overnight and drained
1 lb (454 g) pork sausage, sliced
1 tbsp vegetable oil
2 slices fresh ginger root
3 turnips, shredded
1.5 tsp chinese five-spice powder
2 tsp salt
0.5 tsp chicken bouillon granules
1 tbsp ground white pepper
0.67 lb (304 g) white rice flour

How to prepare

In a wok, heat 2 tbsp of oil until boiling.
Add mushrooms, sausages, shrimp, ginger, turnips, 5 spice powder, salt, chicken bouillon, and pepper. Cook for 5 minutes.
Cover turnips with rice flour and cook on low heat for approximately 45 minutes.

Variations

Add diced shrimp or Chinese mushrooms for additional flavor and texture.
Substitute Chinese sausage with bacon or ham for a different twist on the traditional recipe.
Add chopped scallions or cilantro for a fresh and aromatic touch to the turnip cake.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to drain the Chinese dried water chestnuts thoroughly before using them in the recipe to prevent excess moisture in the turnip cake.

- Shred the turnips finely to ensure even cooking and a smooth texture in the final dish.

- Adjust the seasoning to your taste preferences by adding more or less salt, pepper, or Chinese five-spice powder.

- Cook the turnip cake on low heat to ensure that it cooks through evenly and does not burn on the bottom.

Serving Suggestions

Chinese New Year Turnip Cake can be served as a main dish or as a side dish during the Lunar New Year celebrations. It pairs well with a dipping sauce made of soy sauce, vinegar, and chili oil.

Cooking Techniques

Stir-fry the ingredients in a wok to infuse the flavors and ensure even cooking.

- Steam the turnip cake in a heatproof dish to cook it through and set the texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use gluten-free rice flour for a gluten-free version of the turnip cake.

- Substitute Chinese sausage with vegetarian sausage or tofu for a vegetarian option.

Make Ahead Tips

Chinese New Year Turnip Cake can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the turnip cake in a steamer or microwave before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Cut the turnip cake into bite-sized pieces and garnish with chopped scallions or sesame seeds. - Serve the turnip cake on a platter with a decorative arrangement of fresh vegetables and herbs.

Pairing Recommendations

Chinese New Year Turnip Cake pairs well with hot tea, Chinese rice wine, or a refreshing fruit juice.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover Chinese New Year Turnip Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the turnip cake in a steamer or microwave until heated through before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Chinese New Year Turnip Cake contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Chinese New Year Turnip Cake contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Chinese New Year Turnip Cake contains approximately 15 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Chinese New Year Turnip Cake contains approximately 10 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Chinese New Year Turnip Cake is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin B6, iron, and calcium.

Alergens

This recipe contains soy and wheat allergens due to the use of Chinese sausage and rice flour.

Summary

Chinese New Year Turnip Cake is a nutritious dish that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, along with essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Chinese New Year Turnip Cake is a delicious and auspicious dish that is perfect for celebrating the Lunar New Year. With its savory flavors and hearty texture, this traditional recipe is sure to bring good luck and prosperity for the coming year.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time brings a smile to my face. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small village in China. Chinese New Year was approaching, and my family was bustling with excitement as we prepared for the festivities.

I remember my grandmother, who was a fantastic cook, spending hours in the kitchen, preparing all sorts of delicious dishes for the New Year celebrations. One day, as I was helping her chop vegetables and mix ingredients, she handed me a wrinkled piece of paper with a recipe written on it in her elegant handwriting.

"This is a recipe for Chinese New Year Turnip Cake," she said, her eyes twinkling with excitement. "It's a traditional dish that brings good luck and prosperity for the coming year. Would you like to learn how to make it?"

I eagerly nodded, and my grandmother patiently taught me how to make the turnip cake step by step. We grated daikon radish, soaked dried shrimp, diced Chinese sausage, and mixed everything together with rice flour and water. The savory aroma filled the kitchen as the cake slowly steamed to perfection.

As we sat down to enjoy the delicious turnip cake together, my grandmother told me the story behind the recipe. She had learned it from her own grandmother, who had passed it down through the generations. Each family had their own version of the recipe, with slight variations in ingredients and seasonings.

Over the years, I have made the Chinese New Year Turnip Cake countless times, adding my own twists and tweaks to make it my own. I have shared the recipe with friends and family, passing on the tradition of making this special dish for the Lunar New Year.

One year, I decided to enter a cooking competition at the local community center. I was nervous but excited to showcase my turnip cake recipe to a wider audience. As I presented my dish to the judges, I shared the story of how I learned to make it from my grandmother and the significance of the dish for Chinese New Year.

To my surprise and delight, my turnip cake won first prize in the competition. The judges praised the flavors and textures of the dish, as well as the heartfelt story behind it. I felt proud to have honored my grandmother's legacy through my cooking.

As the years passed, I continued to make the Chinese New Year Turnip Cake for my own family and friends. Each Lunar New Year, as we gather around the table to enjoy the festive meal, the savory aroma of the turnip cake fills the air, bringing back memories of my childhood and the traditions that have been passed down through generations.

I am grateful for the recipe that my grandmother shared with me all those years ago, and for the love and care that she poured into teaching me how to make it. The Chinese New Year Turnip Cake is more than just a dish – it is a symbol of family, tradition, and the joy of sharing good food with the ones we love.