How To Make Savory Chinese Turnip Cakes (Law Bok Gow)

Savory Chinese Turnip Cakes: A Delicious and Authentic Recipe (Law Bok Gow)

Welcome foodies! Are you ready to embark on a culinary journey to discover the magic of creating savory Chinese turnip cakes? Prepare your taste buds for an explosion of flavors as we dive into this authentic recipe for Law Bok Gow! This popular dish, often served during Lunar New Year celebrations, is a must-try for any food enthusiast. Let’s get started!

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of rice flour
• 1 cup of grated turnips
• 1 cup of diced Chinese sausage
• 1/2 cup of dried shrimp, soaked and minced
• 1/4 cup of chopped scallions
• 4 dried shiitake mushrooms, soaked and diced
• 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce
• 1 teaspoon of sesame oil
• 1/2 teaspoon of white pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon of sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon of salt
• 2 cups of water
• Vegetable oil for frying

Instructions:

1. Preparation:

To begin, make sure you have all the ingredients ready. Grate the turnips and soak the dried shrimp and shiitake mushrooms in separate bowls of warm water until soft. Mince the soaked shrimp and dice the mushrooms into small pieces. Set aside.

2. Mixing the Batter:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the rice flour and water. Stir until the mixture forms a smooth batter. Add the grated turnips, diced Chinese sausage, minced shrimp, diced mushrooms, chopped scallions, soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, white pepper, sugar, and salt. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.

3. Steaming Process:

Prepare a steamer by filling a wok or a large pot with water, ensuring that the water level is below the steaming rack. Grease a round cake pan with a little vegetable oil. Pour the batter into the greased pan, spreading it evenly.

Place the pan of batter in the steamer and cover with a lid. Steam over high heat for approximately 40-45 minutes, or until the turnip cake is firm and cooked through. Insert a toothpick into the cake; it should come out clean when it’s done.

4. Cooling and Slicing:

Remove the pan from the steamer and let it cool to room temperature. Once cooled, refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight. Chilling the turnip cake will help it firm up, making it easier to slice.

When ready to serve, remove the turnip cake from the refrigerator and carefully run a knife around the edges to loosen it from the pan. Invert the pan onto a cutting board and gently tap to release the cake. Slice the turnip cake into bite-sized pieces or rectangular shapes, whichever you prefer.

5. Frying the Turnip Cakes:

Heat a non-stick pan or a skillet over medium-high heat. Add a generous amount of vegetable oil to the pan. Once the oil is hot, place the slices of turnip cake in the pan, making sure not to overcrowd. Fry each side for about 3-4 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.

6. Serving and Enjoying:

Transfer the fried turnip cakes to a serving plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce, such as hoisin sauce or chili sauce. These golden, crispy turnip cakes are a delightful combination of flavors and textures that will leave you craving for more!

Congratulations, you have successfully cooked your own batch of mouthwatering Law Bok Gow! Serve them as an appetizer, snack, or even as a main course alongside other Chinese delicacies. Get ready to impress your family and friends with your newfound culinary skills. Happy cooking!