Chaoshan Turnip Cake with Peanuts
A traditional Chaoshan-style turnip cake featuring shredded white radish mixed with crunchy peanuts and aromatic five spice, steamed to perfection. This comforting dish is popular in the Raoping region of Guangdong province.
Story
Turnip cake is a beloved dim sum and breakfast item in Chaoshan cuisine. The key is achieving the right texture - soft and smooth inside with a slightly crispy edge from the peanuts.
Ingredients
White radish (turnip), about 600g
1 large
Peanuts
1/2 cup
Celery
3 stalks
Five spice powder
1 teaspoon
Turnip cake rice flour (or replace with 1:1 rice flour and tapioca starch)
1 cup
Vegetable oil
2 tablespoons
Salt
to taste
Instructions
1
Prepare the radish
Peel and shred the white radish using a grater. Place in a large pan over low heat. Cook gently for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the radish releases its juices and becomes soft. Do not add water. Set aside and let cool slightly, then reserve 1 cup of the liquid released from the radish.
2
Toast and crush peanuts
Dry roast the peanuts in a pan until golden and fragrant. Let them cool, then rub off the skins. Coarsely crush or chop the peanuts - they should have some texture, not be completely powdery.
3
Prep the celery
Wash the celery stalks and dice them into small cubes. Set aside.
4
Combine wet ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the cooked shredded radish with the five spice powder and salt. Add the turnip cake flour and mix until well combined. Gradually add the reserved radish liquid, mixing as you go, until you have a thick but pourable batter.
5
Add aromatics
Fold in the crushed peanuts and diced celery. The mixture should be thick enough to hold its shape.
6
Steam the cake
Grease a cake pan or steaming bowl generously with oil. Spoon the batter into the pan and smooth the top. Steam over boiling water for about 25-30 minutes until set and a toothpick comes out clean.
7
Serve
Let cool for 10 minutes, then slice into squares or rectangles. Serve warm as is, or pan-fry the slices for a crispy exterior.
Steamed Cake
Snow Pear and Water Chestnut Cake
A silky, delicate Cantonese-style dessert with the natural sweetness of fresh pears and the subtle earthy flavor of water chestnut powder. This steamed cake has a smooth, slightly translucent texture and makes a wonderful treat for tea time or celebrations.
