Low Sodium Turnip Cake (Lo Bak Go)

Discover a healthier twist on a beloved Cantonese dim sum classic with this Low Sodium Turnip Cake (Lo Bak Go). Made with fresh daikon radish, rice flour, and tapioca starch, this recipe keeps the flavor authentic while reducing sodium by using unsalted dried shrimp and dried shiitake mushrooms for natural umami. Aromatic shallots, garlic, and a hint of white pepper enhance the savory profile, while steaming ensures a tender yet firm texture. Perfect for steaming and pan-frying, this homemade turnip cake is the ultimate guilt-free indulgence for dim sum enthusiasts, whether served as a snack, appetizer, or addition to your brunch table. Delight in this low-sodium alternative without sacrificing the traditional flavors!

Nutriscore Rating: 75/100

Prep Time:30 mins

Cook Time:60 mins

Total Time:90 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 pounds Daikon radish
• 1.5 cups Rice flour
• 2 tablespoons Tapioca starch
• 1.5 cups Water
• 2 tablespoons Vegetable oil
• 4 pieces Dried shiitake mushrooms
• 2 tablespoons Dried shrimp (unsalted)
• 2 small Shallots
• 2 cloves Garlic
• 0.25 teaspoons White pepper (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Peel and grate the daikon radish using a coarse grater.

Step 2

In a large pan, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add the grated daikon radish and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes. The radish will release liquid as it cooks.

Step 3

Strain the radish, saving the liquid, and set both aside to cool slightly.

Step 4

Rehydrate the dried shiitake mushrooms by soaking them in hot water for about 15 minutes. Once soft, finely dice them. Do the same for the dried shrimp, and then dice them into small pieces.

Step 5

Chop the shallots and garlic finely.

Step 6

In a clean pan, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Sauté the chopped shallots, garlic, mushrooms, and shrimp until fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. Set aside.

Step 7

In a large mixing bowl, combine the rice flour, tapioca starch, and the cooled daikon liquid. If needed, add water to make a total of 1.5 cups of liquid.

Step 8

Fold the cooked daikon radish and sautéed ingredients into the flour mixture. Mix well until a thick batter forms.

Step 9

Lightly grease a 9-inch round cake pan or similar steaming dish. Pour the batter into the pan and level it with a spatula.

Step 10

Prepare a steamer: bring water to a boil and reduce to medium heat. Place the pan in the steamer and cover with the lid. Steam for 50-60 minutes, checking occasionally to ensure there's enough water in the steamer. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 11

Remove the cake from the steamer and let it cool completely to firm up, about 1-2 hours.

Step 12

Once cooled, slice the turnip cake into pieces. You can serve it as is or pan-fry slices until golden on both sides for additional texture and flavor.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1689.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1760.1

Total Fat 53.9g	0%
Saturated Fat 11.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 24.1g
Cholesterol 106.6mg	0%
Sodium 1532.0mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 288.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 32.7g	0%
Total Sugars 23.7g
Protein 41.9g	0%

Vitamin D 638.8IU	0%
Calcium 495.3mg	0%
Iron 7.6mg	0%
Potassium 3090.5mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 26.8%

Protein: 9.3%

Carbs: 63.9%