Sugar-Free Turnip Cake (Lo Bak Go)

Savor the traditional flavors of dim sum with this healthier twist on a classic: Sugar-Free Turnip Cake (Lo Bak Go). This savory dish swaps added sugars for the natural sweetness of daikon radish, paired with umami-packed ingredients like dried shiitake mushrooms, dried shrimp, and Chinese sausage. The smooth, tender texture comes from a perfectly balanced batter of rice flour and cornstarch, while a hint of sesame oil and white pepper adds depth. Steamed to perfection and optionally pan-fried for a golden, crispy finish, this dim sum staple is ideal as a snack, appetizer, or side dish. With no added sugars and a gluten-free base, this recipe is a must-try for fans of Asian cuisine seeking a wholesome, restaurant-quality favorite to recreate at home.

Nutriscore Rating: 72/100

Prep Time:30 mins

Cook Time:60 mins

Total Time:90 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 800 grams daikon radish
• 200 grams rice flour
• 20 grams cornstarch
• 4 pieces dried shiitake mushrooms
• 30 grams dried shrimp
• 1 piece Chinese sausage (lop cheong)
• 2 pieces shallots
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon white pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 300 milliliters water

Directions

Step 1

Peel and grate the daikon radish. Reserve any liquid from the grating process.

Step 2

Place the grated radish and its liquid in a pot. Add 200 milliliters of water and cook over medium heat for about 10 minutes until softened. Drain and reserve the liquid.

Step 3

Rehydrate the dried shiitake mushrooms and dried shrimp in hot water for 15–20 minutes. Once softened, chop the mushrooms, shrimp, and Chinese sausage into small pieces.

Step 4

Finely dice the shallots and garlic.

Step 5

Heat the sesame oil in a pan over medium heat. Fry the shallots and garlic until fragrant, then add the dried shrimp, mushrooms, and Chinese sausage. Cook for 2–3 minutes. Set aside.

Step 6

In a mixing bowl, combine rice flour, cornstarch, cooked radish liquid, and the remaining water to form a smooth batter.

Step 7

Stir the cooked radish, stir-fried ingredients, white pepper, and salt into the batter.

Step 8

Grease a heatproof baking pan or bowl and pour the mixture into it. Smooth the top with a spatula.

Step 9

Steam the mixture in a steamer over high heat for 50–60 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick—it should come out clean.

Step 10

Let the cake cool completely before slicing into portions.

Step 11

Optional: Pan-fry slices of the turnip cake until golden and crispy on both sides before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1530.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1642.8

Total Fat 46.1g	0%
Saturated Fat 11.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 12.3g
Cholesterol 181mg	0%
Sodium 4603.2mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 262.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 30.8g	0%
Total Sugars 22.3g
Protein 52.0g	0%

Vitamin D 616IU	0%
Calcium 322.7mg	0%
Iron 8.0mg	0%
Potassium 3146.9mg	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: 24.8%

Protein: 12.4%

Carbs: 62.8%