Vegetarian Traditional Chinese Radish Cake

Delight in the authentic flavors of a classic dim sum favorite with this Vegetarian Traditional Chinese Radish Cake. Made with tender daikon radish, savory shiitake mushrooms, and a plant-based dried shrimp alternative, this recipe offers a wholesome take on the beloved dish while preserving its umami-rich essence. The radish cake is steamed to perfection, yielding a firm yet tender texture that's irresistible when pan-fried to a golden crisp. Enhanced by aromatic scallions, sesame oil, and a touch of white pepper, each bite bursts with layered flavors. Whether served straight from the steamer or seared for extra crunch, this versatile dish pairs beautifully with soy sauce or your favorite dipping sauce. Perfect for dim sum spreads, Lunar New Year celebrations, or a comforting snack, this homemade radish cake is satisfying, entirely plant-based, and wonderfully authentic.

Nutriscore Rating: 72/100

Prep Time:40 mins

Cook Time:60 mins

Total Time:100 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 800 grams daikon radish
• 250 grams rice flour
• 30 grams cornstarch
• 5 pieces dried shiitake mushrooms
• 30 grams dried shrimp alternative (e.g., chopped dried plant-based protein)
• 2 stalks scallions
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 0.5 teaspoon white pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 200 milliliters water

Directions

Step 1

Peel and grate the daikon radish using a box grater or a food processor.

Step 2

Place the grated daikon radish in a large pan over medium heat. Add 200 ml of water and cook for about 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the radish becomes tender and releases its juices.

Step 3

Remove the pan from the heat and strain the cooked radish, reserving the liquid in a bowl. Allow both the radish and the reserved liquid to cool slightly.

Step 4

Soak the dried shiitake mushrooms in warm water for 15–20 minutes until softened. Once hydrated, finely chop the mushrooms.

Step 5

If using a plant-based dried shrimp substitute, hydrate it in warm water, then finely chop.

Step 6

Chop the scallions finely, separating the white and green parts.

Step 7

In a small pan, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium heat. Sauté the chopped shiitake mushrooms, plant-based substitute, and the white parts of the scallions for 2–3 minutes. Add soy sauce, sesame oil, white pepper, and salt. Stir to combine, then remove from heat.

Step 8

In a mixing bowl, combine the rice flour and cornstarch. Gradually add the reserved radish liquid, stirring to form a smooth, thick batter (you may need to adjust the amount of liquid slightly; the consistency should resemble pancake batter).

Step 9

Fold in the cooked radish, sautéed mixture, and the green parts of the scallions into the batter. Mix well until evenly combined.

Step 10

Grease a rectangular or round heatproof dish. Pour the batter into the dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula.

Step 11

Place the dish in a steamer over boiling water. Cover and steam on medium-high heat for 50–60 minutes, or until the radish cake is firm and cooked through. To check, insert a toothpick into the center—it should come out clean.

Step 12

Once cooked, remove the radish cake from the steamer and allow it to cool completely for easier slicing.

Step 13

Once cooled, remove the radish cake from the dish and slice it into rectangular pieces.

Step 14

Optional (but recommended): Pan-fry the slices in a bit of oil over medium heat until golden and crispy on both sides before serving.

Step 15

Serve warm with soy sauce or your favorite dipping sauce.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1482.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2036.1

Total Fat 67.9g	0%
Saturated Fat 13.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 29.1g
Cholesterol 16mg	0%
Sodium 4486.6mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 316.3g	0%
Dietary Fiber 35.4g	0%
Total Sugars 18.8g
Protein 52.6g	0%

Vitamin D 770IU	0%
Calcium 322.7mg	0%
Iron 8.7mg	0%
Potassium 3183.9mg	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: 29.3%

Protein: 10.1%

Carbs: 60.6%