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What is XO Fried Turnip Cake
Turnip cake (蘿蔔糕, lo bak go) has always been a Lunar New Year tradition in my family. My mom made it every year when I was growing up.
This year I carried on the tradition with my own twist. The steamed cake is cut into cubes, fried until crisp and wok-tossed in XO Sauce, like the XO turnip cake at a Hong Kong dim sum house.
Turnip cake (lo bak go) is a dim sum staple made from shredded daikon and rice flour, steamed into a firm loaf. Hong Kong cha chaan tengs and late-night dai pai dongs cube it and wok-fry it hard with XO sauce, bean sprouts and egg.
It is a great way to use leftover turnip cake from Lunar New Year. The cubes get a golden crust in the wok while the inside stays soft, and the XO sauce brings dried scallop, shrimp and chili heat.
Key Ingredient: XO Sauce
XO sauce is the luxury of the Cantonese pantry: dried scallop, dried shrimp and Jinhua ham slow-fried in chili oil. Make your own with my XO Sauce recipe, or use a good store-bought jar.
FAQs
Is turnip cake made with turnip?
It is made with daikon radish, which is called white turnip in Cantonese.
Why chill it overnight?
A fully cooled cake firms up, so it slices cleanly and doesn't fall apart in the fryer.
Can I pan-fry instead of deep-fry?
Yes. Pan-fry slices in a little oil until golden on both sides, then toss with the XO sauce.
Can I use store-bought turnip cake?
Yes. Frozen or fresh turnip cake from an Asian grocer works. Thaw it fully and pat it dry before cubing.
How do I stop the cubes sticking?
Get the wok or pan very hot, add the oil, and leave the cubes alone for a minute or two until they release on their own.
What can I use instead of XO sauce?
Chili crisp plus a little oyster sauce gets you close, but XO sauce is what makes this dish.
Is it a seafood dish?
Yes. XO sauce is a Hong Kong seafood sauce made with dried scallops and dried shrimp, which gives the turnip cake its rich, savoury flavour.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes. Leave out the Chinese sausage for a meat-free version. XO sauce itself is made with dried seafood, so use a vegetarian XO sauce or chili crisp if you want it fully vegetarian.
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