Taro cake, or 芋頭糕 (yùtóu gāo) in Mandarin, is a beloved dim sum staple and a festive favorite, especially during Chinese New Year. Its subtly sweet and savory flavor profile, combined with a delightful chewy texture, makes it a truly irresistible treat. This traditional Cantonese dish boasts a rich history, evolving over generations to become the comforting classic we know and love today. The recipe often includes key ingredients like taro, rice flour, and dried shrimp, creating a complex interplay of earthy, salty, and slightly sweet notes. Beyond its delicious taste, the cake's simple yet elegant appearance makes it a beautiful addition to any celebratory table.
This recipe will guide you through the process of making your own delicious taro cake from scratch, achieving that perfect balance of textures and flavors. From preparing the taro to mastering the steaming technique, we'll ensure you create a truly authentic and memorable taro cake. Get ready to embrace the culinary adventure and impress your family and friends with this timeless classic.
Tools Needed
- Wok
- Cake pan
- Aluminum foil
- Steamer
Ingredients
- Taro: 500 grams
- Lap Cheong (Cantonese Sausage): 50 grams
- Lap Yuk (Cantonese Cured Pork Belly): 30 grams
- Dried Shrimp: 30 grams
- Dried Shiitake Mushrooms: 150 grams
- Rice Flour: 180 grams
- Salt
- Sugar
- Chicken Bouillon Powder
- White Pepper Powder
- Five-Spice Powder
- Peanut Oil
- Water: 150 grams + 150 grams (for soaking)
- Green Onions
- Toasted Sesame Seeds
- Chili Garlic Sauce
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare Ingredients and Make the Filling
- Cut 500 grams of taro into 1-centimeter cubes.
- Dice 50 grams of lap cheong and 30 grams of lap yuk finely.
- Reconstitute dried shrimp and shiitake mushrooms in water for two hours.
- Dice the mushrooms and roughly chop the shrimp.
- Reserve the soaking liquid.
- Stir-fry dried shrimp for 90 seconds, then add lap cheong and lap yuk, stir-fry for 30 seconds. Add shiitake mushrooms, stir-fry for 1 minute. Remove from heat.
Step 2. Cook the Taro and Make the Batter
- Stir-fry taro cubes until slightly golden brown (about 3 minutes). Season with salt, sugar, chicken bouillon powder, white pepper, and five-spice powder.
- Mix rice flour with the reserved soaking liquid, salt, sugar, and peanut oil until smooth.
Step 3. Assemble and Steam the Taro Cake
- Combine 1/4 of the batter with the fried taro, and pour into a cake pan lined with double-layered aluminum foil.
- Steam for 30 minutes. Add another 1/2 of the batter and 1/3 of the topping; steam for 15 minutes.
- Add the remaining batter and topping; steam for another 15 minutes.
- Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds; steam for 5 minutes.
Step 4. Chill and Serve
- Cool completely, then refrigerate for at least a few hours or ideally overnight.
- Cut into slices and serve. You can pan-fry for extra deliciousness.
Read more: Sugar-Free Red Date Cake: A Healthy Chinese New Year Treat
Tips
- Wear gloves when peeling taro, as the exterior is slightly poisonous.
- Look for lighter taro with more purple specks for a tastier result.
- If lap yuk is hard to find, use all lap cheong.
- Do not use sticky rice flour; regular rice flour is needed.
- Add batter and topping in stages for even cooking and to prevent the topping from sinking.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I substitute the dried shrimp?
Yes, you can omit the dried shrimp entirely for a vegetarian version, or substitute with mushrooms or other savory vegetables for added flavor.
2. How do I store leftover taro cake?
Store leftover taro cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a steamer or microwave before serving.
3. What if my taro cake is too sticky?
This usually means you've added too much water or not enough rice flour. Next time, reduce the liquid slightly and increase the rice flour proportionally. You can also add a little more tapioca starch for better texture.
Making taro cake is a rewarding experience, connecting you to culinary traditions and creating a delicious dish to share. This recipe offers a delicious and authentic taro cake, perfect for any celebration or a simple family meal. Enjoy the satisfying chewiness and subtle flavors of your homemade taro cake!