Gold Bar Daikon Radish Cake (Lo Bak Go): A Delightful Family-Style Dish

Growing up in a bustling Cantonese household, the aroma of steaming Gold Bar Daikon Radish Cake (Lo Bak Go) was a Sunday morning ritual I’ll never forget. My grandma would spend hours grating the daikon, mixing the batter, and carefully layering the cake in her trusty bamboo steamer. The resulting golden-hued slices, with their soft, springy texture and savory-sweet flavor, were the highlight of our family dim sum feasts.

As I got older and moved away, I found myself craving those comforting flavors more and more. That’s why I’m thrilled to share this foolproof recipe for Gold Bar Daikon Radish Cake (Lo Bak Go) – it’s the perfect way to bring a taste of my childhood right to your kitchen.

Why This Gold Bar Daikon Radish Cake (Lo Bak Go) Recipe Will Become Your Go-To

The Secret Behind Perfect Gold Bar Daikon Radish Cake (Lo Bak Go)

What sets this Gold Bar Daikon Radish Cake (Lo Bak Go) recipe apart is the perfect balance of textures and flavors. The key is in the grated daikon, which lends a delicate, slightly sweet crunch to the otherwise soft and pillowy cake. By steaming the batter instead of frying, you end up with a healthier, more authentic dim sum experience.

But the real magic happens when you slice into the golden cake and reveal the stunning “gold bar” pattern inside. This visual appeal, combined with the savory-sweet notes of soy sauce and white pepper, makes this dish an absolute showstopper. Trust me, your family and friends will be clamoring for seconds (and thirds!)

Essential Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 pound daikon radish, peeled and grated: The star of the show, daikon provides the backbone of this dish with its subtle sweetness and crisp texture.
• 1 cup rice flour: This gluten-free flour helps bind the batter and creates the signature soft, springy texture.
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce: A little soy sauce adds the perfect savory note to balance out the sweetness.
• 1 teaspoon salt: Simple seasoning to enhance all the flavors.
• 1/4 teaspoon white pepper: A touch of white pepper lends a warm, aromatic kick.
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil: Just a small amount of oil helps the batter come together smoothly.
• 2 cups water: The liquid that brings all the ingredients together into a pourable batter.

Step-by-Step Gold Bar Daikon Radish Cake (Lo Bak Go) Instructions

Preparing Your Gold Bar Daikon Radish Cake (Lo Bak Go)

With a prep time of just 15 minutes and a cook time of 45 minutes, this Gold Bar Daikon Radish Cake (Lo Bak Go) recipe comes together in under an hour. All you’ll need is a box grater, a large mixing bowl, and a steamer (either bamboo or metal).

1- Start by peeling and grating the daikon radish using the large holes of a box grater. Gather the grated daikon in your hands and gently squeeze out any excess moisture, then transfer it to a mixing bowl.
2- In the same bowl, whisk together the rice flour, soy sauce, salt, and white pepper until well combined. Slowly pour in the water and vegetable oil, stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
3- Grease a 9-inch round baking or pie dish with a bit of oil, then pour the batter into the prepared dish, smoothing the top with a spatula.
4- Set up your steamer and bring the water to a boil. Once the water is simmering, carefully lower the dish into the steamer and cover. Steam for 45 minutes, until the cake is firm to the touch and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
5- Remove the steamed cake from the steamer and let it cool for 5-10 minutes. Run a knife around the edges to loosen, then invert the cake onto a serving plate.
6- Slice the Gold Bar Daikon Radish Cake (Lo Bak Go) into wedges and serve warm, either on its own or with your favorite dipping sauces like soy sauce, chili oil, or hoisin.

Pro Tips for Success

1- Grate the daikon just before using it to ensure the best texture and flavor.
2- Squeeze out as much excess moisture from the grated daikon as possible to prevent a soggy cake.
3- Use a well-greased baking dish to make the cake easy to unmold.
4- Keep a close eye on the cake during steaming to avoid overcooking, which can dry it out.

Serving and Storing Your Gold Bar Daikon Radish Cake (Lo Bak Go)

Perfect Pairings for Gold Bar Daikon Radish Cake (Lo Bak Go)

This Gold Bar Daikon Radish Cake (Lo Bak Go) recipe serves 6 people, making it a fantastic shared dish for dim sum or as part of a larger Chinese feast. It pairs beautifully with other classic Cantonese small plates like shrimp dumplings, char siu pork buns, and steamed chicken feet. For beverages, a fragrant jasmine tea or a crisp, cold lager would be the perfect accompaniment.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Leftover Gold Bar Daikon Radish Cake (Lo Bak Go) can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Simply wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. To reheat, steam the slices for 5-10 minutes until heated through.

For longer-term storage, you can also freeze the cake for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Gold Bar Daikon Radish Cake (Lo Bak Go)

Creative Gold Bar Daikon Radish Cake (Lo Bak Go) Variations

• Savory Mushroom: Sauté diced shiitake or oyster mushrooms and mix them into the batter for an earthy, umami-packed twist.
• Spicy Sichuan: Add a tablespoon of Sichuan peppercorns and a pinch of red pepper flakes to the batter for a fiery, numbing version.
• Cheesy Delight: Fold in shredded cheddar or Parmesan cheese for a rich, indulgent take on the classic.
• Herbed Harvest: Mix in chopped fresh herbs like cilantro, scallions, or chives for a bright, fragrant flavor profile.

Making Gold Bar Daikon Radish Cake (Lo Bak Go) Diet-Friendly

For a gluten-free version, simply substitute the rice flour with your favorite gluten-free flour blend. To make it vegan, replace the egg with a flax or chia “egg” (1 tablespoon ground flax or chia seeds mixed with 3 tablespoons water). And for a low-carb adaptation, use a combination of grated daikon and riced cauliflower in place of the rice flour.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use a different type of radish besides daikon?
A: While daikon is the traditional choice, you can experiment with other varieties of radish, such as red or black radish. Just keep in mind that the texture and flavor may vary slightly.

Q: How long does it take to steam the Gold Bar Daikon Radish Cake (Lo Bak Go)?
A: The cake needs to steam for 45 minutes to ensure it’s fully cooked through and has a firm, springy texture.

Q: Can I make the Gold Bar Daikon Radish Cake (Lo Bak Go) ahead of time?
A: Yes, the cake can be made up to 5 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Simply reheat the slices in a steamer for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Q: How many servings does this Gold Bar Daikon Radish Cake (Lo Bak Go) recipe make?
A: This recipe yields 6 servings, making it a great shared dish for a family or small gathering.

Q: What if my Gold Bar Daikon Radish Cake (Lo Bak Go) turns out too dense or dry?
A: If the cake is too dense, you may need to add a bit more water to the batter. And if it’s dry, try steaming it for a shorter amount of time or covering the steamer to maintain moisture.

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Conclusion

With its delicate texture, subtle sweetness, and eye-catching presentation, this Gold Bar Daikon Radish Cake (Lo Bak Go) recipe is a true Cantonese treasure. Whether you’re serving it at a dim sum spread or enjoying it as a cozy weekend brunch, I guarantee it will become a new family favorite. So don’t wait – gather your ingredients and get ready to create a taste of Hong Kong right in your own kitchen. And be sure to let me know how it turns out in the comments below!