Lunar New Year Fusion: Red Radish Rice Cake

Servings: 8 Portions

INGREDIENTS

450g red radish, shredded
10g dried shrimp
10g dried shiitake mushrooms (about 15 small pieces)
400g rice flour
2 tablespoons fried shallots
1 tablespoon soy sauce paste or soybean sauce
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon white pepper
750ml water + 125ml reserved mushroom water
1 tablespoon oil (for cooking) + 1 teaspoon oil (for greasing the container) + 1 teaspoon oil (for pan-frying)

INSTRUCTIONS

Soak the Dried Ingredients
In separate bowls, soak the dried shrimp and dried shiitake mushrooms in ½ cup of water each for about 10 minutes, or until softened. Reserve the mushroom soaking water for later use.

Prepare the Ingredients
Chop the rehydrated shrimp and thinly slice the softened mushrooms.

Sauté the Shrimp and Mushrooms
1. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a pan over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped dried shrimp and sliced shiitake mushrooms. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until the shrimp and shiitake mushrooms release their flavors.
3. Add the fried shallots and stir for another 1-2 minutes until aromatic.

Cook the Radish Mixture
1. Add the shredded red radish to the pan. Stir-fry for 2 minutes.
2. Add the soy sauce paste, salt, and white pepper. Continue stir-frying for 2 minutes, allowing the radish to soften and absorb the flavors.

Prepare the Rice Flour Mixture
1. In a bowl, mix 750ml of water with 125ml of reserved mushroom soaking water.
2. Gradually add the rice flour while stirring continuously to avoid lumps.

Combine and Cook the Mixture
1. Pour the rice flour mixture into the pan with the radish mixture.
2. Stir continuously for 5-6 minutes until the mixture thickens to a chunky, paste-like consistency with no visible liquid.

Prepare the Container
1. Grease a glass or baking container with 1 teaspoon of oil.
2. Transfer the radish mixture into the container, pressing it firmly to eliminate any air pockets.
3. Smooth the surface with a spatula.
4. Cover the container with a layer of aluminum foil.

Steam the Cake
Steam the radish cake for 40 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a chopstick into the center—if it comes out clean with no sticky rice mixture, it’s ready. Set it aside to cool completely.

Pan-Fry the Cake
1. Once cooled, cut the radish cake into slices about 2cm thick.
2. Heat 1 teaspoon of oil in a pan over medium heat. Pan-fry each slice for about 4 minutes per side, or until the surface turns lightly golden and crispy.

Serve
Serve the pan-fried radish cake hot, garnished with chopped coriander and accompanied by soy sauce paste for dipping.

Wishing you good luck and a Happy Lunar New Year!