step 1
If you are using dried scallops, add the Small Dried Scallops (8) in a small bowl and cover it with 1/4 cup of Water (1/4 cup). Make sure the scallops are fully immersed in the hot water. Keep it covered to ‘steam’ in the bowl for at least 30 minutes, or until soft.
step 2
Peel and remove the ends of the Daikon Radishes (6 1/3 cups). Cut the turnip into half or thirds to make it easier to cut.
step 3
Cut the smaller pieces in half lengthwise so that it can sit flat side down on the cutting board so it doesn’t roll around while you are cutting it. Cut them in to thin 2mm slices and the stack them 3-4 slices high and cut across into 2mm matchsticks.
step 4
Once the turnip has all been cut, add it to a bowl and add Salt (1 tsp) and massage it into the turnip. Give it a few good squeezes, you want to work the salt into the turnip to draw out the water and to soften the turnip so that it is pliable in the batter.
step 5
Set the turnip aside for 20 minutes and occasionally flip the turnip and massage the salt into it.
step 6
In a frying pan set to medium heat, brown and caramelize the Bacon (8 slices) and Onions (2) together. Once it has been browned and the onion has been caramelized, set it aside.
step 7
In a large bowl, combine the Rice Flour (2 cups), Corn Starch (2 Tbsp), Granulated Sugar (1 tsp) and Ground White Pepper (1/2 tsp).
step 8
Measure out 1 cup of turnip water from the turnip and add it into the flour mixture. If the turnip does not produce 1 cup of water, measure out the turnip water it produced and add water to it until it reaches 1 cup.
step 9
If you are using dried scallops, add in the scallop liquid as well. It should be a little less than 1/4 cup of water.
step 10
In a small bowl, mix Water (1/4 cup) with the White Miso Paste (1 Tbsp). Once the miso has fully dissolved into the water, add it into the bowl
step 11
Mix everything together until there are no lumps. The texture should be like a light pancake batter. If the batter is too thick, add in 1 tablespoon of water at a time and mix until it is the right consistency. If the batter is too runny, add in 1 extra tablespoon of rice flour at a time and mix until it is the right consistency. To check the consistency of the batter, coat the back of a spoon with it and run your finger through it. The line you create should stay intact.
step 12
Once you have the batter at the right consistency, add in the turnip, dried scallops, bacon, onions, and Sharp Cheddar Cheese (1 1/2 cups) and mix everything together. It will look like you don’t have enough batter but as long as everything is well coated with the batter, you should be good.
step 13
Oil the pan you are steaming the turnip cake in very well so that it doesn’t stick to the bottom. I like to cut out a small piece of parchment paper to place it on the bottom to be safe, and oil the sides of the pan very well. Steam in the steamer for 45 minutes to an hour.
step 14
Once it is finished steaming, let it cool in room temperature for an hour and then put it in the fridge to let it fully cool before removing it from the pan and cutting it. This is very important because the cheese makes the cake very soft and gooey when it is still warm, so you don’t want to work with it until the cheese has had a chance to harden in the fridge.
step 15
Once the turnip cake has had at least 3-4 hours to cool in the fridge remove it from the pan. You might need to run a spatula or knife around the sides of the pan. Then flip the pan upside down and wiggle it out.
step 16
Cut the turnip cake into 2 cm cubes, and pan-fry it in Frying Oil (as needed) on a non-stick pan over medium heat. If you have extra bacon fat from browning the bacon, you can use some of that as well with a bit of oil! Pan fry them until they are brown and crispy.
step 17
Garnish with Scallions (to taste) and Sesame Seeds (to taste). Enjoy immediately. Turnip cakes taste best when it is hot or still warm.
