Recipe

Step 1: Place flour in a large bowl. Make a well at the centre. In another bowl, dissolve brown sugar in boiling water. Pour sugar water into the well and stir to combine.

Step 2: Place dough on a work surface and lightly knead.

Step 3: Add cream as needed to make the dough more pliable.

Step 4: Add almonds and dried fruit, a little at a time, while kneading the dough.

Step 5: Work the dough to make sure the almonds and fruit are evenly distributed.

Step 6: Grease an 8″, deep, round casserole dish. Place dough in the dish and sprinkle with sesame seeds.

Step 7: Place dish on a steamer rack, cover and steam over boiling water 1 hour.

Step 8: Unmold cake and cool to room temperature. Refrigerate until ready to fry.

Step 9: Place chilled cake on a hard surface and cut into quarters. Cut quarters horizontally into three layers, then cut each layer into thin strips.

Step 10: Whisk together egg and water. Dip strips of cake in the egg wash.

Step 11: Add 2″ vegetable oil to a wok or skillet. Turn heat to high.

Step 12: When oil is hot, fry cake a few strips at a time until nicely browned. Serve immediately.

Reprinted with permission from Belinda Hulin and Kian Lam Kho’s Knack Chinese Cooking: A Step-by-Step Guide to Authentic Dishes Made Easy (2009 Knack).