Water Chestnut Cake (Ma Tai Gou)
Translucent, bouncy squares of steamed water chestnut cake, crisp-fried and served with a sprinkling of sugar or sweet syrup.
- Time1 hr 15
- LevelEasy
- Costabout £0.38 a head
Cost is worked out from Aldi and Tesco shelf prices in October 2026. Your shop and brands will differ.
Ingredients
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Method
- 1
Oil an 18 cm square tin. Set up a steamer large enough to hold the tin.
- 2
Mix the cornflour with 300 ml of cold water in a bowl until smooth.
- 3
Bring the other 300 ml of water to the boil with the sugar and chopped water chestnuts, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
- 4
Pour the hot syrup slowly into the cornflour mixture, stirring all the time, until smooth and slightly thickened. Pour into the tin.
- 5
Steam over a steady simmer for 30 minutes, until the cake turns translucent and firm.
30 min - 6
Cool, then chill for at least 2 hours. Cut into squares and pan fry in a little oil for 2 to 3 minutes a side until golden.
120 min
Double check before you cook. Recipes can contain mistakes. Any diet labels come from the ingredients as written in this recipe and are a guide, not a guarantee. Always check every ingredient and the packet label for allergens and cross contamination, and ask your doctor or dietitian what is right for you, especially with coeliac disease, diabetes or a serious allergy. This is not medical advice.
