Picture a warm, inviting kitchen filled with the aromatic scent of garlic mingling with sesame oil.
There’s something comforting about preparing Pap Siomay, an Indonesian appetizer that’s both simple to make and incredibly satisfying.
As you combine minced fish, tapioca flour, and spices, watch how these humble ingredients transform into mouthwatering siomay parcels.
Let’s bring this delightful dish to life and enjoy the flavors of Indonesia in your home.
Kitchen Tools Required
- 1 large mixing bowl
- 1 steamer
- 1 sharp knife
- 1 cutting board
- 1 measuring cup
- 1 tablespoon
Ingredients
- 250 grams fish fillet, minced
- 100 grams tapioca flour
- 1 egg, beaten
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon white pepper
- 100 grams cabbage leaves
- 100 grams tofu, cut into cubes
- 4 pieces of boiled potatoes, quartered
- 200 grams peanut sauce
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
Cook & Prep Time
To efficiently manage your time while preparing and cooking Pap Siomay, you can follow this timeline:
- Reading & Planning (5 minutes)
- Read through the entire recipe to understand the steps and ingredients required.
- Ingredient Preparation (10 minutes)
- Gather all ingredients and equipment.
- Mince the fish fillet and garlic.
- Beat the egg.
- Cut the tofu into cubes, quarter the boiled potatoes, and cut the lime into wedges.
- Mixing Ingredients (10 minutes)
- In a large mixing bowl, combine minced fish, tapioca flour, beaten egg, minced garlic, sesame oil, soy sauce, salt, sugar, and white pepper.
- Mix well until a smooth dough forms.
- Preparing Cabbage Leaves (5 minutes)
- Cut cabbage leaves into small pieces.
- Filling and Folding (5 minutes)
- Fill each cabbage leaf with a spoonful of fish mixture and fold to form a neat parcel.
- Steaming Preparation (5 minutes)
- Prepare the steamer and bring water to a boil.
- Steaming (40 minutes)
- Place the cabbage parcels, tofu cubes, and boiled potato quarters into the steamer.
- Steam for about 40 minutes until cooked through.
- Resting (10 minutes)
- Remove the steamer from heat and let the siomay rest for 10 minutes.
- Serving (5 minutes)
- Serve the siomay with peanut sauce and lime wedges on the side.
Feel free to adjust the timeline as needed to suit your pace and kitchen setup.
For ideal results, verify you have all ingredients ready before starting and follow the timeline to keep the process smooth and efficient.
Recipe Instructions
In a large mixing bowl, combine minced fish fillet, tapioca flour, beaten egg, minced garlic, sesame oil, soy sauce, salt, sugar, and white pepper.
Mix the ingredients well until a smooth dough forms.
Prepare the steamer and bring water to a boil.
Cut cabbage leaves into small pieces and place on the cutting board.
Fill each cabbage leaf with a spoonful of fish mixture and fold it to form a neat parcel.
Place the cabbage parcels, tofu cubes, and boiled potato quarters into the steamer.
Steam the siomay parcels and accompaniments for about 40 minutes until cooked through.
Remove the steamer from heat and let the siomay rest for 10 minutes.
Serve the siomay with peanut sauce and lime wedges on the side.
Serving Tips
- Steamed Rice: Pair the siomay with steamed rice for a heartier meal.
- Chili Sauce: Add a kick by serving with a side of spicy chili sauce for those who enjoy extra heat.
- Fresh Vegetables: Accompany with sliced cucumbers and tomatoes for a revitalizing contrast.
- Fried Shallots: Sprinkle fried shallots on top for added crunch and flavor.
- Sweet Soy Sauce: Drizzle sweet soy sauce over the siomay for a hint of sweetness.
Storage
To store Pap Siomay, let it cool completely.
Then, transfer to an airtight container.
Refrigerate for up to two days.
Reheat by steaming to maintain texture and flavor.
Freezing
To freeze Pap Siomay, allow it to cool completely.
Then wrap individually in plastic wrap.
Place in an airtight container.
Freeze for up to three months.
Thaw before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat Pap Siomay, steam for 5-10 minutes until warmed through.
Alternatively, microwave with a damp paper towel to maintain moisture.
Avoid overcooking to preserve texture and flavor.
Final Thoughts
Pap Siomay is a delightful Indonesian appetizer that combines the flavors of fish, tofu, and vegetables.
It’s a versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a light snack or a starter before a main meal.
The combination of savory fish parcels, creamy tofu, and tender potatoes, all complemented by a rich peanut sauce, offers a satisfying culinary experience.
By following the recipe, you can recreate this traditional dish at home with ease.
Remember, the key to a perfect Pap Siomay lies in the quality of the ingredients and the balance of flavors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Chicken Instead of Fish for the Siomay?
You can definitely use chicken instead of fish for the siomay. Just mince the chicken finely and adjust the seasoning to taste. Make sure it’s mixed well with the other ingredients for a smooth and flavorful result.
How Do I Make Homemade Peanut Sauce for Siomay?
You can make homemade peanut sauce by blending roasted peanuts, garlic, chili, soy sauce, sugar, and lime juice. Add water gradually until smooth. Adjust the seasoning to your taste for a perfect complement to your dish.
What Are Common Toppings for Indonesian Siomay?
You’ll find common toppings for Indonesian siomay include peanut sauce, sweet soy sauce, and a squeeze of lime. Enhance flavors with fried shallots, chili paste, or a sprinkle of chopped scallions for extra texture and taste.
Is There a Vegetarian Version of Siomay?
You can make a vegetarian siomay by replacing fish with mashed tofu or tempeh. Incorporate mushrooms for depth, and adjust seasonings to taste. Steam as usual and serve with peanut sauce and lime for a flavorful dish.
Can I Substitute Tapioca Flour With Another Type of Flour?
You can substitute tapioca flour with cornstarch or potato starch. Both provide a similar texture, but cornstarch may be more accessible. Make sure to mix well for a cohesive dough, maintaining the original dish’s smoothness and flavor.

Pap Siomay
Equipment
- 1 large mixing bowl
- 1 Steamer
- 1 sharp knife
- 1 Cutting board
- 1 measuring cup
- 1 tablespoon
Ingredients
- 250 grams fish fillet minced
- 100 grams tapioca flour
- 1 egg beaten
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon white pepper
- 100 grams cabbage leaves
- 100 grams tofu cut into cubes
- 4 pieces boiled potatoes quartered
- 200 grams peanut sauce
- 1 lime cut into wedges
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine minced fish fillet, tapioca flour, beaten egg, minced garlic, sesame oil, soy sauce, salt, sugar, and white pepper.
- Mix the ingredients well until a smooth dough forms.
- Prepare the steamer and bring water to a boil.
- Cut cabbage leaves into small pieces and place on the cutting board.
- Fill each cabbage leaf with a spoonful of fish mixture and fold it to form a neat parcel.
- Place the cabbage parcels, tofu cubes, and boiled potato quarters into the steamer.
- Steam the siomay parcels and accompaniments for about 40 minutes until cooked through.
- Remove the steamer from heat and let the siomay rest for 10 minutes.
- Serve the siomay with peanut sauce and lime wedges on the side.