Imagine the smell of savory pork mingling with the sweetness of shrimp and the crunch of water chestnuts as you prepare Filipino Siomai.
This simple yet comforting appetizer is a favorite for its delightful blend of textures and flavors.
As the steam works its magic, each wonton transforms into a tender, juicy bite, making it hard to resist.
Let’s bring this delightful dish to life and savor every moment together.
Kitchen Tools Required
- 1 Steamer
- 1 Mixing bowl
- 1 Wooden spoon
- 1 Small brush
Ingredients
- 500 grams ground pork
- 100 grams shrimp, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup carrots, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup onions, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup water chestnuts, finely chopped
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 30 pieces wonton wrappers
Cook & Prep Time
To efficiently manage your time while preparing and cooking Filipino siomai, follow this timeline:
Timeline:
- Reading and Preparation (5 minutes):
- Read through the entire recipe to understand the steps and gather all necessary ingredients and kitchen tools.
- Confirm your steamer is ready and accessible.
- Mixing Ingredients (10 minutes):
- In a mixing bowl, combine ground pork, shrimp, carrots, onions, and water chestnuts.
- Add egg, soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, and black pepper to the mixture.
- Mix thoroughly using a wooden spoon until well combined.
- Wrapping Siomai (5 minutes):
- Place about a tablespoon of the mixture onto the center of each wonton wrapper.
- Gather the edges of the wrapper around the filling and gently press to form a cup shape, leaving the filling exposed at the top.
- Preparing the Steamer (2 minutes):
- Lightly brush the steamer with oil to prevent sticking.
- Steaming Siomai (15 minutes):
- Arrange the siomai in the steamer, ensuring they don’t touch each other.
- Steam the siomai over boiling water for 15 minutes or until fully cooked.
- Resting and Serving (5 minutes):
- Allow the siomai to rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Consider preparing a dipping sauce with soy sauce, calamansi juice, and chili garlic oil during this time.
Adjust the timing as needed based on your pace and any additional garnishes you might want to add.
Recipe Instructions
Combine ground pork, shrimp, carrots, onions, and water chestnuts in a mixing bowl.
Add egg, soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, and black pepper to the mixture.
Mix thoroughly using a wooden spoon.
Place about a tablespoon of the mixture onto the center of each wonton wrapper.
Gather the edges of the wrapper around the filling and gently press to form a cup shape, leaving the filling exposed at the top.
Lightly brush the steamer with oil to prevent sticking.
Arrange the siomai in the steamer, ensuring they don’t touch each other.
Steam the siomai over boiling water for 15 minutes or until fully cooked.
Allow the siomai to rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Serving Tips
- Soy Sauce and Calamansi Dipping Sauce: A classic and tangy accompaniment that enhances the flavor of the siomai.
- Chili Garlic Oil: Adds a spicy kick and aromatic depth to the dish.
- Steamed Rice: Complements the siomai and makes for a satisfying meal.
- Fresh Vegetables: Serve with sliced cucumbers or pickled vegetables for a revitalizing contrast.
- Ginger Tea: A warm, soothing drink that pairs well with the savory taste of siomai.
Storage
To store siomai, allow them to cool completely.
Then place in an airtight container.
Refrigerate for up to three days or freeze for longer storage.
Reheat by steaming before serving.
Freezing
To freeze siomai, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
Then, transfer to an airtight container.
Steam directly from frozen when ready to eat.
Reheating
To reheat siomai, steam them for about 5 minutes.
Alternatively, use a microwave with a damp paper towel over them to retain moisture and prevent drying out.
Final Thoughts
Siomai is a popular Filipino appetizer that’s both flavorful and easy to prepare.
This recipe combines ground pork, shrimp, and a variety of finely chopped vegetables to create a delicious filling wrapped in wonton wrappers.
To guarantee the best texture, be careful not to over-compress the filling when wrapping.
Using fresh ingredients will enhance the flavor of the siomai.
For an authentic Filipino dining experience, serve the siomai with a dipping sauce made from soy sauce, calamansi juice, and chili garlic oil.
Enjoy this delightful dish as a starter or a snack, and share it with family and friends.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Substitute Ground Chicken for Ground Pork in Siomai?
Yes, you can substitute ground chicken for ground pork in siomai. Make certain the chicken is finely ground for even texture. Adjust seasoning, as chicken might require more flavor. Monitor steaming time; chicken cooks faster than pork.
How Can I Make the Siomai Filling Spicier?
To make the siomai filling spicier, add finely chopped chili peppers or a teaspoon of chili powder to the mixture. Incorporate them thoroughly with the other ingredients, ensuring even distribution for a consistent, spicy kick.
What Is a Good Vegetarian Alternative for Siomai?
Replace the pork and shrimp with finely chopped mushrooms, tofu, and cabbage. Mix these with carrots, onions, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Follow the same wrapping and steaming method, ensuring the mixture is evenly distributed for consistent texture.
How Do I Prevent the Wonton Wrappers From Tearing?
To prevent wonton wrappers from tearing, guarantee they’re at room temperature for pliability. Moisten edges with water before folding, avoiding overfilling. Handle gently during wrapping, and lightly oil the steamer to minimize sticking during cooking.
Can I Use an Air Fryer Instead of a Steamer for Siomai?
You can use an air fryer instead of a steamer. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F. Arrange siomai in a single layer, ensuring they don’t touch. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, checking for doneness and adjusting time if necessary.
Siomai Recipe Filipino
Equipment
- 1 Steamer
- 1 Mixing bowl
- 1 Wooden spoon
- 1 Small brush
Ingredients
- 500 grams ground pork
- 100 grams shrimp finely chopped
- 1/4 cup carrots finely chopped
- 1/4 cup onions finely chopped
- 1/4 cup water chestnuts finely chopped
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 30 pieces wonton wrappers
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine ground pork, shrimp, carrots, onions, and water chestnuts.
- Add egg, soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, and black pepper to the mixture, and mix thoroughly using a wooden spoon.
- Place about a tablespoon of the mixture onto the center of each wonton wrapper.
- Gather the edges of the wrapper around the filling and gently press to form a cup shape, leaving the filling exposed at the top.
- Lightly brush the steamer with oil to prevent sticking.
- Arrange the siomai in the steamer, making sure they do not touch each other.
- Steam the siomai over boiling water for 15 minutes or until fully cooked.
- Allow the siomai to rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
