Siopao Filipino Steamed Dumplings Recipe

All-purpose flour: The base for the dough, providing structure and texture.

Sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness to the dough and filling.

Yeast: Helps the dough rise, making it light and fluffy.

Warm water: Activates the yeast and helps form the dough.

Milk: Adds richness and moisture to the dough.

Vegetable oil: Keeps the dough soft and pliable.

Cooked pork: The main protein for the filling, providing a savory flavor.

Soy sauce: Adds saltiness and depth to the filling.

Oyster sauce: Contributes a unique umami flavor to the filling.

Cornstarch: Thickens the filling mixture.

Water: Used to dissolve the cornstarch and create a smooth filling.

When kneading the dough, ensure you use the heel of your hand to push it away from you, then fold it back over itself. This technique helps develop the gluten, giving the siopao a better texture. If the dough feels too sticky, lightly dust your hands and the surface with flour. Conversely, if it feels too dry, add a few drops of water until it reaches the right consistency.

• all-purpose flour - Substitute with bread flour: Bread flour has a higher protein content, which can give the dough a chewier texture.

• sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey adds a different flavor profile and can also help with browning.

• yeast - Substitute with baking powder: Baking powder can be used as a leavening agent, though the texture may be slightly different.

• warm water - Substitute with warm milk: Warm milk can add a richer flavor to the dough.

• milk - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk is a good dairy-free alternative that still provides a creamy texture.

• vegetable oil - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil can add a slightly different flavor but works well as a fat component.

• cooked pork - Substitute with cooked chicken: Cooked chicken is a leaner option and can easily absorb the flavors of the sauces.

• soy sauce - Substitute with tamari: Tamari is a gluten-free alternative that has a similar salty and umami flavor.

• oyster sauce - Substitute with hoisin sauce: Hoisin sauce is sweeter but can provide a similar depth of flavor.

• cornstarch - Substitute with arrowroot powder: Arrowroot powder is a good thickening agent and is also gluten-free.

• water - Substitute with chicken broth: Chicken broth can add more flavor to the filling mixture.

• Allow the siopao to cool completely at room temperature before storing. This prevents condensation from forming inside the storage container, which could make the buns soggy.

• For short-term storage, place the siopao in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat by steaming for about 5 minutes or until heated through.

• For longer storage, freezing is the best option. Individually wrap each siopao in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Place the wrapped buns in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, about 2 hours.

• Once the siopao are frozen solid, transfer them to a large resealable freezer bag or an airtight container. Label the bag or container with the date to keep track of freshness. The siopao can be frozen for up to 2 months.

• To reheat frozen siopao, remove the desired number of buns from the freezer and let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Alternatively, you can steam them directly from frozen. Place the frozen buns in a steamer and steam for 20-25 minutes or until heated through.

• For a quick reheating method, you can microwave the siopao. Place a damp paper towel over the bun and microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking frequently to avoid overcooking.

• Steaming Method:

  1. Fill a steamer with water and bring it to a boil.
  2. Place the leftover siopao on a steaming rack, ensuring they do not touch each other.
  3. Cover and steam for about 10 minutes or until heated through.
  4. Enjoy the siopao as if they were freshly made, with the dough soft and the filling warm.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place the siopao on a microwave-safe plate.
  2. Cover with a damp paper towel to keep the dough moist.
  3. Microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through.
  4. Let it sit for a minute before serving to allow the heat to distribute evenly.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Wrap each siopao in aluminum foil to prevent them from drying out.
  3. Place them on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes.
  4. Unwrap and enjoy the warm, fluffy siopao.

• Pan Method:

  1. Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat.
  2. Add a small amount of water to the pan and place the siopao in it.
  3. Cover the pan with a lid to create steam.
  4. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, adding more water if necessary to prevent burning.
  5. Serve immediately, enjoying the slightly crispy bottom and warm filling.

• Mixing bowl: Used to combine the flour, sugar, and yeast with the warm water and milk to form the dough.

• Measuring cups: Essential for accurately measuring the flour, water, and milk.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure the sugar, yeast, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and cornstarch.

• Wooden spoon: Handy for mixing the dough ingredients together before kneading.

• Clean surface: Necessary for kneading the dough until it becomes smooth.

• Kitchen towel: Used to cover the dough while it rises for an hour.

• Knife: Needed to dice the cooked pork for the filling.

• Small saucepan: Used to cook the filling mixture until it thickens.

• Steamer: Essential for steaming the buns to perfection.

• Parchment paper: Can be used to line the steamer to prevent the buns from sticking.

• Rolling pin: Useful for flattening each piece of dough before adding the filling.

• Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for dicing the pork and preparing the dough pieces.

Prepare the filling ahead: Cook and thicken the pork filling the night before to save time on assembly day.

Use a stand mixer: Knead the dough using a stand mixer with a dough hook to cut down on manual labor and time.

Pre-cut parchment squares: Prepare small squares of parchment paper to place under each bun in the steamer, preventing sticking and saving cleanup time.

Batch steaming: Steam multiple siopao at once if your steamer is large enough, reducing the total cooking time.