Steaming Siomai: Bamboo Steamer Secrets For Perfect Dumplings

Siomai, a traditional Chinese dumpling, is a popular dish in the Philippines. It is typically made with ground pork, shrimp, and mushrooms, and steamed in a bamboo steamer. However, if you don't own a steamer, there are alternative methods to achieve delicious results. Here are some tips for cooking siomai using a bamboo steamer or other creative techniques.

When using a bamboo steamer, line it with perforated parchment paper to prevent the dumplings from sticking. Prepare the filling by mixing ground pork, shrimp, and seasonings such as soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil. Add cornstarch to bind the mixture. Place a heaping tablespoon of filling in the centre of each wrapper, flatten the base, and seal the edges with water. Leave a small gap between each dumpling in the steamer and steam for 8-20 minutes.

If you don't have a bamboo steamer, you can use a pan with a heatproof plate, a microwave, or create a makeshift bamboo steamer setup. For the pan method, fill the pan with an inch of water, place a plate on top, arrange the siomai, cover, and steam for 15-20 minutes. For the microwave, arrange the siomai on a plate, cover, and cook on high for 2-3 minutes, checking for doneness. To create a makeshift bamboo steamer, use a large pot with a steaming rack or plate inside, fill with water, and steam for 15-20 minutes.

Prepare the steamer

To prepare the steamer, you'll need to decide whether to use a bamboo or stainless-steel steamer. If you're using bamboo, you'll need to line it with perforated parchment paper to prevent the dumplings from sticking. You can buy this in grocery stores or make your own by cutting regular parchment paper to the size of your steamer and punching holes in it with a hole punch or scissors. If you're using a stainless-steel steamer, brush the surface with vegetable oil.

If you don't have a steamer, you can create a makeshift setup using a large pot with a lid and a steaming rack or a heatproof plate that fits inside. You can also use a pan with a heatproof plate placed on top, or a microwave-safe plate covered with a damp paper towel.

Once your steamer is prepared, you'll need to fill it with the siomai, leaving a small gap between each dumpling. Top with finely grated carrots for a pop of colour.

Make the Shumai filling

Making the Shumai filling is a straightforward process, similar to making meatballs. Start by chopping the shrimp into coarse pieces—you can use a sharp knife or a food processor for this step. Combine the shrimp and pork in a mixing bowl, then season with salt. Mix the ingredients with your clean hands until the mixture becomes sticky. You can use food-grade gloves if you prefer.

Next, add the rest of the ingredients, including the vegetables. Continue mixing until all the ingredients are well combined. That's it! You now have a delicious Shumai filling that is ready to be wrapped and steamed.

• Ground pork, preferably with at least 20% fat for a juicy and flavorful texture.
• Fresh shrimp, as their flavor makes a big difference.
• Classic Chinese seasonings such as soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and Shaoxing wine.
• Cornstarch to bind the meat and keep it from falling apart.
• Carrots and green onions for color and added flavor. You can also add minced shiitake mushrooms, which are traditional in Chinese Shumai.

Wrap and steam

Now that you have assembled your siomai, it's time to steam them! Here is a step-by-step guide on how to wrap and steam your siomai using a bamboo steamer:

Prepare the bamboo steamer:

• Line the bamboo steamer with perforated parchment paper to prevent the dumplings from sticking. You can buy this in most grocery stores or make your own by cutting holes in a regular sheet of parchment paper using a hole punch or scissors.
• Alternatively, if you are using a metal steamer, line the steamer basket with steaming paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray to prevent the siomai from sticking.

Wrap the siomai:

• Place a wonton wrapper on a flat surface.
• Scoop a heaping tablespoon of the filling and place it in the centre of the wrapper.
• Press the filling down using a butter knife or spoon, creating a pouch. Add more filling as needed.
• If using a square wrapper, fold the protruding sides and seal them with water. You can skip this step if you are using round wrappers or if you don't mind the flappy edges.
• Place the dumpling on a flat surface and rotate it while gently squeezing at the waist to flatten the base so it can sit steadily in the steamer.

Steam the siomai:

• Place the dumplings directly into the steamer, leaving a small gap between each one. Top with finely grated carrots for a pop of colour.
• Cover the steamer and steam over boiling water for 8-20 minutes, until cooked through. The cooking time will depend on the size of your siomai and the method you are using.
• Serve immediately with your favourite dipping sauce!

Tips:

• You can also freeze your uncooked or cooked siomai for later. Place them on a tray and freeze for 2-3 hours, then transfer to a zip bag or airtight container. They will last for up to 3 months in the freezer.
• To reheat your siomai, steam them for 2-3 minutes or microwave them for 20-30 seconds until heated through.

Serve with a dipping sauce

Siomai is a traditional Chinese dumpling that has become a staple in the Philippines. It is typically served with a dipping sauce, such as soy sauce and calamansi, with the addition of chilli garlic paste also being recommended.

A basic Asian dipping sauce that is widely used and perfect for steamed dim sum is made from a combination of soy sauce, vinegar, and sesame oil. Chillies are sometimes added to this sauce to give it a kick.

Another option is a Filipino sauce made from a mixture of soy sauce, calamansi, and chilli oil.

A universal Asian dipping sauce is made from soy sauce, rice vinegar, and chilli. Sugar can be added to balance the flavour.

A tangy sweet chilli sauce is also commonly used as a dipping sauce for siomai in Singapore and other parts of the world.

Reheat siomai

To reheat siomai, you can use a few different methods, depending on the equipment you have available:

Using a Steamer

Place the siomai in a single layer in a steamer basket and cover it. Steam the dumplings for 2 to 3 minutes over high heat.

Using a Skillet

Place the siomai in a single layer in a skillet and add approximately 2 tablespoons of water. Cover the skillet and steam the dumplings for 2 to 3 minutes.

Using a Microwave

Place the siomai on a plate and cover them with a damp paper towel. Heat them in the microwave on medium power for 20 to 30 seconds.

Using a Rice Cooker

If your rice cooker has a steamer basket, you can use it to reheat your siomai. Simply place the dumplings in the basket, making sure they don't touch the water, and steam for 10 to 15 minutes.

No matter which method you choose, always make sure your siomai is heated through before serving. Enjoy your delicious, steaming-hot siomai!

Frequently asked questions