Steaming Siomai: A Guide To Cooking Perfection

Siomai is a type of Chinese dumpling that is extremely popular in the Philippines. It is usually made with ground pork, shrimp, and egg, and is cooked by steaming. The process of making siomai is quite simple: you mix all the ingredients together, secure them in a wrapper, and steam them for 15-20 minutes. Siomai can be served as a snack, appetizer, or main dish, and is typically paired with a dipping sauce made of soy sauce and calamansi, with a spoonful of spicy chili garlic paste.

How to make the filling for siomai

Making the filling for siomai is a simple process, similar to making meatballs. You can use a variety of fillings, but a common one includes ground pork, shrimp, and classic Chinese seasonings. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make the filling for siomai:

Ingredients:

• Ground pork (preferably with at least 20% fat for a juicy and flavorful texture)
• Shrimp (use fresh or raw shrimp for the best flavor)
• Flavorings such as soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and Shaoxing wine
• Cornstarch (to bind and keep the meat from falling apart)
• Vegetables such as carrots, green onions, and shiitake mushrooms (for color, flavor, and texture)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Chop the shrimp into coarse pieces using a sharp knife. Don't worry about being too precise; you can also use a food processor if you prefer.
• In a large mixing bowl, combine the shrimp and pork, then season with salt.
• With clean hands, mix the ingredients until the mixture becomes sticky. You can use food-grade gloves if you prefer.
• Add the rest of the ingredients, including the vegetables, to the mixing bowl.
• Continue mixing until all the ingredients are well combined.

And that's it! You now have a delicious siomai filling that is ready to be wrapped and steamed. Remember, siomai fillings can be versatile, so feel free to experiment with different ingredients and flavors to create your unique version.

How to wrap siomai

To wrap siomai, start by preparing your filling. You can use a variety of ingredients, such as ground pork, shrimp, beef, chicken, or vegetables. Once you have your filling mixed, you can begin assembling the siomai.

Take a wonton wrapper and spoon about 1 tablespoon of the filling into the centre. If you are using square wrappers, simply fold the corners into the centre and seal the edges by wetting them with water. If you are using round wrappers, you will need to shape them first so that the edges overlap. Then, bring two opposite corners towards each other so they meet in the centre, followed by the other two corners. Seal the sides by wetting your fingers and running them along the edges.

Try to push out any air trapped between the filling and the wrapper to prevent air pockets from forming during steaming. Finally, wrap the corners along the bottom of the siomai by dipping your fingers in water and folding the corners down and to the right. Repeat this process for each corner, ensuring they are all wrapped in the same direction.

Squeeze the siomai gently and unfurl the wrapper near the top to expose about 1 inch of the filling. Repeat this process until you have used up all your filling.

How to steam siomai

Siomai is a traditional Chinese dumpling that has become a staple in the Philippines. It is usually made with ground pork, shrimp, and a variety of vegetables and seasonings. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to steam siomai:

Preparing the Steamer:

Before you start making the siomai, it is important to prepare your steamer. If you are using a bamboo steamer, line it with perforated parchment paper to prevent the dumplings from sticking. You can also use a stainless steel steamer brushed with vegetable oil. If you are using a metal steamer basket, you will need to place it inside a pot. For a bamboo steamer, you can place it directly onto a skillet or inside a pot. Make sure to bring 2 inches (5 cm) of water to a boil in the pot or skillet.

Assembling the Siomai:

The first step in assembling the siomai is to prepare the filling. Combine the ground pork, shrimp, and vegetables in a mixing bowl and mix until all the ingredients are well blended. You can also add other ingredients like mushrooms, water chestnuts, or onions for extra flavor and texture. Once the filling is ready, you can start assembling the dumplings.

Take a wonton wrapper and spoon 1 tablespoon of the filling into the center. If you are using square wrappers, you will need to wet the edges and fold the corners towards the center, sealing the sides by running your fingers along the edges with water. For round wrappers, simply gather the sides around the filling and seal with water. Repeat this process until you have assembled all the siomai.

Steaming the Siomai:

Once you have assembled all the siomai, it's time to steam them. Arrange the dumplings in the steamer basket, leaving about 1/2 inch (1.3 cm) between each dumpling. You can place a piece of napa cabbage at the bottom of the steamer to prevent sticking. Put the steamer into the pot or place the bamboo steamer directly onto the skillet, and cover it. Steam the siomai for 15 to 20 minutes, making sure that the boiling water doesn't touch the bottom of the steamer. You may need to steam the dumplings in batches.

Serving the Siomai:

Once the siomai are done, remove them from the steamer and arrange them on a serving plate. Siomai is typically served with a dipping sauce made of soy sauce, calamansi, and chili oil. You can also serve it with rice or as an appetizer or snack.

How to store siomai

Siomai is a type of dumpling, and like most dumplings, it can be stored in a few different ways. If you're storing cooked siomai, it's best to keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it will last for up to three days. You can reheat it in a steamer or microwave before serving.

If you want to store uncooked siomai, freezing is a great option. Place the uncooked siomai in a single layer on a large plate or tray, making sure there is space between each piece so they don't stick together. Put the plate or tray in the freezer until the siomai is frozen solid. Then, transfer the frozen pieces into a freezer bag and keep them in the freezer for up to three months. This method works especially well for uncooked siomai, as storing uncooked siomai in the refrigerator can make it soggy and cause the moisture from the filling to leak.

How to reheat siomai

Siomai is a traditional Chinese dumpling that has become a popular dish in the Philippines. It is typically made with ground pork, shrimp, and mushrooms, and served with a dipping sauce made from soy sauce and calamansi. While siomai is usually cooked by steaming, it can also be fried.

If you have leftover siomai, you can easily reheat it using a few different methods. Here are some detailed instructions on how to reheat siomai:

Using a Steamer:

• Remove the desired number of siomai pieces from the bag or container.
• Place them in a single layer on a steamer basket, leaving a little space between each piece.
• Cover the steamer with a lid and cook at steam mode for 10-20 minutes, depending on the number of pieces.
• Allow the siomai to stand for about a minute before handling to ensure it reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F.

Using a Microwave:

• Take the required number of siomai pieces out of the bag and place them in a microwave-safe container.
• Arrange the siomai in a single layer with the open surface facing up.
• Cover the container with a moist paper towel to ensure even heating and prevent splattering.
• Microwave for 1.5 minutes for 1-5 pieces. Add 1 minute of cooking time for each additional piece.
• Let the siomai stand for 30 seconds to 1 minute before handling.
• Check the internal temperature with a food thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F.
• Consume the siomai within 5 minutes of reheating for the best quality.

Using a Skillet:

• Place the desired number of siomai pieces in a single layer in a skillet or frying pan.
• Pour a small amount of water into the pan, about 2 tablespoons.
• Cover the pan with a lid and cook over medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes.
• Remove the lid and check if the siomai is heated through. Add more water if needed.
• Transfer the siomai to a serving plate and enjoy!

Pan-Frying or Deep-Frying:

If you prefer your siomai fried, you can also reheat it by pan-frying or deep-frying. Simply heat some oil in a pan over medium heat and fry the siomai until it turns golden and crispy. This method is great if you want to add a bit of crunch to your siomai.

Frequently asked questions