Description
Siopao is a beloved Filipino steamed bun, filled with savory fillings such as pork, chicken, or beef. This recipe will guide you through creating soft, fluffy buns packed with delicious flavor. Whether you’re making Siopao for a snack, appetizer, or main dish, this step-by-step guide ensures a perfect result every time.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Siopao Dough:
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon instant yeast
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 cup warm water (110°F or 45°C)
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
For the Siopao Filling (Pork Asado):
- 1 lb (450g) pork belly, cut into small cubes
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening the sauce)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 hard-boiled eggs, sliced
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1½ cups water
Instructions
Make the Dough:
- In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, and yeast.
- In a separate small bowl, mix the warm water with a pinch of sugar, then sprinkle the yeast over it. Wait 5 minutes for the yeast to activate.
- Add the yeast mixture and vegetable oil to the dry ingredients and stir until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough for 8-10 minutes on a floured surface until it is smooth and elastic.
- Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rise for 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
Prepare the Filling:
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet. Add onions and garlic, sautéing until softened.
- Add the pork cubes and cook until browned on all sides.
- Stir in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, and sugar. Add 1½ cups of water and simmer for 20-25 minutes until the pork is tender and the sauce thickens. Optional: Stir in cornstarch to thicken the sauce further.
- Let the filling cool and mix in the hard-boiled egg slices.
Assemble the Siopao:
- Punch down the dough and divide it into 10-12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball.
- Flatten each dough ball into a 4-5 inch circle using a rolling pin.
- Place a spoonful of the pork filling in the center of each dough disc and fold the edges together, pinching them to seal.
- Place each Siopao on a square of parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Steam the Siopao:
- Prepare a steamer by bringing water to a boil. Arrange the Siopao in the steamer, leaving some space between them.
- Cover and steam for 15-20 minutes or until the buns are soft and fully cooked.
Serve:
- Carefully remove the Siopao from the steamer and serve hot.
Notes
- Dough Texture: Ensure the dough is soft and not too sticky. If necessary, adjust with additional flour or water.
- Filling Variations: You can substitute pork with chicken, beef, or a vegetarian filling.
- Resting the Dough: Be patient while the dough rises to achieve a light and airy texture.
- Steaming Tips: Do not overcrowd the steamer to allow the Siopao to expand without sticking.
- Prep Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Snack, Appetizer, Main Dish
- Method: Steaming
- Cuisine: Filipino
Keywords: Siopao, Filipino steamed buns, pork asado, Siopao recipe, homemade Siopao, steamed buns, Filipino recipes.