How to Make Siopao

Siopao, a famous food item in the Philippines originated in China, literally meaning “steamed buns” from the word “sio” means hot or steam and “pao” which means buns. Siopao or steamed buns are made with a white dough and comes with a variety of fillings such as pork, chicken, beef, shrimp or salted duck eggs.

Homemade Siopao

Materials for the dough:

• 4 1/2 cups flour
• 1 1/4 cups warm water 3 tbsp. oil
• 3/4 cup sugar 1 tbsp. oil
• 1/4 tsp. salt 2 tsp. yeast

Materials for the filling:

• 1/4 kilo pork or chicken 4 tbsp. soy sauce
• 1/2 cup cooked beans
• 1 tbsp. Flour dissolved in 1 tbsp. water
• garlic, onions for sauting

Utensils:

• mixing bowl
• wide board for making dough
• square pieces of paper for each siopao

Procedure:

1. Dissolved the yeast and sugar in the warm water; set aside for 10-15 minutes.
2. Mix together sugar, salt, oil in the mixing bowl.
3. Add the dissolved yeast and half of the flour. Mix well.
4. Add more the remaining flour and mix well.
5. Knead the dough on the kneading board until smooth and fine.
6. Make a big ball from the dough and put in the bowl lined with oil. Apply oil also on the top of the dough.
7. Cover and let the dough rise within 30-40 minutes.
8. Flatten the dough, cut and make small balls. Let arise.
9. Flatten the balls, put 1 tbsp. filling in each and close. Put the ball on the square sheet of paper to keep it from sticking on the bottom of the pan.
10. Steam the balls for 10-15 minutes, depending on the size of the balls.

Procedures for the Filling:

1. Saute the garlic, onion, sliced pork or chicken.
2. Put in the beans, soy and a little water.
3. Before removing from the fire, pour in the dissolved flour for thickening. Stir well.