Siopao, a popular Filipino dish, is a delicious and fluffy steamed bun filled with savory meat. Traditionally, siopao is cooked by steaming it in a large steamer. However, if you don’t have a steamer at home, you can still enjoy this delectable treat by using your rice cooker. In this beginner’s guide, we will walk you through the steps of cooking siopao in a rice cooker, so you can satisfy your cravings without any hassle.
Gather the Ingredients
Siopao Dough
To make siopao dough, you will need the following ingredients:
– 3 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tablespoon baking powder
– 1/4 cup white sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 cup lukewarm water
Siopao Filling
For the siopao filling, you can use various options such as:
– Asado: a savory filling made from pork simmered in a flavorful sauce
– Bola-bola: a meatball filling made from ground pork mixed with onions and other seasonings
Feel free to choose the filling that suits your taste buds or experiment with different variations.
Prepare the Siopao Dough
To begin, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt in a large mixing bowl. Mix these dry ingredients well using a whisk or a fork. Next, create a well in the center of the mixture.
In a separate bowl, combine the lukewarm water and vegetable oil. Gradually pour this mixture into the well in the dry ingredients. Use a spoon or your hands to combine the wet and dry ingredients until a soft dough is formed.
Transfer the dough onto a clean, floured surface and knead it for about 10 minutes. Kneading helps develop the gluten in the dough, giving your siopao a soft and fluffy texture. Once the dough is smooth and elastic, shape it into a ball.
Place the dough back into the mixing bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel. Let the dough rest for about 1 to 2 hours, allowing it to rise and double in size. This resting period is crucial for achieving light and fluffy siopao.
Prepare the Siopao Filling
While the siopao dough is resting, you can start preparing the filling of your choice. If you opt for asado filling, start by marinating the pork in a mixture of soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sugar, and other seasonings. Let the pork marinate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse.
After marinating, cook the pork in a pan over medium heat until it becomes tender. Stir occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the pan. Once the meat is cooked, shred it into smaller pieces. You can also add some finely chopped onions and garlic to enhance the flavors.
If you prefer bola-bola filling, mix ground pork with finely chopped onions, minced garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, and pepper. Shape the mixture into small meatballs, approximately one inch in diameter.
Assemble and Cook Siopao in Rice Cooker
Once the dough has doubled in size, it’s time to assemble your siopao. Punch down the dough to release any air bubbles and divide it into small portions. Roll each portion into a ball and flatten it using a rolling pin. Make sure the edges are thinner than the center to ensure the filling is fully enclosed.
Place a spoonful of your chosen filling in the center of each flattened dough portion. Gather the edges of the dough and pleat them together, creating a sealed bun. Remove any excess dough and roll the siopao gently in your hands to make it smooth and round.
Prepare your rice cooker by greasing the bottom with oil or lining it with a sheet of parchment paper to prevent sticking. Arrange the siopao buns in the rice cooker, leaving some space between each bun as they will expand during cooking.
Pour water into the rice cooker until it reaches a level just below the bottom of the siopao buns. This will provide the necessary steam for cooking the siopao.
Cover the rice cooker with its lid and turn it on. Set the rice cooker to the “cook” or “steam” mode, and let the siopao steam for about 20 to 25 minutes. Avoid opening the lid during the cooking process, as this may affect the steaming temperature.
Serve and Enjoy!
Once the cooking time is up, carefully remove the siopao from the rice cooker using a pair of tongs or a spatula. Allow them to cool for a few minutes, as the steam trapped inside can be extremely hot.
Serve your homemade siopao with your favorite dipping sauce, such as soy sauce or sweet chili sauce. These fluffy and flavorful buns make for a satisfying meal or snack that you can enjoy anytime.
Now that you know how to cook siopao in a rice cooker, you can easily recreate this Filipino delicacy in the comfort of your own kitchen. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different fillings and flavors to find your perfect siopao recipe. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced cook, making siopao in a rice cooker is a convenient and delicious way to enjoy this traditional dish.