Luto-Luto: Siopao

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 SIOPAO

Siopao is simply a steamed bun with beef, chicken, or pork filling. In America, there are many variations of siopao and is even available fresh in Filipino bakeries or frozen in freezer aisles of Asian supermarkets. Apart from the bun, you can get creative with the filling to satisfy your craving. 


INGREDIENTS

PROCESS

3 ½ cup all-purpose flour

1.    In a deep mixing bowl, mix flour, sugar, and salt.

2.    Mix-in yeast.

½ cup sugar

½ tsp. salt

1 (2.5 oz.) active dry yeast

1 cup water, lukewarm

3.    Add water and oil into mixture.

4.    Mold into dough. Knead for at least 10 minutes until dough is smooth and elastic.

¼ cup vegetable oil

1 tsp. vegetable oil (as needed)

5.    Brush oil around large bowl. 

6.    Place dough in bowl.

7.    Cover and proof or place in warm area for about 1 hour until dough doubles in size.

While dough is proofing, prepare the chicken or pork filling.

2 tbsp. olive oil

8.    On stovetop, heat olive oil on medium heat.

1 onion, chopped

9.    Sauté onion and garlic for about 5 minutes.

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 ¼ pork loin, diced

OR

2 ¼ lbs. chicken thigs, diced

10. Add pork/chicken. Cook for about 5 minutes.

¼ cup soy sauce

11.Add soy sauce and sugar.

12.Season with salt and pepper.

13.Simmer for 10 minutes.

14.Let cool before putting in dough.

1 tbsp. sugar

Salt and black pepper to taste

While filling is cooling, go back to the dough.

 

15.Punch dough to remove excess air.

16.Proof dough for 15 more minutes.

17.Knead dough.

18.Cut dough into about 12 golf-sized balls.

By this time, filling may have cooled and is ready to be placed in dough.

OPTIONAL: Chinese sausage and hard-boiled quail eggs, sliced

19.Put filling (and slices of Chinese sausage and quail eggs) in the middle of the dough ball.

20.Twist edges to enclose the filling fully inside the dough.

3x3’’ wax paper

21.Put wax paper under the thinnest part of the filled dough. This will help sealing the filling while steaming.

 

22.Place wax paper on steamer.

23.Steam for about 30 minutes.

STORAGE: Store in airtight container and store in refrigerator for up to 3 days.

ENJOY J