Asado Siopao,Filipino Steamed Pork Buns
Asado Siopao, also known as steamed pork buns, is a beloved Filipino snack. These soft, fluffy buns are filled with savoury pork . This dish is a perfect blend of flavours and textures. The softness of the buns is the most crucial part of this dish. You can prepare this dish with many types of filling, but pork meat is preferable in the Filipino style.
Here, I discussed all the secret tips and recipe tricks that make this dish extra juicy and flavorful. Whether you’re making them as a snack or part of a larger meal, these Siopao buns never fail to impress.Amber offers its best snack at a price.
Price and servings on Ambers menu:
Serving Size | Price |
---|---|
2 pieces | ₱ 70.00 |
6 pieces | ₱ 210.00 |
10 pieces | ₱ 350.00 |
What is Asado Siopao?
Siopao is originally from Chinese cuisine. It has become a popular snack in the Philippines, with different regional variations. The “Asado” name comes from its filling, which consists of braised pork cooked in a sweet and savory sauce.
This makes it a hearty and flavorful treat. Often enjoyed on the go or paired with a bowl of chicken mami, Siopao Asado is a must-try for anyone craving a delicious and filling snack.
Intresting Fact!
Siopao Asado, pronounced “shoo-pow. Siopao looks very similar to Vietnamese bánh bao, and Chinese char siu bao, except it’s much larger in size sometimes
Why This Siopao Recipe is Special?
What sets this Siopao recipe apart is its careful attention to detail. While the classic recipe is already delightful, the added tips, ingredients, and methods in this version ensure that your Siopao will come out fluffy, flavorful, and as close to restaurant quality as possible.
Recipe of Pork Asado Siopao
Preparation Time: Approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes, which includes dough preparation and filling.
Cooking Time: About 1 hour and 20 minutes, including dough rising and steaming.
Ingredients for Siopao Dough:
- 1 cup lukewarm water (105–115°F)
- 1 tsp active dry yeast
- 5 tbsp granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 2 1/2 tsp baking powder
Asado siopao Filling:
- 1/2 kilo pork shoulder (cut into small, bite-sized pieces)
- 3 tablespoons cooking oil
- 6 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 medium onion (minced)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch diluted in 1/4 cup water
- 1/8 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 to 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon Hoisin sauce (optional)
- 2 cups water
Chop Suey As A Nutritious Filipino Delight.
Step-by-Step Guide:
Prepare the Dough
- To start, dissolve the active dry yeast in lukewarm water.
- Add the granulated sugar to yeast water and whisk until dissolved.
- Next, mix in the vegetable oil.
- In a bowl, mix flour and cornstarch before adding them to the yeast mixture.
- Using a mixer with a dough hook, mix on the lowest speed for about 10 minutes until the dough is smooth.
- If you knead the dough by hand, this process takes around 15–20 minutes.
- Cover the dough and let it rest for 2 hours at room temperature, allowing it to rise.
Prepare the Filling
- Heat the cooking oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the garlic and chopped onion, cook until they become translucent and fragrant.
- Add the pork pieces to the pan and cook until they are browned.
- Pour soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce (if using), and sugar. Stir to combine all the ingredients.
- Now add 1 cup of water to pork. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the pork becomes tender.
- Once the pork is tender, add the cornstarch dissolved in water to the pan. Stir continuously until the sauce thickens.
- Turn of the heat and let the filling cool completely.
Finalising the Dough
- Once the dough has rested for 2 hours, sprinkle it with baking powder and mix again on low speed for 3 minutes.
- Cover and let it rest for another 20 minutes.
Assemble the Siopao
- Divide the dough into 12 equal parts.
- Roll each piece onto a hard surface to remove air bubbles. For this purpose, a rolling pin is used to flatten each ball into a circular. The diameter is about 4 inches, with a thicker centre.
- Place the pork filling in the centre of each disc.
- Carefully fold the edges of the dough over the filling, sealing the bun tightly by twisting the top.
- Place each bun seam-side down on a square of parchment paper.
Steam the Buns
- Prepare a steamer with water and add 2 tbsp of white vinegar.
- Brush each bun with water to maintain a smooth surface during steaming.
- Steam the buns over medium-low heat for 15–20 minutes.
- If you have a large quantity, steam it in batches, leaving enough space between each bun to allow for expansion.
- If you’re working with frozen buns, increase the steaming time by 5 minutes.
Tips for Perfect Asado Siopao
- For extra fluffy buns, use Bot Bàhn Bao flour, which is available in most Asian stores. This flour helps achieve the desired soft, white texture that’s characteristic of Siopao.
- You can freeze the uncooked buns in a tightly sealed container for up to 3 weeks. When ready to enjoy, steam them directly from the freezer for an additional 5 minutes.
- Leftover cooked buns can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
- If you want rounder buns, place the sealed side facing down during steaming. This will result in a more uniform shape.
Nutritional Facts
The nutritional content of Pork Asado Siopao can vary based on the specific recipe and portion size. On average, a single bun (approximately 113–142 grams) provides:
- Calories: 260–330
- Carbohydrates: 41–61 grams
- Protein: 10–12 grams
- Fat: 5–6 grams
- Sodium: 100–460 milligrams
Disclaimer
All nutritional values I describe may vary because of different ways of cooking. Also, ingredients used by anyone can change their values. So it’s just esteemed values not considered confirmed.
FAQ About Asado Siopao
Conclusion
Siopao Asado is a classic Filipino dish that you can prepare easily at home. Amber’s focus is on patience, minor to detail. By following this guide, you’ll be able to enjoy the softest, fluffiest buns stuffed with flavorful braised pork. This is perfect for breakfast, snacks, or as part of a meal. Enjoy the process, and most importantly, add a dash of love to make them your own. So many tips and detailed recipes that cover every aspect deeply to make perfect buns.