How to Cook Frozen Siomai in the Microwave: A Quick and Easy Guide

I remember the first time I tried cooking frozen siomai in the microwave. I was skeptical at first, thinking there was no way it would turn out as good as when steamed or fried. But I was in a rush and had no time to defrost, so I decided to give it a shot. To my surprise, the siomai turned out perfectly cooked and delicious! Since then, I have perfected the art of cooking frozen siomai in the microwave, and today I will share with you my quick and easy guide on how to do it.

Preparing the Siomai

Before we get into the cooking process, it’s important to prepare the siomai properly. Here are the steps:

Step 1: Selecting the Siomai

Choose your favorite brand of frozen siomai from your local grocery store. There are various options available, such as pork, shrimp, and beef siomai, so take your pick.

Step 2: Defrosting

If you have time, it’s best to defrost the siomai before cooking. Simply transfer the frozen siomai from the freezer to the refrigerator the night before. This will allow them to slowly thaw, ensuring they cook more evenly in the microwave. However, if you’re in a hurry like me, you can skip this step and go straight to cooking.

Step 3: Preparing the Dipping Sauce

While the siomai is cooking, it’s a good idea to prepare a delicious dipping sauce to enhance the flavors. You can make a simple sauce by combining soy sauce, calamansi or lemon juice, minced garlic, and a dash of sugar. Adjust the ingredients according to your taste preferences.

Cooking the Siomai

Now that we have our siomai ready, it’s time to cook them in the microwave. Follow these steps for perfect results:

Step 1: Arranging the Siomai

Place the siomai on a microwave-safe plate or a microwave-safe container, ensuring they are evenly spaced out.

Step 2: Adding Water

To prevent the siomai from drying out in the microwave, add a small amount of water to the plate or container. About two tablespoons of water should be sufficient.

Step 3: Covering the Siomai

Cover the plate or container with a microwave-safe lid or use microwave-safe plastic wrap to cover it tightly. This will help create a steaming effect while keeping the siomai moist.

Step 4: Cooking in the Microwave

Set your microwave to high power and cook the siomai for around 3-4 minutes. The exact cooking time may vary depending on your microwave’s power and the quantity of siomai being cooked. Always refer to the packaging instructions if available.

Step 5: Checking for Doneness

After the cooking time is up, carefully remove the plate or container from the microwave. Use a fork to pierce one siomai and ensure it is cooked through. If it feels firm and the meat is no longer pink, your siomai is ready to go!

Serving and Enjoying the Siomai

Once your siomai is cooked to perfection, it’s time to serve and enjoy them. Here are a few extra tips to elevate your siomai experience:

Transfer the cooked siomai to a serving plate or bamboo steamer lined with lettuce leaves for an authentic presentation.

Serve with the prepared dipping sauce on the side.

If desired, garnish the siomai with chopped spring onions or toasted garlic for an extra burst of flavor and visual appeal.

Siomai pairs well with a hot bowl of soup, such as chicken noodle soup or egg drop soup.

So there you have it, a quick and easy guide on how to cook frozen siomai in the microwave. Whether you’re in a rush or simply want a fuss-free cooking experience, this method is sure to satisfy your siomai cravings. Give it a try and impress your family and friends with delicious siomai cooked right in your microwave!