I’ve always been a fan of steamed dumplings, especially siomai. There’s just something about the combination of succulent pork and shrimp, mixed with fragrant herbs and spices, encased in a delicate and translucent wrapper. It’s a bite-sized explosion of flavors that never fails to satisfy my cravings. But what if I told you that you can cook siomai in a microwave? Yes, you heard it right! In this quick and easy guide, I’ll show you how to cook siomai in a microwave.
Gathering the Ingredients
Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s first gather all the ingredients we need:
For the filling:
250 grams ground pork150 grams shrimp, peeled and minced1 medium onion, finely chopped2 cloves garlic, minced1 tablespoon soy sauce1 tablespoon oyster sauce1 tablespoon sesame oil1 tablespoon cornstarch1 teaspoon sugar1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper1/2 teaspoon salt1/4 cup spring onions, choppedFor the wrapper:
Siomai wrappers (available at your local Asian grocery store)For the dipping sauce:
4 tablespoons soy sauce2-3 calamansi or 1 lemon, juiced1 teaspoon sugar1/4 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)Making the Siomai Filling
Now that we have all the ingredients ready, it’s time to make the siomai filling. Here’s how:
In a bowl, combine the ground pork, minced shrimp, chopped onion, minced garlic, soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, cornstarch, sugar, ground black pepper, salt, and chopped spring onions.Using clean hands, mix the ingredients together until well combined.Cover the bowl and let the filling marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This step will allow the flavors to meld together.Assembling the Siomai
While waiting for the filling to marinate, let’s move on to assembling the siomai. Follow these steps:
Prepare a clean and dry working surface.Take a siomai wrapper and place a tablespoon of the filling in the center.Wet your fingertips with water and moisten the edges of the wrapper.Gently fold the wrapper in half, creating a half-moon shape, and press the edges together to seal.Pinch the two ends of the siomai together, forming a “boat” shape.Repeat the process until all the filling and wrappers are used up.Cooking the Siomai
Now that our siomai is ready to be cooked, let’s move on to the exciting part – cooking them in the microwave!
Arrange the siomai in a microwavable container, making sure to leave a bit of space between each piece.Cover the container with a microwave-safe lid or use a microwave-safe plastic wrap, leaving a small vent for steam to escape.Place the container in the microwave and cook on high for 3-4 minutes.After the cooking time, carefully remove the siomai from the microwave. They should be tender and cooked through.Let them rest for a minute or two to cool slightly before serving.Preparing the Dipping Sauce
While the siomai is cooling, let’s whip up a quick dipping sauce to accompany our delicious homemade siomai.
In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, calamansi or lemon juice, sugar, and chili flakes (if using).Stir until the sugar has dissolved and all the ingredients are well incorporated.Adjust the taste according to your preference by adding more soy sauce, calamansi or lemon juice, or sugar.Transfer the dipping sauce to a small serving bowl.Serving and Enjoying the Siomai
It’s time to assemble everything and serve our homemade siomai!
Arrange the siomai on a serving plate or a bamboo steamer if you like.Place a small dish of the homemade dipping sauce beside the siomai.Garnish the siomai with some additional chopped spring onions or toasted garlic, if desired.Serve the siomai while still warm.Dip each piece into the flavorful sauce and savor the explosion of flavors in every bite.There you have it – a quick and easy guide on how to cook siomai in a microwave. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you can enjoy homemade siomai anytime you want. So, go ahead and give it a try. It’s a delightful and convenient way to enjoy this traditional Asian dish. Happy cooking!
