I have always been a fan of siomai, those delicious Chinese dumplings filled with savory meat and vegetables. There’s just something about their delicate yet flavorful taste that keeps me coming back for more. But as much as I love siomai, I have never been confident in my ability to cook them properly. That is, until I discovered a quick and easy method to steam siomai in the microwave!
Step 1: Prepare the Siomai
Gather the Ingredients
To start, you’ll need all the necessary ingredients for your siomai. This typically includes ground pork, shrimp, minced garlic, grated ginger, chopped spring onions, soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, pepper, and siomai wrappers. Make sure to have everything ready so you can move quickly through the steps.
Mix the Filling
In a large bowl, combine the ground pork, minced garlic, grated ginger, chopped spring onions, soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, and pepper. Mix everything thoroughly until well combined. Then, add the shrimp and mix again. The filling should have a sticky yet smooth consistency.
Wrap the Siomai
Now comes the fun part – wrapping the siomai! Take one siomai wrapper and place a spoonful of the filling in the center. Wet the edges of the wrapper with water using your finger. Fold the wrapper in half, creating a crescent shape, and pinch the edges together to seal the siomai. Repeat this process until all the filling is used.
Step 2: Steam the Siomai in the Microwave
Prepare the Microwave-Safe Dish
Find a microwave-safe dish that is large enough to hold all the siomai in a single layer. Coat the dish with a thin layer of oil to prevent the siomai from sticking to the surface.
Arrange the Siomai
Place the wrapped siomai in the prepared dish, making sure to leave a little space between each one. It’s important not to overcrowd the dish, as this may result in uneven steaming.
Add Water
Pour about half a cup of water into the dish, being careful not to pour it directly over the siomai. The water will create steam, which is essential for cooking the siomai.
Cover and Microwave
Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent for steam to escape. Microwave the siomai on high power for about 5-6 minutes. Cooking times may vary depending on the wattage of your microwave, so keep a close eye on them to avoid overcooking.
Check for Doneness
After the initial cooking time, carefully remove the lid or plastic wrap. The siomai should be cooked through, with the wrappers appearing translucent and the filling cooked and firm. If they still seem undercooked, microwave for another minute or two until they reach the desired consistency.
Step 3: Serve and Enjoy!
Once your siomai is steamed to perfection, it’s time to serve and savor the flavors! You can enjoy them on their own or pair them with your favorite dipping sauce, such as soy sauce or chili garlic sauce.
The microwave method for steaming siomai is not only quick and easy, but it also yields delicious results. The siomai turn out tender and flavorful, just like the steamed siomai you would get from a dimsum restaurant. Plus, it’s a great option for those times when you don’t have access to a stovetop steamer.
So, the next time you’re craving siomai, don’t hesitate to try this microwave steaming method. With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a steaming hot plate of siomai ready to be enjoyed in no time!