Description
Toasted Siopao is a delicious twist on the traditional Filipino steamed bun, featuring a soft, fluffy dough with a savory meat filling and a crispy, golden bottom. Perfect for quick lunches, snacks, or party platters, this baked and toasted version of siopao is hearty, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying — without the need for a steamer.
Ingredients
- For the Dough:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 2 ¼ tsp instant yeast
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¾ cup warm water
- 2 tbsp oil or melted butter
- For the Filling:
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (slurry)
- Hard-boiled eggs, quartered (optional)
- For Assembling and Toasting:
- 1 egg + 1 tbsp water (egg wash)
- Butter or oil for toasting
Instructions
-
Make the dough: In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, yeast, baking powder, and salt. Add warm water and oil, and knead until smooth. Cover and let rise for about 1 hour, until doubled.
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Make the filling: In a pan, sauté garlic and onions. Add ground meat, soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sugar, and pepper. Cook until meat is done. Stir in cornstarch slurry to thicken. Cool slightly.
-
Assemble: Divide dough into 8–10 portions. Flatten each, spoon in meat filling and a piece of egg (optional), and seal into a ball. Place seam-side down on a lined tray.
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Brush tops with egg wash.
-
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 18–20 minutes, until golden.
-
Toast: Heat a little butter or oil in a skillet and toast the baked siopao bottoms until crispy and browned.
-
Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Add a splash of sesame oil for deeper flavor.
- Tuck a cube of cheese inside for a melty surprise.
- Brush toasted buns with garlic butter for extra richness.
- Use store-bought biscuit dough for a faster version.
