How to make Siopao

Siopao  are steamed buns, popular in the Philippines and Thailand, siopao and salapao (thai) can be eaten and can be consumed on-the-go. There are different varieties of siopao based on stuffing: Asado or bola-bola (which may use pork, chicken, beef, shrimp or salted duck eggs).There is also a baked variety; these are bread with meat stuffing.

How to make steamed buns are detailed below, including video guides culled from youtube.

To make the dough for siopao:

4½ cups flour
1 1/4 cups warm water
3/4 cup sugar
1/4 tsp. salt
3 tbsp. oil
1 tbsp. baking powder
2 tsp. yeast

For the filling:


1/4 kilo pork or chicken
½ cup cooked beans
1 tbsp. flour dissolved in 1 tbsp. water
garlic, onions for sautéing
4 tbsp. soy sauce


Utensils:
mixing bowl
wide board for making dough
square pieces of paper for each siopao

Procedure:
1. Dissolve the yeast and sugar in the warm water; set aside for 10-15 minutes.
2. Mix together sugar, salt, oil in the mixing bowl.
3. Add the dissolved yeast and half of the flour. Mix well.
4. Add more the remaining flour and mix well.
5. Knead the dough on the kneading board until smooth and fine.
6. Make a big ball from the dough and put in the bowl lined with oil. Apply oil also on the top of the dough.
7. Cover and let the dough rise within 30-40 minutes.
8. Flatten the dough, cut and make small balls. Let rise.
9. Flatten the balls, put 1 tbsp. filling in each and close. Put the ball on the square sheet of paper to keep it from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
10. Steam the balls for 10-15 minutes, depending on the size of the balls.

Filling:
1. Sauté the garlic, onion, sliced pork or chicken.
2. Put in the beans, soy and a little water.
3. Before removing from the fire, pour in the dissolved flour for thickening. Stir well.

Here are video guides how this is done.

Source: elgu2.ncc.gov.ph; photo from engbeetin.com