Beyond the Steamer—Creative Dishes Using Pork and Shrimp Siomai

The Siomai (Chinese-style dumpling) holds a sacred place in Filipino and Chinese cuisine. These savory pockets of seasoned ground pork and shrimp are usually enjoyed piping hot from the steamer basket, often with a soy sauce and calamansi dip.

But limiting siomai to just being a dim sum side is a missed opportunity! Because of its dense, flavorful filling and tender wrapper, siomai is a versatile ingredient that can be integrated into many other dishes, adding a burst of flavor and protein.

Here are three incredible ways to use your leftover, homemade, or store-bought pork and shrimp siomai to create entirely new meals.

1. The Comfort Bowl: Siomai Noodle Soup (Mami)

Give your classic Filipino noodle soup a serious upgrade by replacing traditional meat slices with plump siomai.

The Concept: Siomai provides a richer, more textural experience than plain sliced meat. As the dumplings simmer, they release their savory juices into the broth, deepening the overall flavor of the soup.

How to Execute:

1. Prepare the Broth: Create a light, savory broth (chicken stock seasoned with garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and a touch of fish sauce).

2. Cook the Noodles: Cook thin egg noodles or mami noodles separately.

3. The Siomai Finish: Add your frozen or fresh siomai directly to the simmering broth for the last 5-7 minutes of cooking. They will cook through, swell up, and infuse the soup.

4. Assemble: Pour the broth and siomai over the cooked noodles. Garnish with a hard-boiled egg, toasted garlic bits, and chopped green onions for a truly warming, satisfying mami experience.

2. The Party Platter: Sweet Chili Glazed Siomai Skewers

Turn siomai into an irresistible appetizer or party snack that moves it from the steamer to the oven or air fryer.

The Concept: The goal is to achieve a crisp exterior, then coat the siomai in a sticky, tangy-sweet glaze. This transforms its texture and flavor profile completely.

How to Execute:

1. Get Crispy: Bake or air-fry the siomai until the wrappers are crispy and lightly browned.

2. Make the Glaze: Whisk together your favorite sweet chili sauce, a dash of honey or brown sugar, a splash of soy sauce, and a little lime juice. Simmer the mixture until it thickens slightly.

3. Glaze and Serve: Toss the hot, crispy siomai in the glaze until fully coated. Thread 3-4 pieces onto small skewers or toothpicks.

4. Garnish: Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and thinly sliced red chilies for a beautiful, colorful, and addictive appetizer.

3. The Weeknight Stir-Fry: Siomai and Veggie Fried Rice

When you need a fast, flavorful, one-pan meal, siomai can replace the traditional fried chicken or shrimp in your fried rice.

The Concept: Using pre-made siomai is a fantastic shortcut. You get a complex, seasoned protein added to your fried rice without any extra marinating or chopping time.

How to Execute:

1. Prep the Siomai: Cook the siomai fully (steamed or pan-fried) and then chop them coarsely. This prevents them from overwhelming the dish while still distributing their savory flavor.

2. Sauté Aromatics: Fry garlic, onions, and your choice of vegetables (carrots, peas, bell peppers) in a hot wok.

3. Add Rice: Push the aromatics to the side, add cold day-old rice, and season generously with soy sauce and oyster sauce.

4. The Final Mix: Stir in the chopped siomai, ensuring it is heated through and evenly mixed with the rice.

5. Serve: Garnish with fresh cilantro and a drizzle of sesame oil for an easy, protein-packed dinner.

Don't let your siomai dreams end with the steamer! These versatile dumplings are ready to bring their savory magic to your favorite noodle bowls, appetizers, and weeknight stir-fries.