Pork & Shrimp Siomai: Unique Ways to Savor This Classic Dumpling

Pork and shrimp siomai is a staple in Filipino comfort food culture — steamed to perfection, dipped in soy sauce, calamansi, and chili oil, and devoured by the dozen. But what if we told you there are new, creative ways to enjoy this timeless dim sum favorite?

Let’s explore some unique twists to savor pork and shrimp siomai like never before.

1. Siomai Rice Bowls with a Twist

Instead of plain steamed rice, serve your siomai over garlic fried rice or kimchi fried rice. Top with a runny fried egg, drizzle with chili crisp oil, and sprinkle sesame seeds. It turns a quick snack into a filling, flavorful meal.

2. Siomai Soup Hack

Turn your siomai into a comforting noodle soup! Add siomai to a steaming bowl of miso ramen, laksa, or even instant pancit canton broth. The dumplings soak up the soup’s flavor while adding a meaty, satisfying bite.

3. Crispy Pan-Fried Siomai

Give your siomai a textural twist by pan-frying it until golden brown on one side. You’ll get a crunchy bottom with a juicy, tender top — the perfect combination of crisp and soft.

4. Siomai Lettuce Wraps

For a lighter option, wrap freshly steamed siomai in crisp lettuce leaves. Add shredded carrots, cucumber strips, and a drizzle of hoisin sauce for a healthy, fresh bite.

5. Siomai Party Platter

Level up your next gathering with a DIY siomai bar. Offer different dipping sauces — soy-calamansi, peanut sauce, sweet chili, and spicy vinegar — and let guests mix and match. It’s interactive, fun, and sure to be a hit.

The Takeaway

Pork and shrimp siomai may be a classic, but that doesn’t mean you have to eat it the same way every time. Whether you turn it into a soup, crisp it up, or serve it in creative wraps, there are endless ways to keep this favorite dish exciting.

So next time you order or make siomai at home, try one of these unique ideas — and rediscover why you fell in love with it in the first place.