Siopao Asado or Bola-Bola Recipe

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Siopao, a popular Filipino steamed bun, comes in two beloved variations: Asado (savory sweet pork filling) and Bola-Bola (meatball filling with savory flavors). These fluffy buns are perfect for snacks or meals, bringing comfort with every bite.

Ingredients

For the Dough:

  • 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tsp instant yeast
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • ⅓ cup sugar
  • 1 cup warm milk
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil

For Asado Filling:

  • 1 lb pork belly or shoulder, diced
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp oyster sauce
  • 1 tbsp sugar (adjust to taste)
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch dissolved in 2 tbsp water

For Bola-Bola Filling:

  • 1 lb ground pork
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Prepare the Dough:

  1. In a bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5-7 minutes until frothy.
  2. Add flour, baking powder, and oil. Knead until smooth and elastic, about 8-10 minutes.
  3. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.

For Asado Filling:

  1. Heat oil in a pan and sauté garlic and onion until fragrant.
  2. Add pork and cook until lightly browned.
  3. Stir in soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sugar. Simmer until the pork is tender.
  4. Add the cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce. Let cool.

For Bola-Bola Filling:

  1. In a bowl, mix ground pork, onion, egg, soy sauce, cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Shape into small meatballs and set aside.

Assembling the Siopao:

  1. Punch down the dough and divide it into 12 equal portions.
  2. Roll each portion into a ball, then flatten into a circle.
  3. Place a spoonful of Asado filling or a Bola-Bola meatball in the center. Gather the edges and pinch to seal, forming a smooth bun.
  4. Place the buns seam-side down on parchment paper squares.

Steaming the Siopao:

  1. Arrange the buns in a steamer, leaving space for expansion. Cover and let them rest for 15 minutes.
  2. Steam over medium heat for 15-20 minutes.
  3. Serve warm and enjoy!

Enjoy your homemade Siopao Asado or Bola-Bola with a side of sweet soy sauce or simply as they are!

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