Cheesy Baked Siomai Cups

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Cheesy Baked Siomai Cups

I. Introduction

Siomai (also spelled as “shumai” or “siumai”) is a popular type of traditional Chinese dumpling, often served as part of dim sum. Typically steamed, siomai is enjoyed in many Asian cuisines, especially in China and Southeast Asia. In the Philippines, siomai has become a beloved street-food snack and casual family meal. In this recipe, we’re putting a modern spin on the classic by baking it in little wonton cups and adding a cheesy topping. These Cheesy Baked Siomai Cups are bite-sized, flavorful, and perfect for sharing with friends, family, or that special someone (“lovers” included!).

II. Brief History

  • Origins in China: Siomai is believed to have originated in the Yuan Dynasty (13th–14th century) as a simple dumpling filled with minced meat and vegetables. Over time, it became a staple in Cantonese dim sum culture.
  • Spread to Southeast Asia: Chinese immigrants brought siomai to neighboring countries, where each region adapted the recipe to local tastes. In the Philippines, for instance, siomai often includes a blend of ground pork, shrimp, and other seasonings, sometimes served with a chili-garlic sauce or soy sauce with calamansi.
  • Modern Variations: Today, you can find siomai fried, steamed, or baked—filled with everything from beef to seafood to vegetarian-friendly mixtures. Our version includes cheese for a creamy twist and is baked in convenient wonton wrappers.

III. Ingredients

(Makes about 24–30 siomai cups)

  1. For the Filling
  • 1 lb (450 g) ground pork (or chicken, turkey, or a combination)
  • ½ cup minced shrimp (optional but adds great flavor)
  • ½ cup finely chopped water chestnuts or carrots (for texture)
  • ¼ cup finely chopped onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional but recommended)
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
  1. For the Cups and Topping
  • 24–30 wonton wrappers
  • ½–1 cup grated cheese (Cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend)
  • 1 egg (optional, beaten, to help bind and give a golden finish)
  1. Additional
  • Cooking spray or a little oil (to grease the muffin tray or aluminum trays)
  • Dipping sauces (soy sauce, chili-garlic sauce, sweet chili sauce)

IV. Benefits of This Dish

  1. High in Protein: The pork and/or shrimp filling is rich in protein, supporting muscle health and providing sustained energy.
  2. Vitamin & Mineral Content: Ingredients like carrots, onions, and water chestnuts contribute vitamins (A, C) and minerals (potassium, phosphorus).
  3. Easy to Serve: Baked in individual cups, these siomai are perfect for parties or quick meals—no complicated steaming setup required.
  4. Fun to Eat: Kids and adults alike enjoy the crunchy wonton edges with the savory, cheesy filling.
  5. Customizable: You can easily switch to chicken or turkey for a leaner option, or skip the shrimp if you prefer.

V. Formation (How to Shape the Siomai Cups)

  1. Prepare the Tray: Lightly grease a muffin tin or aluminum trays with cooking spray or a bit of oil.
  2. Wonton Wrappers: Press each wrapper gently into a muffin cup, creating a “cup” shape. The edges will stick out slightly, forming a flower-like shape.
  3. Fill: Spoon about 1–2 tablespoons of the meat mixture into each wrapper. Don’t overfill; leave a little space on top for the cheese.
  4. Cheese Topping: Sprinkle or place a small pinch of grated cheese on top of each siomai cup.

VI. Instructions & Methods

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Mix the Filling: In a large bowl, combine ground pork (and shrimp, if using), chopped vegetables, soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, salt, and pepper. If you’re adding an egg to the mixture, incorporate it here to help bind the filling. Mix thoroughly until well-combined.
  3. Assemble: Place wonton wrappers into the greased muffin tin or tray. Fill each wrapper with the siomai mixture. Top with grated cheese.
  4. Bake: Transfer the tray to the preheated oven and bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the filling is cooked through (internal temperature reaches 160°F/71°C for pork) and the cheese is melted and lightly golden.
  5. Serve: Carefully remove each siomai cup from the tin. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces.

VII. Serving Suggestions (“With Lovers” and Beyond!)

  • Romantic Twist: Pair these cheesy siomai cups with a glass of white wine or a light sparkling beverage. The crispy edges and creamy filling can make for a fun, interactive date-night appetizer.
  • Family Gatherings: Serve on a large platter with various dipping sauces so everyone can pick their favorites.
  • Potluck Favorite: These cups travel well in their trays. Just pop them into a warm oven before serving to crisp them up again.

VIII. Nutrition Information (Approx. per 1 Siomai Cup)

  • Calories: ~60–80 kcal (depending on cheese and meat used)
  • Protein: ~4–5 g
  • Carbohydrates: ~4–6 g (from the wonton wrapper)
  • Fat: ~2–4 g (depending on meat choice and amount of cheese)
  • Vitamins & Minerals:
  • Vitamin A (from carrots)
  • Iron and Zinc (from meat)
  • Calcium (from cheese)

(These values are approximate and can vary based on exact ingredients and portion sizes.)

IX. Conclusion

Cheesy Baked Siomai Cups offer a delightful fusion of traditional Chinese dumplings and modern comfort food. They are convenient to prepare, fun to serve, and delicious to eat—especially when shared with the people you love. Whether you’re introducing someone to the wonders of siomai for the first time or revisiting a familiar favorite, this recipe provides a crunchy, cheesy spin on a beloved classic.

So gather your friends, family, and “lovers,” and enjoy these bite-sized treats. They’re a testament to how food can evolve across cultures and generations, all while retaining the warm, communal spirit that makes cooking and sharing meals so special

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