Are you craving a warm, fluffy bun filled with savory, succulent chicken? Look no further! This recipe for Siopao Chicken Asado will take your taste buds on a delightful journey to the heart of Filipino cuisine. This easy recipe is perfect for a quick dinner, a satisfying lunch, or even a delicious weekend treat. Get ready to experience the joy of homemade cooking with this simple yet incredibly rewarding dish! It's one of the best recipes for a truly delicious and comforting meal.
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
- 1 cup warm milk (105-115°F)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten (reserve 1 tablespoon for egg wash)
For the Chicken Asado Filling:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
- ½ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced (optional)
Instructions:
Making the Dough:
- In a large bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Let stand for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
- Add salt and softened butter to the yeast mixture. Stir until combined.
- Gradually add flour, mixing until a shaggy dough forms.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
Preparing the Chicken Asado Filling:
- In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, oyster sauce, sesame oil, cornstarch, garlic powder, and pepper.
- Add chicken, onion, garlic, and bell pepper (if using) to the sauce. Mix well to coat the chicken thoroughly.
- Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes, or preferably longer in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Heat a tablespoon of oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 10-15 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
Assembling and Baking the Siopao:
- Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 12 equal pieces.
- Roll each piece into a smooth ball.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll each ball into a 4-inch circle.
- Place about 2-3 tablespoons of the chicken asado filling in the center of each circle.
- Bring the edges of the dough together to form a ball, pinching to seal tightly. You can create pleats for a more attractive siopao.
- Place the assembled siopao on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Brush the tops of the siopao with the reserved egg wash.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
Tips and Variations:
- For a richer flavor, use a combination of chicken thighs and breasts.
- Add a touch of sweetness to the filling by incorporating a teaspoon of honey or pineapple juice.
- If you don't have oyster sauce, you can substitute it with a tablespoon of soy sauce and a teaspoon of fish sauce.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken with mushrooms or firm tofu.
- Serve the siopao hot with your favorite dipping sauce, such as soy sauce or sweet chili sauce.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: 20-25g
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 30-35g
This siopao recipe is a fantastic example of healthy meals that are also quick and easy to prepare. Enjoy the delightful taste of homemade siopao, a true testament to the beauty of simple food recipes and delicious dishes! It’s a perfect example of easy recipes that deliver big on flavor. Try this best recipe and impress your family and friends with your culinary skills!