Siomay is a popular Indonesian dish that is loved by many. It is a type of dumpling that is made from fish or shrimp that is mixed with various vegetables and spices. The mixture is then shaped into small patties and steamed. Siomay is usually served with peanut sauce and chili sauce on the side. If you are interested in making your own siomay, here is a guide to the ingredients that you will need.
Meat/Fish
The main ingredient in siomay is either fish or shrimp. The most commonly used fish for siomay is ikan tenggiri (Spanish mackerel). You can also use other types of fish such as tuna or salmon. If you prefer shrimp, you can use fresh shrimp or pre-cooked shrimp. Make sure to remove the shell and devein the shrimp before using it for siomay.
Vegetables
Siomay is typically filled with various vegetables to provide flavor and texture. The most common vegetables used in siomay are potatoes (kentang), cabbage (kol), carrots (wortel), and tofu.
Spices and Seasoning
There are several spices and seasoning that are used to give siomay its unique taste. These include garlic (bawang putih), shallots (bawang merah), salt, sugar, and pepper. Some recipes also call for coriander (ketumbar) and celery (daun seledri).
Wrappers
The siomay mixture is usually wrapped in a thin layer of dough. You can use either wonton wrappers or specially made siomay wrappers. Siomay wrappers are thicker than wonton wrappers and have a slightly chewy texture.
Peanut Sauce
Peanut sauce is an essential condiment when it comes to serving siomay. You can make your own peanut sauce or buy it ready-made from the store. The ingredients for peanut sauce include peanuts (kacang tanah), sweet soy sauce (kecap manis), garlic, and chili pepper.
Chili Sauce
Chili sauce is another condiment that is commonly served with siomay. You can make your own chili sauce or buy it ready-made from the store. The ingredients for chili sauce include chili pepper, garlic, vinegar, and sugar.
How to Make Siomay
Now that you know the ingredients that you will need, here is a step-by-step guide on how to make siomay:
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
Cut the fish or shrimp into small pieces. Grate the potatoes and carrots. Thinly slice the cabbage and tofu. Finely chop the garlic and shallots. Mix all the ingredients together in a bowl and add salt, sugar, and pepper to taste.
Step 2: Prepare the Wrappers
If you are using wonton wrappers, cut them into circles using a cookie cutter or a glass. If you are using siomay wrappers, cut them into squares. You can also use a small bowl to cut out circular siomay wrappers.
Step 3: Wrap the Siomay
Take a spoonful of the filling and place it in the center of the wrapper. Fold the wrapper over the filling and press the edges together to seal it. Repeat until all the filling has been used.
Step 4: Steam the Siomay
Place the siomay patties in a steamer basket and steam for around 15 minutes or until cooked through. Make sure to space the siomay patties apart to prevent them from sticking together.
Step 5: Serve with Peanut Sauce and Chili Sauce
Remove the siomay from the steamer and serve with peanut sauce and chili sauce on the side. You can also garnish with fried shallots and sliced cucumber if desired.
Conclusion
Making siomay at home is a fun and delicious way to experience Indonesian cuisine. With the right ingredients and a little bit of practice, you can create your own delicious siomay that will impress your friends and family. Don’t forget to serve it with peanut sauce and chili sauce for the full siomay experience!