Vegetarian Siomai (Shumai)

This Vegetarian Siomai (Shumai) is healthy and delicious appetizer that is simple and easy to make.

Jump to:

• Why you'll love this recipe
• What is Siomai or Shumai
• Ingredients Needed
• Ingredient Notes
• How to make it
• More Appetizers
• Recipe

I love Siomai in every form possible especially these delicious and healthy Vegetarian Siomai (Shumai). This is one of my favourite street foods in the Philippines.

I mean, look at that photo. It sure is mouthwatering especially when tossed with our homemade chili oil. These are made with squash, carrots and potatoes. Added with onion, garlic and cilantro and seasoned with salt and pepper. Yes, that's it!!!

This is easy to customize, if you are a meat lover then you can also add chicken, pork or beef. Or if you are vegetarian and want to add more vegetables like cabbage and tofu is also perfect for this recipe.

Why you'll love this recipe

• very simple, nothing is fancy.
• very easy to make.
• ready in less than 30 minutes.
• crowd-pleasing appetizer.
• it is vegetarian, makes it healthier than the usual siomai.
• easy to customize, you can add your favourite vegetable.

What is Siomai or Shumai

In the Philippines, siomai is usually made of ground pork or beef and chopped shrimp. It is then mixed with finely chopped carrots, onion, garlic and wrapped with wonton wrappers.

There's two ways on how to cook siomai, either steamed or fried for crispy result. Then, dip with chili oil sauce and top with lime for tangy flavour. It is the same process when making dumplings.

Ingredients Needed

Ingredient Notes

• Carrots - The best technique for this recipe is to grate the carrots using a grater. This is easier and gets tender right away when cooking.

• Squash - I used butternut squash for this recipe. Feel free to use different types of squash. Make sure to peel and grate using the grater. The same process we used with carrots.

• Potato - any types of potatoes will work with this recipe as well, peel and grate.

• Cilantro - i suggest to don't skip cilantro on this recipe. It gives that minty flavour for the dish.

• Garlic and Onion- finely chopped, no need to use the grater.

• Salt and Pepper to taste.

How to make it

Remove excess water: Once the carrots, squash and potato is grated, wrap them with cloth and squeeze out any excess liquid.

Make the filling: In a medium bowl, add grated carrots, squash, potato, chopped cilantro, onion and garlic. Mix them together until fully distributed. Use hands to mix everything.

Seasonings: This dish is very simple and easy. We only need salt and pepper as the squash is already sweet and that will balance the taste. I added vegetarian oyster sauce but it is optional.

Before wrapping the siomai, try scooping ½ tablespoon on the mixture and pan fry it. In that way, we can add more salt if needed but the dipping sauce will give more flavour to the dish.

Assembling: To form the siomai, remove 1 wonton wrapper from the package. Brush the edges of the wrapper lightly with water.

Place ½ rounded teaspoon of the vegetable mixture in the centre of the wrapper then gather sides to form a "cup''. Repeat procedure until all of the filling is gone.

Cook: Using a steamer apparatus of your choice, bring ½ inch of water to a simmer over medium heat. Slightly grease the tray with oil and arrange the siomai in a single layer.

Steam for 15-20 minutes. Gently remove from the heat and serve with chili oil sauce. You can check out my homemade chili oil.

More Appetizers

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Recipe