🇮🇩 Indonesian Cuisine · Street Food

Siomay

Prep

25 mins

Cook

20 mins

Serves

4

Difficulty

Medium

Steamed fish and prawn dumplings served with potato, tofu, and boiled egg, all drenched in peanut sauce.

Ingredients

  • 1 kg firm tofu
  • 300g fried shallot crackers (krupuk)
  • 2 tbsp grated fresh ginger
  • 1/2 tsp coriander seeds
  • 3 tbsp coconut oil
  • a generous handful of shallots
  • a handful of fresh cilantro, chopped
  • roasted peanuts, to taste
  • 400ml tamarind water

Instructions

  1. 1

    Prepare the jasmine rice base and set it aside to rest while you get the filling ready.

  2. 2

    In a bowl, combine the beef shin, shallots, grated fresh ginger, and tamarind paste, mixing well so everything is evenly seasoned.

  3. 3

    Heat neutral vegetable oil in a skillet, wok, or on a griddle over medium-high heat until shimmering.

  4. 4

    Cook the jasmine rice until lightly golden on each side, then transfer to a warm plate.

  5. 5

    Fry, grill, or steam the beef shin mixture until cooked through and lightly charred at the edges, about 20 mins.

  6. 6

    Assemble by layering the jasmine rice with the filling, a spoonful of roasted peanuts, and a scattering of kaffir lime leaves.

  7. 7

    Add a final touch of lime wedges for extra flavor and texture.

  8. 8

    Serve immediately while hot, with extra roasted peanuts on the side for dipping or drizzling.

Tips

Double the roasted peanuts so you have plenty for dipping — it tends to disappear fast.

Keep the neutral vegetable oil hot but not smoking — a thermometer helps you nail the perfect frying or grilling temperature.

Serve immediately for the best contrast between a crisp exterior and a warm, tender filling.