Siomai wrappers are often confused for wonton wrappers and in most cases people use them interchangeably. However, these wrappers should be used differently since they are designed for different types of things. This article highlights some of the differences between siomai wrappers and wonton wrappers so that you do not make the mistake of using them interchangeably.
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Siomai wrapper
This is a type of wrapper commonly used when making siomai. The siomai wrapper is commonly made using water and flour. It is very thin as compared to other types of dumpling or wonton wrappers. Siomai wrapper is commonly found in the shape of a circle although you can find also find them as squares.
Wonton wrapper
This is a wrapper commonly used for making wontons. It is usually found in the form of a square and they are a bit thick. Wonton wrappers are made using water, eggs and flour that is why wonton wrappers have a yellow colour to them.
Difference between siomai wrapper and wonton wrapper
Appearance
Wonton wrappers are usually square shaped whereas siomai wrappers have a circular shape.
Texture
Siomai wrappers are thinner than wonton wrappers. This is because siomai wrappers are designed in such a way that they can be fried or steamed whereas wonton wrappers are only suitable for steaming.
Furthermore, the texture of wonton wrappers is chewier as compared to that of siomai wrappers.
To add on, siomai wrappers have the ability to be pleated when they are used for making siomai however, when you use wonton wrappers they lack that ability mainly because they are thick.
Colour
Siomai wrappers are usually white since they are made using flour and water as their main ingredient whereas wonton wrappers usually have a yellow colour. This is mainly because they contain egg as one of the main ingredients.
Uses
Siomai wrappers are mainly used for making dumplings whereas wonton wrappers are specifically for wontons. However it is important to know that wonton wrappers can be used to substitute siomai wrappers, but siomai wrappers do not work well when they are used to make wontons. This is because their dough is thinner so it won’t be able to fully hold the filling of the wontons.
Similarities between siomai wrappers and wonton wrappers
Wonton wrappers and wonton wrappers can both be used interchangeably when making dumpling.
How to make siomai wrappers
For this recipe you will need 2 ½ cups of flour, ¼ teaspoon of salt and ¾ cups of water.
Step 1
Mix the flour, water and salt in a bowl using a spoon. The next thing is to gather the mixture with your hands and start kneading it to form a dough. This can take you about 10 minutes. Make sure you knead the dough such that it becomes smooth, if you notice any cracks on the dough it means that it still need to be kneaded.
Step 2
When you have finished kneading the dough, cover it and let it sit for about 30 minutes. When the 30 minutes time mark has passed simply knead the dough again then cover it and let it rest for another hour. This really helps the dough to come together and also it softens up.
Step 3
After an hour your dough should be smooth and soft then divide it into 2 portions. Take the first half portion of dough and place it on a flat surface then add a little bit of flour to the surface so as to protect the dough from sticking to the surface. Take a rolling pin then start rolling the dough by flattening it out. Also roll out the edges of the dough so as to ensure that the dough is rolled out evenly. Rolling the dough can take you a long time but do not rush yourself as this needs to be perfect. Repeat the same process for the other half portion of dough that you would have set aside.
Step 4
When the dough is rolled such that it achieves a paper thin consistency take a cutter and then cut the dough into your desired shape. Most people prefer cutting the dough into circles just to imitate the shape of the original siomai wrapper. When you have followed all the steps then your siomai wrappers will be ready for cooking simply place your desired filling inside.
How to make wonton wrappers
For this recipe you will need 2 cups of flour, 1 egg, ¾ teaspoons of salt and ½ cup of water.
Step 1
Start by beating the egg in a bowl. Add salt and water and mix these ingredients together. Take a separate bowl and then sift the flour into that bowl. Make a hole in the middle of the flour then add the egg and water mixture inside.
Step 2
Mix all the ingredients together with a spoon then move on to use your hands such that you form a dough. If you feel that the dough is too tough simply add a few drops of water just to loosen it up a bit. Knead the dough for about 10 minutes or until you notice that it doesn’t have any cracks on it. Leave the dough to rest for about 30 minutes and make sure you cover it.
Step 3
After the 30 minutes time mark take the dough and place it on a clean surface. You will notice that it will be a bit softer as well as smooth. Sprinkle a little bit of flour on the surface were you intend on rolling the dough. This will help to prevent the dough from sticking to the surface. Roll the dough using a rolling pin and when it is thin enough cut the dough into 3 ½ inch squares.
Step 4
When you have cut the wonton wrappers sprinkle them with flour. This will help to ensure that they do not stick to each other when you place them in containers. Wonton wrappers can be stored in the refrigerator for about a week so you can always make them way ahead of time.