Puto pao recipe is a Filipino recipe derived from a simple puto. Puto pao is a puto with sauteed ground pork or beef or chicken in it, along with a slice of “itlog maalat” or quail eggs.

Depending on the availability of ingredients present in my fridge, I usually add ground beef or pork, itlog maalat or sometimes quail eggs in my puto pao.

Ingredients:

For batter
2 cups all purpose flour
1/4 cup baking powder
1/2  cup white sugar
2 cups evaporated milk or water
1 cup condensed milk
1 cup powdered milk
3 large, whole eggs
4 tablespoons butter (melted)

For Toppings: 1/2 box cheddar cheese or itlog maalat or quail eggs (according to your preference) – cut into small strips

For Filling:
1/2 kilo ground pork or beef
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1 piece small onion (minced)
1 tablespoon fish sauce
a pinch of salt

Procedure:

1) For the batter: In a mixing bowl, pour the flour, baking powder, sugar, and powdered milk then mix well. Add the evaporated milk, condensed milk, butter, and eggs then mix well until well blended. Set aside.
2) For the filling: Saute garlic until golden brown, followed by the onion. Add the ground beef/pork and stir for 3 minutes. Cook until liquid has reduced or it becomes dry.
3) In a cup of muffins, pour a small amount of batter then add at least a tablespoon of filling. Add more batter until the cup is 3/4 full (almost full). Top it with cheese and itlog maalat.
4) Steam the cups for 20-25 minutes. Then ready to serve.