How Many Calories are in Siopao Asado?

December 19, 2025 •

4 min read

On average, a single serving of Siopao asado contains between 310 and 400 calories, though this can vary significantly based on the size and preparation. How many calories are in Siopao asado is a common question for those monitoring their intake, as the final number depends on whether it's a small homemade bun or a larger commercial version.

Quick Summary

The exact calorie content of a siopao asado depends on its size, the specific recipe, and the ingredients used. The calorie count can range widely, with commercial buns and restaurant versions typically containing more calories than smaller or homemade alternatives.

Key Points

Variable Calorie Count: Siopao asado typically contains between 310 and 400 calories, with exact figures varying based on size and specific recipe.
Size and Ingredients are Key: The bun's size and the filling's ingredients, such as the type of meat and sugar content, are the biggest factors influencing calories.
Homemade vs. Commercial: Homemade siopao allows for greater calorie control through ingredient selection, while commercial versions are often higher in fat, sugar, and sodium.
Healthier Alternatives: You can reduce the calorie count by using leaner meat, decreasing sugar, and adding healthier flour options.
Balanced Macronutrients: While higher in carbohydrates, siopao asado is also a good source of protein, especially when made with lean meat.
Steaming Method: The cooking method of steaming the bun helps keep the fat content of the dough itself low.

What Influences the Calorie Count?

The caloric value of a siopao asado is not fixed and can vary widely based on several key factors. Understanding these elements can help you make more informed choices.

Bun Size: The size of the bun directly correlates with its calorie count. A larger, fluffier bun means more flour and sugar, increasing the total calories. For instance, a smaller bun from a local vendor might be in the lower range of 300 calories, while a large commercial one could easily exceed 400 calories.
Filling Type: While siopao asado traditionally uses braised pork, the cut of meat and preparation method significantly impact its nutritional profile. Leaner cuts of pork will result in a lower-fat, lower-calorie filling compared to fattier cuts. Some variants might even use chicken asado, which can change the overall calorie and fat content.
Ingredients and Sauce: The sweetness of the asado filling comes from ingredients like sugar, soy sauce, and oyster sauce. The amount of sugar and fat used in the cooking process can add a surprising number of calories. Homemade versions allow for more control over these ingredients, whereas commercial siopao often has a higher sugar and sodium content for flavor consistency.
Recipe Variations: The recipe, whether homemade or from a specific brand, plays a huge role. For example, some recipes may call for additional fat like lard or shortening in the dough, which increases the calorie density. The amount of sugar in the dough itself is also a contributing factor.

Comparing Siopao Asado Nutrition

To illustrate the variability, here is a comparison of different siopao asado nutritional facts based on commercial products found online.


Feature	O' Tasty Asado Siopao	Chow King Siopao Asado	Masagana Pork Asado Siopao
Calories	340 kcal per piece (142 g)	~380 kcal per serving (114 g)	310 kcal per bun (142 g)
Carbohydrates	61g	63g	39g
Fat	5g	10g	11g
Protein	11g	9g	13g
Sodium	460mg	925mg	790mg

Ways to Make a Healthier Siopao Asado

For those who love siopao but want to reduce its impact on their calorie intake, here are some practical tips.

Use Leaner Meat: Opt for a leaner cut of pork like tenderloin or breast meat. You could also use chicken breast as a lower-fat alternative. Removing visible fat before cooking will also help reduce calories.
Control the Sugar: Reduce the amount of sugar in both the filling and the dough. The sweet, savory flavor can still be achieved with a smaller amount of brown sugar, or by using a natural sweetener alternative.
Increase Fiber: Try adding a small amount of whole wheat flour to your dough recipe to boost its fiber content, which can improve digestion and make you feel fuller for longer. Some recipes specifically outline methods for wholemeal steamed buns.
Minimize Processed Sauce: Make your own asado sauce from scratch instead of relying on store-bought versions, which often have high levels of sodium and preservatives. This gives you full control over the ingredients and nutritional content.
Portion Control: Simply opting for a smaller size siopao or eating just one bun instead of two is an effective way to manage your calorie intake.

The Calorie Difference: Homemade vs. Commercial

When it comes to the nutritional content of siopao asado, there is often a notable difference between homemade and commercial versions. Homemade siopao offers greater control over ingredients, while commercial products are optimized for consistency and shelf life.


Aspect	Homemade Siopao Asado	Commercial Siopao Asado
Ingredients	You can choose leaner cuts of meat, control sugar and sodium, and even use healthier flour alternatives.	Recipes are formulated for consistent taste, often using fattier meat, more sugar, and higher sodium levels.	Calorie Count	Typically lower, as you can actively reduce the amount of fat and sugar used.	Generally higher due to optimization for flavor and often larger portion sizes.
Preservatives	None, as it is made fresh.	May contain added preservatives to extend shelf life and maintain freshness.
Health Impact	Can be tailored to be a healthier snack, higher in protein and lower in sugar and sodium.	Often higher in sugar, saturated fat, and sodium, making it a less healthy option for regular consumption.

How Siopao Asado is Made and Its Calorie Implications

The preparation process of siopao asado, which involves making both the bun and the filling, contributes to its calorie content. The bun is typically made from all-purpose flour, yeast, and sugar, all of which are caloric ingredients. Kneading the dough and allowing it to rise results in the signature soft and fluffy texture. The filling, a savory-sweet mix of braised pork, soy sauce, and other spices, also contains sugar and fat. Steaming, rather than frying, is the cooking method for the bun, which helps to keep the fat content from the bun itself relatively low. However, the fat from the meat filling is what contributes most of the fat content. The final product is a satisfying mix of carbohydrates and protein.

Conclusion

In summary, the calorie count of siopao asado is not a single number but a range, typically between 310 and 400 calories per bun, depending heavily on the size and recipe. Commercial versions, due to higher sugar, fat, and sodium content, often land on the higher end of this range compared to controlled homemade versions. By being mindful of ingredient choices, particularly using leaner meat and reducing sugar, it is possible to enjoy a healthier take on this Filipino staple. The key is moderation and customization, allowing you to savor the delicious taste while managing your dietary goals.

For more detailed nutritional information on many popular foods, visit reputable sources like Nutritionix.

Frequently Asked Questions

A small siopao asado is likely to be on the lower end of the calorie range, possibly closer to 300-340 calories, depending on the specific recipe and portion size. Homemade small versions will generally have fewer calories.

Yes, there can be. Chicken asado is typically leaner than pork asado, so a siopao made with chicken breast will often have slightly fewer calories and less fat than one made with a fattier cut of pork.

To reduce calories, use a leaner cut of meat like chicken breast, cut down on the amount of sugar and sauces, and consider using a portion of whole wheat flour in your dough.

While it can provide protein and carbohydrates, siopao asado can be high in sugar, fat, and sodium, especially commercial versions. It is best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Siopao asado generally has a more savory-sweet flavor, while bola-bola features a meatball filling. The calorie count depends on the specific ingredients of each. Asado may have slightly more sugar in the sauce, but the fat content of the meatball in bola-bola can also be significant. They typically fall within a similar caloric range.

Siopao is typically steamed, but some variants are fried. Frying the siopao adds a significant amount of fat and calories from the oil absorbed by the bun, making the fried version much higher in calories than the steamed one.

Yes, using a healthier alternative like a mix of all-purpose and whole wheat flour can increase the fiber content and slightly change the calorie density compared to using only white all-purpose flour.