Name: Korean Chicken Bao Buns: Spicy, Fluffy Delights to Savor
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 80 min
Ingredients: 2 cups All-purpose flour (Gives buns their signature fluffy texture); 1 tbsp Instant yeast (Essential for making the buns rise); 1 tbsp Sugar (Helps activate the yeast); 1 tbsp Baking powder (Ensures buns remain light and airy); 3/4 cup Lukewarm water (Ideal for dissolving the yeast); 1 tsp Salt (Enhances flavor); 1 lb Chicken thighs (Juicy and tender); 2 tbsp Gochujang (Provides spicy heat); 2 tbsp Soy sauce (Adds umami flavor); 1 tbsp Sesame oil (Introduces a nutty flavor); 3 cloves Garlic (Minced); 1/2 cup Cornstarch (For coating the chicken); 1 cup Pickled veggies (Radishes or cucumbers); 1/2 cup Fresh cilantro (Elevates flavor); 2 tbsp Sesame seeds (For crunch); 1 cup Spicy mayo (Mix mayo with sriracha)

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

Stepping into the world of Korean Chicken Bao Buns feels like a culinary revelation, where the delicate embrace of fluffy bao meets the fiery crunch of Korean fried chicken. These irresistible bites are more than just food; they’re a celebration of flavor and texture, perfect for any gathering or a cozy night in. What makes these bao buns truly remarkable is their versatility; you can easily customize the fillings to suit any dietary preference—vegetarian, spicy, or mild—to ensure everyone at the table is delighted. Plus, with a prep time that won’t keep you in the kitchen all day, you’ll be savoring these delicious fusion treats in no time. Curious about how to make this vibrant delicacy at home? Let’s dive into the flavorful adventure together!

Korean Chicken Bao Buns antdaz

Why are Korean Chicken Bao Buns irresistible?

Flavor Explosion: Korean Chicken Bao Buns combine the best of both worlds—fluffy bao enveloping crispy, spicy chicken, creating an unforgettable taste sensation.
Customizable Goodness: Whether you prefer vegetarian options or different heat levels, these buns effortlessly adapt to your cravings, ensuring everyone can enjoy them.
Quick & Easy: With a minimal prep time, you won’t be stuck in the kitchen! Get ready to impress your friends and family with delicious homemade bao.
Street Food Vibes: Bring the essence of trendy street food into your home kitchen, making every meal feel like a festive occasion. For more quick and delicious recipes, check out my Garlic Butter Chicken or Savory Chicken Flatbread.
Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for gatherings, these bao buns will ignite the passion of any food lover, making them the highlight of your next get-together.

Korean Chicken Bao Buns Ingredients

For the Bao Buns
• Flour – All-purpose flour gives buns their signature fluffy texture.
• Yeast – Essential for making the buns rise; instant yeast works perfectly.
• Sugar – A touch of sweetness helps activate the yeast for better fluffiness.
• Baking Powder – Ensures buns remain light and airy.
• Water – Lukewarm water is ideal for dissolving the yeast and hydrating the dough.
• Salt – Enhances flavor and balances the sweetness.

For the Korean Fried Chicken
• Chicken Thighs – Juicy and tender, preferred for frying; you can cut them into smaller pieces for easy filling.
• Gochujang – A key ingredient providing spicy heat and depth; substitute with sriracha for a milder option.
• Soy Sauce – Adds umami and saltiness to the marinade; low-sodium is available for a healthier choice.
• Sesame Oil – Introduces a rich, nutty flavor; can be replaced with vegetable oil if needed.
• Garlic – Fresh minced garlic enhances flavors in the marinade, but garlic powder can be used in a pinch.
• Cornstarch – For coating the chicken to ensure extra crunch during frying.

For the Toppings
• Pickled Veggies – Add tang and crunch; varieties like radishes or cucumbers work beautifully.
• Cilantro – Fresh herbs elevate the flavor profile for that vibrant touch.
• Sesame Seeds – A sprinkle of these gives a delightful crunch and visual appeal.
• Spicy Mayo – For an extra layer of heat and creaminess, mix mayo with sriracha.

These Korean Chicken Bao Buns are not just a culinary creation; they are a delicious adventure waiting to be explored!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Korean Chicken Bao Buns

Step 1: Marinate Chicken
In a mixing bowl, combine gochujang, soy sauce, sesame oil, and minced garlic to create a flavorful marinade. Add the chicken thighs, ensuring they are well-coated. Cover the bowl and let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator. This step infuses the meat with spicy and savory flavors, essential for your Korean Chicken Bao Buns.

Step 2: Fry Chicken
Heat a generous amount of oil in a deep pan over medium-high heat, roughly 350°F (175°C). Carefully add the marinated chicken pieces in batches, frying until they turn golden brown and crispy, about 5-7 minutes each side. Remove the chicken, allowing excess oil to drain on a paper towel. This double-frying technique ensures a crunchy exterior that perfectly complements the softness of the bao buns.

Step 3: Prepare Bao Buns
While the chicken is frying, start preparing the bao buns. Fill a steamer or a metal sieve with the bao buns and place it over boiling water. Steam the buns for about 8-10 minutes, or until they puff up and become fluffy. The steam creates a soft and airy texture, which is vital for your Korean Chicken Bao Buns.

Step 4: Assemble Buns
Once the bao buns are ready, take one and gently open its pocket. Stuff it generously with the crispy fried chicken. Then, add pickled veggies like radishes or cucumbers for a refreshing crunch, followed by fresh cilantro and a drizzle of spicy mayo if desired. This assembly step allows each bite to be a delightful mix of flavors and textures.

Step 5: Serve Immediately
Serve the assembled Korean Chicken Bao Buns warm, ideally right after assembling. This dish is best enjoyed fresh, allowing the fluffy buns and crispy chicken to shine. For added fun, set out additional toppings and let your guests customize their buns to their liking, making this a thrilling culinary experience for everyone involved.

Korean Chicken Bao Buns ioufbp

What to Serve with Korean Chicken Bao Buns

Dive into a vibrant world of flavor with sides that elevate your homemade bao experience to new heights.

Kimchi: This tangy, fermented dish adds a spicy crunch, perfectly balancing the softness of the bao.
Crispy Tempura Vegetables: Light and airy, tempura veggies introduce a delightful texture contrast, enhancing the overall meal.
Spicy Mayo Dipping Sauce: A rich, creamy sauce that adds heat, perfect for drizzling on top or dipping your bao.
Pickled Radishes: Their bright acidity contrasts the savory chicken, bringing freshness while maintaining the theme of bold flavors.
Bok Choy Stir-Fry: Quick-cooked with garlic and ginger, this dish adds a fresh, crunchy element that complements the bao beautifully.
Asian Slaw: A crunchy medley of cabbage, carrots, and sesame dressing brings vibrancy, enhancing the dish’s texture.
Cold Soba Noodles: Tossed in sesame oil and scallions, these noodles provide a refreshing balance to the hearty bao.
Fresh Mint and Cilantro Salad: Bright herbs add a layer of freshness, making each bite of bao feel light yet satisfying.
Jasmine Rice: For those seeking a hearty option, serve with fluffy jasmine rice, allowing the baos to shine while adding substance.
Chilled Iced Tea: This refreshing drink helps cleanse the palate, ensuring each bite of the spicy bao is as delightful as the first.

Expert Tips for Korean Chicken Bao Buns

Coat Well: Ensure the chicken is thoroughly coated in the marinade to maximize flavor infusion before frying.
Proper Frying: Double-fry the chicken for an irresistible crunch; the first fry cooks it through, while the second adds that extra crispiness.
Steaming Technique: Steam bao buns over boiling water using a metal sieve for an ideal fluffy texture. Avoid boiling them directly in water, which can make them soggy.
Serving Fresh: Serve Korean Chicken Bao Buns immediately after assembling to maintain the contrast between soft buns and crispy chicken.
Storage Guidance: Store any leftovers in an airtight container to keep the buns soft. When reheating, a quick steam will revive them beautifully.

Make Ahead Options

These Korean Chicken Bao Buns are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance, enhancing the flavor as it sits in the refrigerator. Additionally, the bao buns can be steamed ahead of time and stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days; simply reheat them in a steamer for about 5 minutes before serving to restore their fluffy texture. To keep the crispy chicken fresh, fry it just before assembling the buns. When ready to enjoy, stuff the warm bao with the chicken and your choice of pickled veggies for a delightful meal that saves you plenty of time on busy weeknights!

Korean Chicken Bao Buns Variations & Substitutions

Customize your Korean Chicken Bao Buns with these delicious twists that’ll make every bite an adventure for your taste buds!

Vegetarian Option: Swap chicken for firm tofu or marinated vegetables to keep the deliciousness while catering to veggie lovers.
Spice Control: Adjust the heat by starting with less gochujang or try a mellow sriracha to match your family’s taste interests.
Gluten-Free Alternative: Use gluten-free flour and tamari instead of soy sauce to keep the bao buns enjoyable for those avoiding gluten.
Flavor Boost: Add fresh ginger or scallions to the marinade for an aromatic kick that enhances the overall flavor profile.
Filling Variations: Get creative with fillings! Pulled pork or teriyaki chicken are fabulous alternatives that add variety to your bao experience.
Crispy Additions: Incorporate chopped water chestnuts or peanuts for a delightful crunch that contrasts the soft bao and savory filling.
Sauce Swaps: Experiment with hoisin sauce or chili mayo for different flavor profiles that can elevate your bao buns’ taste.
Side Pairing: Serve with a side of homemade kimchi or spicy mayo to complement these vibrant bao buns. For more ideas, check out my Bbq Chicken Tostadas for perfect pairing!

Storage Tips for Korean Chicken Bao Buns

Room Temperature: Enjoy the bao buns fresh for the best texture; they should not be left out for more than 2 hours.

Fridge: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently to maintain softness.

Freezer: You can freeze assembled Korean Chicken Bao Buns for up to 1 month. Wrap each bun tightly and place them in a freezer-safe bag.

Reheating: For the best results, steam the frozen buns for about 10-12 minutes until warmed through and fluffy again.

Korean Chicken Bao Buns jj0oep

Korean Chicken Bao Buns Recipe FAQs

How do I select the right ingredients for Korean Chicken Bao Buns?
Absolutely! For the bao buns, look for all-purpose flour and instant yeast for the best texture. Ensure your gochujang is of good quality, as it’s the star ingredient—the deeper the color, the richer the flavor. When choosing chicken, opt for thighs as they remain tender and juicy even after frying. For pickled veggies, any colorful variety will add both crunch and zing.

How should I store leftover Korean Chicken Bao Buns?
Very! Place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate them for up to 2 days. This helps preserve the softness of the buns. When ready to enjoy, reheat them gently in a steamer for about 5 minutes, bringing back their delightful fluffiness.

Can I freeze Korean Chicken Bao Buns?
Certainly! To freeze, place assembled bao buns in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze them for about 1-2 hours until solid. Afterward, wrap each bun individually in plastic wrap, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored for up to 1 month. When you’re ready to eat, steam them directly from the freezer for 10-12 minutes to regain that fresh texture.

What should I do if my bao buns aren’t fluffy?
If your bao buns aren’t turning out fluffy, check a few things. First, ensure you use the right amount of yeast and give the dough plenty of time to rise—about 1 hour in a warm environment is ideal. Also, when steaming, make sure the steaming setup allows for good airflow so the buns can expand. If they seem dense, they might need a little extra kneading to develop gluten, which helps with their texture.

Are Korean Chicken Bao Buns suitable for dietary restrictions?
The more the merrier! You can absolutely adapt these buns to cater to different dietary needs. For a vegetarian option, replace the chicken with fried tofu or a mix of stir-fried vegetables. If gluten-free, swap out the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and check that your sauces are gluten-free. Always be mindful of allergies when selecting your ingredients, particularly for the sauces and fillings!