Korean Chicken Bao

These Korean Chicken Bao Buns offer a delightful combination of textures and flavors. The fluffy steamed buns perfectly complement the crispy fried chicken, while the spicy-sweet gochujang sauce adds a punch of heat and richness. Topped with fresh vegetables and herbs, this dish is both visually appealing and utterly satisfying. This recipe may take a little time, but it’s worth every step. The tender chicken inside soft bao buns creates an unforgettable bite, making it a standout dish for a dinner party, family gathering, or an indulgent weekend treat.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

  • 450 g (3 3/4 cups) plain (all-purpose) flour
  • 2 tbsp caster sugar
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 2 tsp instant dried yeast
  • 3 tbsp whole milk
  • 210 ml (3/4 cup + 2 tbsp) warm water
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter, very soft
  • 1 tbsp olive oil (for brushing)
  • 4 chicken breasts, sliced into bite-size chunks
  • 240 ml (1 cup) buttermilk
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp white pepper
  • ¼ tsp garlic salt
  • 180 g (1 1/2 cups) plain (all-purpose) flour (for coating)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp ground black pepper
  • ½ tsp garlic salt
  • ½ tsp celery salt
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp chili flakes
  • Vegetable oil (for deep frying)
  • 2 tbsp gochujang paste
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • 4 tbsp brown sugar
  • 4 tbsp soy sauce
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tsp minced ginger
  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
  • ¼ cucumber, chopped
  • Small bunch of fresh coriander (cilantro), roughly chopped
  • 2 tsp black and white sesame seeds

Directions:

  1. For the Bao Buns: Mix flour, sugar, salt, and yeast in a bowl. In a jug, mix milk, warm water, and butter. Combine the liquid with the dry mixture, then knead for 10 minutes. Let it rise for 90 minutes or until doubled in size.
  2. Divide dough into 20 balls, roll each into an oval, and brush with olive oil. Fold over using a chopstick, remove the chopstick, and let rise again for 60 minutes. Steam for 10 minutes.
  3. For the Chicken: Marinade chicken in buttermilk, salt, pepper, and garlic salt for at least 1 hour. Coat the chicken in the crispy mixture of flour, seasonings, and spices.
  4. Fry the chicken in hot oil for 3-5 minutes until golden. Keep warm in the oven.
  5. For the Sauce: Simmer gochujang paste, honey, brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and oils in a pan for 5 minutes until thickened. Toss fried chicken in the sauce.
  6. To Serve: Carefully open the steamed bao buns, stuff with chicken, and top with red onion, cucumber, coriander, and sesame seeds.

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 60 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Kcal: 289 kcal per serving | Servings: 20 bao buns

The Korean Chicken Bao Buns recipe is a true delight for food lovers who enjoy Asian-inspired dishes. With its origins rooted in the popular Korean street food scene and influenced by traditional Chinese bao buns, this dish perfectly marries the savory and spicy flavors of Korea with the soft, pillowy texture of steamed buns. It is an excellent recipe for those looking to experiment with fusion cooking or for those who love trying out new, exciting flavors. Whether you’re planning a dinner party, a family gathering, or simply a satisfying weekend meal, these Korean Chicken Bao Buns are sure to impress.

What Makes This Recipe Special?

One of the most exciting aspects of this recipe is the way it combines diverse textures and flavors in every bite. The bao buns are soft and fluffy, a traditional feature of Chinese cuisine that has made bao a beloved street food around the world. In contrast, the Korean fried chicken is crispy, tender, and flavorful, thanks to the perfect blend of spices and the crunchy outer coating. The addition of the gochujang sauce, which brings a unique spicy, sweet, and savory taste, ties everything together. The sauce is what gives the dish its signature kick, elevating it from a simple bao bun to a mouth-watering Korean delight.

The dish also allows for a high degree of customization. For example, you can adjust the level of spiciness by adding more or less gochujang paste, depending on your preference. Additionally, the toppings—such as red onion, cucumber, and cilantro—bring a fresh, crunchy contrast to the soft buns and rich chicken, but you can switch them up based on what you have available. Some people prefer pickled vegetables to add a tangy twist, while others may add a drizzle of mayonnaise or sriracha for an extra layer of flavor.

The History of Bao Buns and Korean Fried Chicken

Bao buns, traditionally called “baozi,” are a staple of Chinese cuisine and date back to the Han Dynasty. These steamed buns are often filled with various types of meat or vegetables and are enjoyed both as a snack and as part of a main meal. Over time, bao buns have evolved and spread across Asia, with different countries adapting them to their local tastes. The Korean Chicken Bao Buns recipe is a modern twist on this classic dish, incorporating Korean flavors and cooking techniques, particularly the renowned Korean fried chicken.

Korean fried chicken, or “chikin,” has a rich history that dates back to the mid-20th century. After the Korean War, fried chicken gained popularity in South Korea, influenced by American cooking methods but quickly taking on its own identity. What sets Korean fried chicken apart is its double-frying technique, which results in an extra crispy exterior while keeping the meat juicy and tender inside. The use of gochujang, a fermented chili paste, is another hallmark of Korean cuisine, giving the chicken a distinct, spicy flavor that perfectly complements the bao buns.

Perfect for Entertaining and Special Occasions

If you’re hosting a gathering or a dinner party, these Korean Chicken Bao Buns are the perfect crowd-pleaser. Not only do they look impressive with their vibrant colors and various textures, but they also offer a delightful explosion of flavors. Since the recipe requires a bit of preparation, making the dish for a special occasion adds to the sense of festivity. Guests will appreciate the unique combination of Korean and Chinese influences, and the fun of eating these handheld bites makes them ideal for casual or formal settings.

You can easily turn this dish into a DIY food bar by preparing the buns and chicken in advance, and then letting guests assemble their own bao buns by adding their choice of toppings. This interactive element can make your event more engaging, allowing everyone to customize their bao buns according to their preferences. Plus, with the buns being light yet filling, they won’t weigh guests down, making them an excellent choice for finger food at cocktail parties or social events.

Health Benefits and Nutritional Considerations

While fried chicken may not initially seem like the healthiest option, this recipe offers a balanced combination of nutrients. The bao buns are made with basic ingredients such as flour, yeast, and water, which keep them low in fat. The chicken provides a good source of lean protein, which is essential for muscle building and overall body repair. Additionally, using buttermilk to marinate the chicken adds a slight tang while keeping it tender without the need for heavy oils or fats.

The use of vegetables such as cucumber and red onion adds a refreshing crunch to the bao buns, and fresh cilantro (or coriander) offers both flavor and nutritional value, being rich in antioxidants and vitamins. If you want to make the dish even healthier, you can opt to bake the chicken instead of frying it. Though baking won’t give the same crispy texture as frying, it’s a great alternative if you’re looking to reduce your oil consumption. You can also swap out certain ingredients to meet dietary needs—for instance, using gluten-free flour for the bao buns or experimenting with a vegan version by replacing the chicken with tofu or a plant-based meat substitute.

Preparing Ahead of Time

One of the best features of this recipe is that many of its components can be prepared ahead of time. The bao buns can be made in large batches, cooled, and either refrigerated or frozen until needed. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat them in the steamer or microwave, ensuring they maintain their softness.

Similarly, the fried chicken can also be prepared ahead and reheated in the oven, ensuring it stays crispy. If you’re planning a large event, you can save time by making the sauce a day in advance. When it’s time to serve, all you need to do is reheat the buns and chicken, toss the chicken in the gochujang sauce, and assemble the bao buns with fresh toppings.

Conclusion:

Korean Chicken Bao Buns are more than just a delicious meal—they represent a beautiful fusion of two beloved Asian culinary traditions. From the pillowy softness of the bao to the crispy, flavor-packed Korean fried chicken, every bite delivers a combination of texture, taste, and satisfaction. This dish is perfect for adventurous home cooks who love to experiment with flavors, as well as for those who want to bring a touch of international cuisine to their dinner table.

While the recipe does require some time and effort, the final result is undoubtedly worth it. Whether you’re preparing these buns for a special event, a weekend treat, or just as a fun cooking project, you’ll be rewarded with a dish that will make an impression on everyone who tries it. Plus, the flexibility of the recipe allows you to make it your own by adjusting the ingredients to suit your taste and dietary preferences.

 

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