The first time I took a bite of a Korean Chicken Bao Bun, I felt as if I’d traveled to a bustling street market in Seoul—it was love at first taste! These pillowy soft buns envelop a crispy gochujang-glazed chicken, merging the best of Korean and Taiwanese flavors into an unforgettable culinary experience. What’s truly delightful is how customizable this recipe is; whether you’re craving something spicy or want to add fresh veggies, you can make it your own. Plus, with a quick prep time, these Korean Chicken Bao Buns promise to be a fun yet satisfying addition to your homemade meal repertoire. Ready to impress your family or maybe just indulge in something special? Let’s dive into this fusion treat together! Why Are Korean Chicken Bao Buns a Must-Try? Uniqueness: These bao buns combine crispy gochujang-glazed chicken with a pillowy exterior, offering a fusion that excites your taste buds. Customization: Feel free to get creative! With options to substitute chicken for tofu or jackfruit, there’s something for everyone. Simplicity: The recipe is easy to follow, requiring minimal kitchen skills—perfect for both novice and seasoned chefs. Crowd-Pleasing: Serve these buns at gatherings; they are sure to impress your guests with their flavor and presentation. Don’t forget to pair them with sides like spicy kimchi to elevate the experience, or check out our Cheesy Chicken Broccoli for a heartier meal option! Korean Chicken Bao Buns Ingredients For the Bao Buns Bao Bun Dough – Soft dough that provides a pillowy base, and can be stored frozen for convenience. For the Korean Fried Chicken Korean Fried Chicken – Crispy and succulent, coated in gochujang glaze for a flavorful kick. Gochujang – This spicy Korean chili paste adds depth and heat; adjust based on your spice preference. Soy Sauce – Enhances the umami flavor and provides that classic savory taste in the marinade. Sesame Oil – Infuses the chicken with a rich, nutty flavor that complements the other ingredients beautifully. Garlic – Fresh garlic enhances the marinade’s savory notes, but powdered can be a quick substitute. For the Toppings Pickled Vegetables – Offers a tangy crunch; substitution with fresh slaw provides a lighter texture. Mayonnaise (optional) – For a creamy, decadent touch; try mixing it with gochujang for a spicy mayo twist. Dive into these delightful Korean Chicken Bao Buns that promise a burst of flavors with every bite! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Korean Chicken Bao Buns Step 1: Marinate the Chicken In a mixing bowl, combine gochujang, soy sauce, sesame oil, and minced garlic. Add your chicken pieces, ensuring they’re fully coated in the marinade. Cover and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. You can also let it marinate longer for a deeper taste; however, 30 minutes will give a lovely kick for your Korean Chicken Bao Buns. Step 2: Fry the Chicken Heat a deep skillet or a frying pan with vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Carefully place the marinated chicken pieces in the hot oil and fry for about 8-10 minutes, or until they turn a golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil, creating the perfect crispy filling for your bao buns. Step 3: Prepare the Bao Buns While the chicken is frying, prepare your bao buns by steaming them. Fill a steamer basket with water, bring it to boil, and place the bao buns on parchment paper to prevent sticking. Steam the buns for about 10 minutes, or until they become fluffy and slightly translucent. This will create a soft, pillowy exterior that beautifully encases the savory fried chicken. Step 4: Assemble the Buns Once your bao buns are steamed and the chicken is fried, it’s time for assembly! Take one bao bun and carefully open it. Fill it generously with a piece of crispy chicken, then add a handful of pickled vegetables for that tangy crunch. If you like, drizzle some spicy mayo on top for an extra flavor kick! Repeat this process for the remaining buns, making sure each one is nicely filled. Step 5: Serve Warm Place your assembled Korean Chicken Bao Buns on a serving platter while they are still warm. This is the perfect moment to showcase your flavorful fusion dish! Feel free to offer extra toppings like fresh slaw or more spicy mayo on the side, allowing your guests to customize their buns. Share the love of cooking with family and friends as they take their first delightful bites! What to Serve with Korean Chicken Bao Buns? Let the comforting aroma of Korean cuisine inspire your full meal as you pair these delicious buns with delightful sides! Spicy Kimchi: This tangy, fermented side imparts extra spice and crunch, enhancing the bao experience. Quick Pickled Cucumbers: A refreshing contrast, these cucumbers add a bright, tangy element that lightens the meal. Cucumber Salad: Tossed with sesame oil, this cool salad balances the heat of the chicken and provides a satisfying crunch. Asian Slaw: Crunchy cabbage and carrots bundled in a zingy dressing complement the flavors of the bao while adding texture. Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy, sweet, and indulgent, these provide a comforting side that pairs beautifully with the spicy chicken. Miso Soup: A warm and savory broth, miso soup offers a soothing contrast to the hearty bao buns, balancing your meal. Green Tea: This light drink cleanses the palate, allowing the bold flavors of the bao to shine through. Sesame Lychee Salad: The sweetness of lychee and the nuttiness of sesame create a unique side that perfectly complements the savory buns. Chocolate Mochi: For dessert, these chewy, sweet treats offer a delightful finish to the meal and resonate with the Asian theme. Storage Tips for Korean Chicken Bao Buns Fridge: Store assembled bao buns in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. This keeps them fresh and ready to enjoy! Freezer: If making ahead, freeze unassembled bao buns wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to 1 month. This way, you can savor Korean Chicken Bao Buns on demand! Reheating: To reheat, steam the buns for about 5 minutes or microwave them for about 30 seconds. This restores their fluffy texture, ensuring every bite is delightful! Tip: Remember to keep the fried chicken separate if you’re storing leftovers; combining the two may result in sogginess. Enjoy your fusion treat! Variations & Substitutions for Korean Chicken Bao Buns Get ready to tailor your Korean Chicken Bao Buns to your heart’s content—the possibilities are deliciously endless! Vegetarian Option: Swap out the chicken for tofu or jackfruit. Marinate and fry the tofu until crispy, keeping the same flavors to delight your taste buds. Different Proteins: Explore with fillings like pork or beef. Simply adjust seasoning in the marinade and fry to your desired doneness for a hearty twist. Roasted Vegetables: For a lighter, plant-based option, use a medley of roasted seasonal vegetables. The caramelization adds layers of flavor making these buns vibrant and delicious. Spicy Kick: Increase the heat by adding sliced fresh chilies or a dash of chili flakes to the gochujang marinade. You’ll be embracing flavor in every bite! Saucy Delight: Drizzle a tangy sesame ginger sauce inside the bao for an extra splash of flavor. This dressing beautifully complements the chicken or veggie filling. Crunch Factor: Add thinly sliced cucumbers or fresh herbs for added crunch and freshness. They contrast well with the rich, savory filling. Sweet Twist: Include a dollop of sweet chili sauce or a drizzle of honey in your spicy mayo. It’s a delightful fusion of sweet and heat that elevates your bun experience. If you’re also interested in incorporating creativity into your meal prep, consider pairing these bao buns with a side of spicy kimchi, or adding a refreshing cucumber salad to balance out the flavors. The joy of homemade cooking lies in the freedom to experiment, so feel free to mix, match, and enjoy! Make Ahead Options These Korean Chicken Bao Buns are perfect for busy weeknights when you want to enjoy homemade comfort food without the last-minute rush! You can marinate the chicken in the gochujang mixture up to 24 hours in advance, which allows the flavors to deepen beautifully. Additionally, prepare your pickled vegetables and store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge for a delightful crunch. When you’re ready to eat, simply fry the marinated chicken and steam the bao buns; they’ll be just as delicious as if made fresh. With these make-ahead steps, you’ll have a quick and tasty meal on the table in no time! Expert Tips for Korean Chicken Bao Buns Marinate Longer: Giving your chicken more time to marinate will deepen the flavors. Aim for at least one hour if possible! Oil Temperature Check: Always ensure the oil is hot enough (around 350°F) before frying. This will help the chicken achieve that irresistibly crispy coating. Avoid Dough Stickiness: Use parchment paper in your steamer basket to prevent the bao buns from sticking together while they steam. Assemble Just Before Serving: Keep the buns warm and only assemble right before serving to maintain their fluffy texture and heat. Get Creative: Don’t hesitate to mix up the fillings! Try using tofu or jackfruit for a vegetarian take on the Korean Chicken Bao Buns. Korean Chicken Bao Buns Recipe FAQs How do I choose ripe ingredients for this recipe? When selecting your ingredients, especially the garlic, look for firm cloves without any dark spots or sprouts, as they are the freshest. For the pickled vegetables, choose vibrant, crunchy options like radishes or cucumbers. If you’re using chicken, opt for skinless, boneless cuts that are fresh and plump for the juiciest results. How should I store leftover bao buns? You can keep your assembled Korean Chicken Bao Buns in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Just ensure they’re well covered to maintain moisture. For best results when reheating, steam them briefly for about 5 minutes or use the microwave for 30 seconds, but be cautious not to overheat. Can I freeze the bao buns? Absolutely! If you’d like to make ahead, place unassembled bao buns wrapped tightly in plastic wrap in the freezer for up to 1 month. To enjoy, just steam them directly from the freezer for 10-12 minutes until fluffy, ensuring they return to their delightful texture. What should I do if my fried chicken isn’t crispy? If your fried chicken turns out soggy, this may be due to the oil temperature being too low or not double-frying. Make sure your oil is around 350°F (175°C) before adding the chicken for that perfect crunch. If you’ve already cooked it, try placing it in a hot oven for 5-10 minutes to attain some crispiness before serving. Are there any dietary considerations for these bao buns? Great question! If you’re meal prepping for someone with allergies, you can easily substitute the gochujang with a milder sauce that’s allergy-friendly. For a vegetarian twist, use tofu or jackfruit instead of chicken, also ensuring any sauces are free from allergens like gluten or eggs. Can I prepare these buns in advance? You sure can! To simplify your meal prep, marinate the chicken and pickle your vegetables the day before. The next day, all you need to do is fry your chicken, steam your bao buns, and assemble everything just before serving to keep the buns fluffy and the filling delicious! Irresistible Korean Chicken Bao Buns for a Flavor Explosion These Korean Chicken Bao Buns combine crispy gochujang-glazed chicken with a pillowy exterior for a delightful fusion experience. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 30 minutes minsCook Time 20 minutes minsMarinating Time 30 minutes minsTotal Time 1 hour hr 20 minutes mins Servings: 4 bunsCourse: ChickenCuisine: Korean, TaiwaneseCalories: 350 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Bao Buns1 batch Bao Bun Dough Soft dough that can be frozenFor the Korean Fried Chicken1 pound Korean Fried Chicken Crispy and coated in gochujang glaze2 tablespoons Gochujang Adjust based on spice preference2 tablespoons Soy Sauce Enhances umami flavor1 tablespoon Sesame Oil Infuses a nutty flavor2 cloves Garlic Fresh minced garlic enhances flavorFor the Toppings1 cup Pickled Vegetables Offers a tangy crunch2 tablespoons Mayonnaise Optional; mix with gochujang for spicy mayo Equipment mixing bowlfrying pansteamer basket Method Step-by-Step InstructionsMarinate the Chicken: Combine gochujang, soy sauce, sesame oil, and minced garlic. Add chicken, coat well, and let marinate in fridge for at least 30 minutes.Fry the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry marinated chicken for 8-10 minutes until golden brown.Prepare the Bao Buns: Steam bao buns in a steamer basket filled with boiling water for about 10 minutes.Assemble the Buns: Open a steamed bao bun, fill with crispy chicken, top with pickled vegetables, and drizzle with spicy mayo.Serve Warm: Place assembled bao buns on a platter and offer extra toppings on the side. Nutrition Serving: 1bunCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 25gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 6gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 2mg NotesMarinate for longer if possible for deeper flavor. Keep fried chicken separate to avoid sogginess when storing leftovers. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
