As I wandered through a bustling street market in Seoul, the air was filled with the enticing aroma of sizzling fried chicken and the sweet scent of soft, fluffy bao. This moment ignited my passion for bringing those flavors home, inspiring me to create my Korean Chicken Bao Buns. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, these buns are a delightful fusion of crispy chicken enveloped in pillowy dough, making every bite an adventure. Best of all, they’re fully customizable—whether you enjoy a mild spice or a fiery kick, you can easily adjust the heat to suit your taste. Join me in exploring how to create this comforting dish that’s sure to impress your family and friends. What will you fill your bao with? Why Are These Bao Buns Irresistible? Comforting Fusion: The unique blend of flavors brings a satisfying twist to traditional bao, making them ideal for any meal. Customization Galore: Tailor your fillings! Enjoy vegetarian options, or crank up the spice with extra gochujang. Quick & Easy: Perfect for weeknight dinners, this recipe saves time without compromising on taste. Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: Invite friends over and let them assemble their bao; it’s a fun and interactive dining experience. Texture Heaven: The fluffy bao surrounding crispy chicken creates a delightful bite, reminiscent of gourmet street food. For more fusion delights, try Pesto Chicken Pasta or experience the comforting warmth of Thai Chicken Soup. Korean Chicken Bao Buns Ingredients For the Bao Buns • Bao Buns – Choose pre-made options for convenience and fluffy results. For the Chicken Filling • Chicken – Use thigh pieces for juiciness and flavor; boneless is easiest to work with. • Gochujang – This Korean chili paste adds a rich, spicy flavor that makes the filling pop. • Soy Sauce – It provides essential umami and saltiness to the chicken marinade. • Sesame Oil – Adds a nutty aroma and depth to the flavor profile. • Garlic – Fresh minced garlic is key for that aromatic kick in the marinade. For the Optional Toppings • Pickled Vegetables – Provide a tangy crunch; feel free to use store-bought or homemade. • Fresh Herbs – Basil or cilantro can brighten up your bao with additional freshness. • Extra Gochujang – Serve as a condiment for those who crave an extra kick of heat. With these vibrant ingredients, your Korean Chicken Bao Buns will become a cherished recipe in your home! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Korean Chicken Bao Buns Step 1: Marinate the Chicken Begin by cutting your chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. In a mixing bowl, combine gochujang, soy sauce, sesame oil, and minced garlic, stirring until smooth. Add the chicken pieces, ensuring they are well-coated in the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Step 2: Fry the Chicken Heat a deep skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat and add oil for frying. Once the oil is hot (about 350°F), carefully place the marinated chicken in the pan, cooking in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry for about 5-7 minutes until the chicken is crispy and golden brown, turning occasionally. Once fried, place the chicken on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Step 3: Steam the Bao Buns While the chicken is frying, set up a steamer or use a metal sieve placed over a pot of simmering water. Arrange your bao buns in a single layer in the steamer, making sure they are not touching. Cover and steam for about 10 minutes until they puff up and become fluffy. Keep the steamed buns warm while you finish assembling your Korean Chicken Bao Buns. Step 4: Assemble the Buns Once your chicken is fried and the bao buns are steamed, it’s time to assemble. Gently open each bao bun, creating a pocket. Fill each bun generously with crispy fried chicken, and don’t forget to top with your choice of pickled vegetables for a delightful crunch. Optionally, drizzle extra gochujang for those who crave added spice. Step 5: Serve and Enjoy Arrange your filled Korean Chicken Bao Buns on a serving platter, inviting friends and family to join in on the fun. Allow everyone to customize their own buns with extra toppings like fresh herbs or sauces if desired. These fluffy bao buns filled with savory chicken create a delicious, interactive dining experience that everyone will love. Make Ahead Options These Korean Chicken Bao Buns are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts who want to save time on busy weeknights! You can marinate the chicken in the gochujang mixture up to 24 hours in advance, ensuring that the flavors penetrate deeply for maximum taste. Additionally, the fried chicken can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator—this keeps it crispy while maintaining its flavor. To finish, simply reheat the chicken in a hot skillet for a few minutes, steam the bao buns fresh right before serving, and assemble with pickled vegetables. This way, you’ll create restaurant-quality Korean Chicken Bao Buns with minimal effort, making it a fun dinner option that delights everyone! How to Store and Freeze Korean Chicken Bao Buns Fridge: Store leftover Korean Chicken Bao Buns in an airtight container for up to 3 days to maintain their freshness and texture. Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the filled buns in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2 months. Reheating: To enjoy, steam or microwave buns with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out. Heat until warmed through for that fluffy texture. Wrapping: If storing unfilled bao buns, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or parchment paper to retain moisture and freshness. Korean Chicken Bao Buns: Customize Your Creation Embrace the chance to make these bao buns uniquely yours, infusing them with flavors that dance on your palate! Vegetarian Delight: Swap the chicken for crispy tofu, marinated in the same zesty sauce for a deliciously different take. Spicy Upgrade: Add more gochujang or a fresh chili kick for those who love some extra heat; the more, the merrier! Herbal Freshness: Toss in vibrant fresh herbs like mint or cilantro for a burst of flavor that elevates every bite. Crunchy Slaw: Layer in some crunchy cabbage slaw for a delightful texture and freshness that complements the rich filling. Gluten-Free Swap: Use gluten-free bao buns or lettuce wraps for a lighter, gluten-free iteration of this tasty dish. Asian Fusion: Try filling your buns with Korean BBQ beef or pulled pork for an innovative twist that excites the taste buds. Serving Sizzle: Pair with a drizzle of spicy mayo or a creamy avocado sauce to take your flavors to another level. Colorful Pickles: Experiment with various pickled veggies such as daikon or carrots to add color and depth to your bao experience. Why not make it a flavorful night in? You could serve your bao alongside a refreshing cucumber salad or, for a heartwarming option, a bowl of Thai Chicken Soup to round up the meal. Each bite of your customized Korean Chicken Bao Buns will transport your taste buds straight to the vibrant streets of Seoul! Expert Tips for Korean Chicken Bao Buns Perfect Bun Steaming: Use a metal sieve or bamboo steamer lined with parchment paper for efficient steaming; it prevents sticking and ensures fluffy buns. Crispy Texture: Double-frying the chicken is key! This technique locks in moisture while creating a golden, crispy exterior—perfect for your Korean Chicken Bao Buns. Flavorful Marinade: Don’t rush the marinating process; letting the chicken soak for at least 30 minutes elevates taste. For bold flavors, consider marinating overnight. Avoid Soggy Buns: Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat with a damp paper towel in the microwave to keep the bao fluffy without becoming soggy. Adjust Spice Levels: Feel free to customize the amount of gochujang in both the marinade and as a topping, ensuring each bao reflects your personal heat preference. What to Serve with Korean Chicken Bao Buns? Elevate your dinner experience with delightful sides and drinks that perfectly balance the richness of your bao buns. Cucumber Salad: A refreshing crunch that balances the savory flavors, providing a cool contrast to the warm filling. Kimchi: This fermented delight adds tang and spice, enhancing the overall flavor profile of your meal. Sesame Noodles: Creamy and nutty, they complement the bold flavors of the chicken while adding a silky texture to your plate. Asian Slaw: With a vibrant mix of cabbage, carrots, and a light vinaigrette, this slaw adds a zingy crunch that brightens every bite. Edamame: Lightly salted and full of protein, these provide a satisfying bite and are perfect for snacking while assembling your bao. Iced Green Tea: Refreshing and slightly sweet, it cleanses the palate while bringing a hint of freshness to your meal. Mochi Ice Cream: For a delightful dessert, these little treats offer a chewy texture and a burst of flavors that contrast beautifully with the savory buns. Impress your family and friends with this combination, ensuring that each element enhances your Korean Chicken Bao Buns experience! Korean Chicken Bao Buns Recipe FAQs What should I look for when selecting chicken for the bao buns? Absolutely! For the juiciest and most flavorful bao buns, I recommend using boneless chicken thighs. They’re tender and rich in flavor, making your filling deliciously satisfying. When selecting chicken at the store, look for thighs that are plump and without any dark spots or unusual colors. How should I store leftover Korean Chicken Bao Buns? To keep your delicious bao buns fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This way, they retain their fluffy texture and flavor. When reheating, a quick steam or microwave with a damp paper towel helps maintain their softness. Can I freeze Korean Chicken Bao Buns? Yes, you can freeze them! To freeze your bao buns, first, place the filled buns in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze them until solid, which usually takes about 1-2 hours. Then, transfer them to an airtight container or a freezer bag, where they can be stored for up to 2 months. To reheat, steam them directly from frozen or microwave them with a damp paper towel for best results. What if my bao buns turn out soggy? No worries! If you happen to end up with soggy buns, the key is in the reheating process. When rewarming, place a damp paper towel on top of the buns and microwave in short bursts of 15-20 seconds until they’re warm. This method helps revive the fluffy texture while eliminating sogginess. Making sure the buns are stored properly before reheating is crucial, too! Are there any dietary considerations for Korean Chicken Bao Buns? Yes! If you’re looking for vegetarian options, you can substitute the fried chicken with tofu marinated in the same gochujang mixture for a fiery taste. Additionally, if anyone has gluten allergies, using gluten-free bao buns and tamari instead of soy sauce will work beautifully. Always double-check ingredient labels to ensure they meet specific dietary needs. How can I adapt the spice level in the recipe? Very easily! To tailor the spice level to your preference, simply adjust the amount of gochujang in both the marinade and as a topping. For milder flavors, you can use less gochujang or mix it with a little honey or sesame oil for a sweet twist. It’s all about making it your own! Delicious Korean Chicken Bao Buns: Your New Favorite Comfort Food Korean Chicken Bao Buns are a delightful fusion of crispy chicken and fluffy bao, perfect for comfort food lovers. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 30 minutes minsCook Time 15 minutes minsMarinating Time 30 minutes minsTotal Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins Servings: 4 bunsCourse: ChickenCuisine: KoreanCalories: 300 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Bao BunsPre-made Bao Buns Choose pre-made options for convenience and fluffy results.For the Chicken Filling1 pound Chicken thighs Boneless is easiest to work with.2 tablespoons Gochujang Adds rich, spicy flavor.2 tablespoons Soy Sauce Provides umami and saltiness.1 tablespoon Sesame Oil Adds a nutty aroma.3 cloves Garlic Minced for aromatic kick.For the Optional Toppings1 cup Pickled Vegetables Store-bought or homemade.1/2 cup Fresh Herbs Basil or cilantro.1 tablespoon Extra Gochujang Serve as a condiment. Equipment Deep skillet or frying panSteamerMixing bowl Method Step-by-Step Instructions for Korean Chicken Bao BunsBegin by cutting your chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. In a mixing bowl, combine gochujang, soy sauce, sesame oil, and minced garlic, stirring until smooth. Add the chicken pieces, ensuring they are well-coated in the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.Heat a deep skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat and add oil for frying. Once the oil is hot (about 350°F), carefully place the marinated chicken in the pan, cooking in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry for about 5-7 minutes until crispy and golden brown, turning occasionally. Once fried, place the chicken on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.While the chicken is frying, set up a steamer or use a metal sieve placed over a pot of simmering water. Arrange your bao buns in a single layer in the steamer, making sure they are not touching. Cover and steam for about 10 minutes until they puff up and become fluffy.Once your chicken is fried and the bao buns are steamed, gently open each bao bun, creating a pocket. Fill each bun generously with crispy fried chicken, and top with your choice of pickled vegetables. Optionally, drizzle extra gochujang for added spice.Arrange your filled Korean Chicken Bao Buns on a serving platter, inviting friends and family to join in on the fun. Allow everyone to customize their own buns with extra toppings like fresh herbs or sauces if desired. Nutrition Serving: 1bunCalories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 20gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 65mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 350mgFiber: 2gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 2mg NotesThese fluffy bao buns filled with savory chicken create a delicious, interactive dining experience that everyone will love. Adjust spice levels to suit your taste preferences. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
