Name: Korean Chicken Bao Buns: Your New Favorite Comfort Food
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 75 min
Ingredients: 4 pieces Bao Buns (Store-bought or homemade); 1 pound Korean Fried Chicken (Double-fried for best crunch); 3 tablespoons Gochujang (Substitute with Sriracha for less spice); 2 tablespoons Soy Sauce (Can use low-sodium); 1 tablespoon Sesame Oil (Can replace with olive oil); 3 cloves Garlic (Minced; fresh is preferred); 1 cup Pickled Vegetables (Use cucumbers or radishes); 1/2 cup Gochujang Mayo (Plain mayo with Sriracha can substitute)

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The first time I tasted Korean Chicken Bao Buns, it was like uncovering a hidden gem in the world of comfort food. With their soft, pillowy exteriors embracing a flavorful filling of crispy gochujang-glazed fried chicken, these buns are a perfect blend of Korean and Chinese culinary traditions. This recipe is not just about satisfying your hunger; it’s a creative outlet that allows you to customize your fillings, making it a delightful option for everyone, from fussy eaters to adventurous foodies. Plus, they’re quick to assemble and impressive enough to wow your dinner guests. Are you ready to dive into this culinary fusion adventure and excite your taste buds?

Why Are Korean Chicken Bao Buns Amazing?

Unique Fusion Experience: These bao buns bring together Korean and Chinese flavors, creating an unforgettable culinary delight that transports your taste buds.
Customizable Fillings: Easily swap in your favorite ingredients—try tofu for a vegetarian twist or different sauces for a unique spin.
Crispy and Fluffy Delight: Enjoy the contrast of crispy fried chicken and soft, fluffy buns for the ultimate comfort food indulgence.
Time-Saving Option: Quick to prepare, these buns are perfect for a weeknight meal yet fancy enough for entertaining. If you love simplicity with flair, be sure to check out my Bbq Chicken Mac too!
Crowd-Pleaser Appeal: Whether for a family dinner or a gathering with friends, Korean Chicken Bao Buns are sure to impress and satisfy everyone at the table.

Korean Chicken Bao Buns Ingredients

For the Bao Buns
• Bao Buns – Soft, fluffy vessels that cradle the filling; for best results, use store-bought or homemade steamed bao.

For the Chicken Filling
• Korean Fried Chicken – Provides a crispy texture and spiciness; ensure chicken is double-fried for the best crunch.
• Gochujang – Adds depth and heat to the marinade; substitute with Sriracha for less spice.
• Soy Sauce – Infuses umami flavor; low-sodium versions can be used for a healthier option.
• Sesame Oil – Enhances richness and aroma; can replace with olive oil for a milder taste.
• Garlic – Provides a robust base flavor; fresh minced garlic is preferred; garlic powder can be a quick substitute.

For the Toppings
• Pickled Vegetables – Adds acidity and freshness for balance; use quick-pickled cucumbers or radishes for a crunch.
• Gochujang Mayo – A creamy topping that melds flavors; plain mayo with Sriracha can serve as an alternative.

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Korean Chicken Bao Buns

Step 1: Prepare Marinade
In a mixing bowl, combine gochujang, soy sauce, sesame oil, minced garlic, and a splash of vinegar to create a flavorful marinade. Stir until smooth, ensuring no lumps remain. This mixture will infuse the chicken with a spicy and savory flavor profile that is essential for your Korean Chicken Bao Buns.

Step 2: Marinate Chicken
Coat your chicken pieces thoroughly in the marinade, ensuring each piece is well-covered. Place the marinated chicken into an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to penetrate. This step is crucial for achieving tender, flavorful chicken that will make your bao buns irresistible.

Step 3: Fry Chicken
Heat a deep fryer or large pan with oil to 350°F (175°C). Carefully add the marinated chicken pieces in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 8-10 minutes, until they are golden brown and crispy. For extra crunch, remove the chicken, let it rest briefly, and then double-fry for another 3-5 minutes before draining on paper towels.

Step 4: Steam Bao Buns
While the chicken is frying, prepare your bao buns by placing them in a bamboo or metal steamer. Steam over boiling water for 10-12 minutes until the buns are fluffy and soft. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t overcook; perfectly steamed buns will be tender and pillowy, providing a perfect vessel for your filling.

Step 5: Assemble Buns
Once the fried chicken is ready and the bao buns are steamed, begin assembling your Korean Chicken Bao Buns. Fill each bun generously with the crispy chicken, then drizzle with gochujang mayo. Finish by layering in your pickled vegetables for a refreshing crunch to balance the flavors and textures.

Step 6: Serve
Place the assembled Korean Chicken Bao Buns on a serving platter and garnish with any extra toppings you’d like, such as sesame seeds or fresh herbs. Present them as a DIY station, allowing guests to assemble their own buns. This interactive element enhances the experience and makes it fun for everyone to customize their meal.

Expert Tips for Korean Chicken Bao Buns

Crispy Chicken: Double-fry your chicken pieces: This crucial step ensures they are extra crunchy, making your Korean Chicken Bao Buns a textural delight.

Steaming Tips: Use parchment paper: Place bao buns on parchment in the steamer to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

Resting Time: Let chicken rest post-frying: Allowing the chicken to rest keeps it juicy and enhances flavor absorption, crucial for those succulent bao buns.

Flavor Adjustment: Customize heat levels: If you prefer less spice, adjust the amount of gochujang in your marinade or opt for Sriracha as a substitute.

Pickling at Home: Quick-pickle your veggies: Use vinegar, sugar, and a pinch of salt for a quick garnish that adds a refreshing crunch to your Korean Chicken Bao Buns.

Presentation: DIY assembly station: Present your buns with a variety of toppings, giving guests the chance to create their ideal flavor combination.

Make Ahead Options

These Korean Chicken Bao Buns are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time during the week! You can prepare the marinade and marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance, ensuring each piece is flavorful and tender. Additionally, the fried chicken can be double-fried and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, maintaining its crunch by reheating in the oven for about 10 minutes. Steaming bao buns ahead of time is also an excellent idea; simply keep them in the fridge and re-steam for a fluffy finish just before serving. With these make-ahead tips, you’ll enjoy delicious Korean Chicken Bao Buns with less fuss on busy weeknights!

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. Reheat in a steamer or microwave for a few seconds each to restore their fluffy texture.

Freezer: For longer storage, wrap individual buns tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag; they can be kept for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating: To revive frozen buns, steam them for 10-12 minutes until warm and fluffy; this method avoids drying them out. Enjoy them again just like the first time!

What to Serve with Korean Chicken Bao Buns?

Create a delightful spread that perfectly complements the joy of making and enjoying bao buns together.

Asian Slaw: A crisp and tangy slaw adds brightness, balancing the savory bao with refreshing crunch.
Sesame-Pickled Cucumbers: These quick-pickled cucumbers enhance the dish with their acidity, cutting through the rich flavors beautifully.
Spicy Kimchi: Add an extra punch to your meal with spicy, fermented kimchi for those who love bold flavors. Its heat pairs perfectly with the bao.
Miso Soup: A warm bowl of miso soup offers comfort, adding a light, umami-rich element that rounds out your meal.
Steamed Edamame: These lightly salted soybeans bring a delightful texture and make for a simple yet satisfying appetizer.
Cold Beer or Soju: Pair your meal with a crisp lager or a glass of soju for a refreshing contrast to the savory bao buns.
Mango Sticky Rice: Satisfy your sweet tooth with this luscious dessert, featuring sweet coconut rice and ripe mango, providing a gentle finish to your meal.

Korean Chicken Bao Buns Variations & Substitutions

Feel free to get creative with your bao buns this time and explore different flavors and textures!

Vegetarian Fillings: Swap chicken for tofu or mushrooms for a plant-based option. Marinate the tofu to infuse it with flavor before frying for that crispy texture.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free soy sauce and steamed gluten-free bao buns to make this dish accommodating for those with dietary restrictions. You’ll still enjoy that satisfying flavor without the gluten.
Flavorful Sauces: Experiment with different sauces like teriyaki or chili garlic for variety. Each sauce brings its own unique flair—teriyaki offers sweetness while chili garlic adds an exciting kick.
Spicy Levels: Adjust the heat by reducing the amount of gochujang or trying a milder pepper paste for those who prefer less spice. Everyone can enjoy these buns!
Crunchy Additions: Toss in crushed peanuts or crispy onions as a topping for added texture and flavor. This simple addition delivers a delightful crunch that will elevate each bite.
DIY Pickles: Create your own quick-pickled vegetables with a mix of vinegar, sugar, and salt for a fresh, tangy complement. This is also a fun way to customize your flavor profile to your taste!
Sweet Savory Twist: Add a drizzle of honey or maple syrup to the mayo for a sweet-savory take on your gochujang mayo. It’s a delicious way to round out the flavors in your bao.
Mix and Match: Combine meat fillings or use a mix of chicken and shrimp for a surf-and-turf twist. The combination of flavors will make these bao buns an instant hit at any gathering.

With all these delightful variations, it’s easy to turn your Korean Chicken Bao Buns into a crowd-pleasing favorite! For more delicious chicken inspirations, you might love my recipes for Butter Chicken Comfort or Parmesan Chicken Transforms.

Korean Chicken Bao Buns Recipe FAQs

What type of bao buns should I use?
Absolutely! For the best experience, I recommend using either store-bought or homemade steamed bao buns, as they are soft and fluffy, perfectly cradling your delicious fillings. If you’re feeling adventurous, homemade bao buns can add a personal touch to your dish.

How should I store leftover Korean Chicken Bao Buns?
After enjoying your Korean Chicken Bao Buns, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This keeps them fresh and ready to be reheated! Just remember, when reheating, you can use a steamer or a microwave for a few seconds to maintain their delightful texture.

Can I freeze Korean Chicken Bao Buns?
Yes, you can enjoy these buns later! To freeze, wrap each bun tightly in plastic wrap, followed by placing them in a freezer-safe bag. This prevents freezer burn and keeps them delicious for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw them in the fridge overnight, then steam for about 10-12 minutes until warmed through.

What should I do if my chicken isn’t crispy enough?
Oh no! If your chicken isn’t achieving that perfect crunch, double-frying is key. After your initial fry, let the chicken rest on paper towels, then fry them again in batches for an additional 3-5 minutes at 350°F (175°C). This ensures maximum crispiness, making each bite incredibly satisfying.

Are there any dietary considerations for Korean Chicken Bao Buns?
Absolutely! If you’re making these buns for guests with dietary restrictions, you can easily customize them. Substitute the chicken with tofu or mushrooms for a vegetarian option. Additionally, you can create a gluten-free version by using gluten-free bao buns and ensuring your sauces are certified gluten-free. It’s all about making everyone feel included at the table!

How can I enhance the flavor of the pickled vegetables?
Very! To create quick-pickled vegetables that elevate your Korean Chicken Bao Buns, mix equal parts vinegar and sugar with a pinch of salt. Let your cucumbers or radishes sit in this mixture for at least 30 minutes. You’ll have bright, tangy pickles that add a refreshing crunch and balance to the bun’s richness!