Korean Chicken Bao

Soft steamed bao buns filled with crispy fried chicken tossed in sweet-spicy Korean sauce, Korean Chicken Bao is the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer. Perfect for parties and gatherings, these delicious bites bring a unique burst of flavor that everyone will love. Whether you’re hosting a game night or celebrating with friends, these bao buns are sure to impress with their fluffy texture and vibrant taste.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make – With straightforward steps, you can whip up these delicious buns without any fuss.
• Flavor Explosion – The combination of crispy chicken and sweet-spicy sauce creates a mouthwatering experience.
• Versatile Serving Options – Serve them as appetizers or main dishes; they fit perfectly into any meal.
• Make Ahead – Prepare the dough and filling in advance for a stress-free cooking experience.
• Crowd Favorite – These bao are guaranteed to be a hit at any gathering or party.

Tools and Preparation

To ensure your cooking process goes smoothly, having the right tools on hand is essential.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Rolling pin
• Steamer
• Deep fryer or large pot

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing Bowl – A sturdy bowl helps combine ingredients efficiently for smooth dough.
• Steamer – Essential for cooking the bao buns perfectly, resulting in light and fluffy texture.
• Deep Fryer – Ensures even frying of the chicken for that perfect golden brown crust.

Ingredients

Soft steamed bao buns filled with crispy fried chicken tossed in sweet-spicy Korean sauce. A crowd-pleasing party appetizer with detailed make-ahead tips.

For the Dough

• 450g (3 3/4 cups) plain flour
• 2 tbsp caster sugar
• ½ tsp salt
• 2 tsp instant dried yeast
• 3 tbsp whole milk
• 210ml warm water
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter, very soft
• 1 tbsp olive oil

For the Chicken Filling

• 4 chicken breasts, bite-size chunks
• 240ml buttermilk
• 180g plain flour (for coating)

For the Sauce

• 2 tbsp gochujang paste
• 2 tbsp honey
• 4 tbsp brown sugar
• 4 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tsp minced ginger

For Garnish

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

How to Make Korean Chicken Bao

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Mix the plain flour, caster sugar, salt, and instant dried yeast in a large mixing bowl. Gradually add warm milk and water while incorporating the soft butter. Knead this mixture for about 10 minutes until smooth. Cover it with a cloth and let it prove in a warm place for 90 minutes until it doubles in size.

Step 2: Shape the Buns

Once the dough has risen, divide it into 20 equal balls. Roll each ball into an oval shape. Brush them lightly with olive oil. Using a chopstick, fold each oval over to create a bun shape. Allow them to prove again for 1 hour.

Step 3: Marinate the Chicken

In another bowl, mix bite-sized chicken pieces with buttermilk and your choice of seasonings. Place this mixture in the refrigerator for about 1 hour to allow flavors to meld.

Step 4: Coat and Fry the Chicken

After marinating, coat each piece of chicken in seasoned flour thoroughly. Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pot over medium-high heat. Fry the coated chicken pieces until golden brown, approximately 3-5 minutes.

Step 5: Prepare the Sauce

In a saucepan, combine gochujang paste, honey, brown sugar, soy sauce, minced garlic, and ginger. Simmer this mixture over low heat for about 5 minutes until it thickens slightly. Toss your fried chicken pieces in this flavorful sauce until well-coated.

Step 6: Steam the Buns

Set up your steamer and steam each batch of buns for around 10 minutes until they are fluffy and cooked through. Once done steaming, fill each bun with crispy chicken and add garnishes like chopped parsley before serving.

Enjoy your delicious homemade Korean Chicken Bao!

How to Serve Korean Chicken Bao

Korean Chicken Bao makes for a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. These soft, steamed buns are perfect for gatherings or family dinners. Here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your bao experience.

As Appetizers

• Serve Korean Chicken Bao as bite-sized appetizers at parties. Their flavorful filling will entice your guests right from the first bite.

With Fresh Vegetables

• Pair the bao with crisp, fresh veggies like cucumber slices or carrot sticks. This adds a refreshing crunch that balances the rich flavors of the chicken.

With Dipping Sauces

• Offer a variety of dipping sauces alongside the bao, such as extra gochujang sauce or soy sauce. This allows everyone to customize their flavor experience.

Garnished with Herbs

• Top each bao with fresh herbs like cilantro or green onions before serving. The herbs add a burst of freshness and enhance the overall taste.

On a Shared Platter

• Arrange Korean Chicken Bao on a large platter for sharing. This communal approach encourages everyone to dig in together, making mealtime more enjoyable.

How to Perfect Korean Chicken Bao

To make your Korean Chicken Bao even more delicious, consider these helpful tips. Perfecting your recipe will ensure a delightful experience for you and your guests.

• Use fresh ingredients: Always use fresh chicken and produce for optimal flavor. Freshness enhances the overall taste of your bao.
• Knead the dough well: Properly kneading the dough ensures it becomes soft and fluffy. This step is crucial for achieving light and airy bao buns.
• Control frying temperature: Maintain an oil temperature of around 180°C (350°F) when frying chicken. This prevents greasy chicken while ensuring a crispy exterior.
• Experiment with fillings: While chicken is delicious, try adding different fillings like vegetables or tofu for variety. This caters to different tastes and dietary preferences.
• Steam in batches: Steaming bao in smaller batches allows for even cooking and prevents them from sticking together. Ensure they have enough space in the steamer.
• Let them rest: Allow the buns to cool slightly after steaming before serving. This helps them retain their shape and makes them easier to handle.

Best Side Dishes for Korean Chicken Bao

Korean Chicken Bao pairs wonderfully with various side dishes that complement its flavors. Here are some delectable options you might consider serving alongside:

1. Kimchi: A classic Korean side dish, kimchi adds tangy flavor and spice, enhancing the overall meal experience.
2. Pickled Radish: Refreshing pickled radishes provide crunch and acidity, balancing the richness of the fried chicken.
3. Seaweed Salad: Light and nutritious, seaweed salad offers a unique texture that pairs well with soft bao.
4. Edamame: These boiled soybeans are nutritious snacks that can be seasoned lightly with salt for added flavor.
5. Spicy Cucumber Salad: A simple salad made with cucumbers, vinegar, and chili paste brings a refreshing kick to your meal.
6. Fried Rice: A side of fried rice can round out your meal while providing additional comfort food appeal.
7. Miso Soup: A warm bowl of miso soup complements the meal perfectly, adding warmth and umami flavors.
8. Sesame Noodles: Cold sesame noodles tossed in a rich sauce make for an excellent side dish that’s easy to prepare ahead of time.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Korean Chicken Bao can be a fun experience, but it’s essential to avoid common pitfalls for the best results.

• Ignoring Dough Resting Time: Skipping the proving time for the dough can lead to dense buns. Allow your dough to rise as directed for fluffy bao.

• Overcrowding the Steamer: Filling the steamer with too many buns can result in uneven cooking. Steam in batches to ensure each bun cooks perfectly.

• Not Marinating the Chicken Long Enough: If you don’t let the chicken marinate, it may lack flavor. Aim for at least one hour to soak up all those delicious seasonings.

• Skipping the Sauce Thickening Step: Neglecting to simmer the sauce might leave it runny. Cook it until thickened for a sticky, flavorful coating on your fried chicken.

• Using Cold Ingredients: Cold ingredients can affect the dough’s rise and texture. Make sure your milk and water are warm before mixing them in.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Korean Chicken Bao in an airtight container.
• They will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
• Allow buns to cool completely before placing them in the fridge.

Freezing Korean Chicken Bao

• Place steamed buns and filled chicken in a freezer-safe bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
• Label bags with the date for easy tracking.

Reheating Korean Chicken Bao

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Wrap buns in foil and heat for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place a bun on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat for 30-40 seconds or until warm.
• Stovetop: Use a steamer basket over simmering water. Steam for about 5 minutes until heated thoroughly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Korean Chicken Bao?

Korean Chicken Bao are soft steamed buns filled with crispy fried chicken coated in a sweet-spicy Korean sauce, making them an irresistible treat.

Can I make these bao ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough and fill it with chicken ahead of time. Just store them properly as outlined above, then steam when ready to serve.

How do I customize my Korean Chicken Bao?

Feel free to add your favorite toppings like pickled vegetables, sesame seeds, or fresh herbs. This allows you to personalize each bao according to your taste!

What sauces pair well with Korean Chicken Bao?

Besides the sweet-spicy sauce used in this recipe, you can also try adding hot sauce or a drizzle of sriracha for an extra kick!

Are there vegetarian options for Korean Bao?

Absolutely! You can substitute chicken with tofu or mushrooms marinated in similar sauces for a delicious vegetarian alternative.

Final Thoughts

These Korean Chicken Bao are not only crowd-pleasers but also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize fillings and toppings based on personal preferences or dietary needs. Try making them for your next gathering; they’ll surely impress your guests!