Name: Korean Chicken Bao
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Korean
Ingredients: 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; 4 chicken breasts, bite-size chunks; 240ml buttermilk; 180g plain flour (for coating); 2 tbsp gochujang paste; 2 tbsp honey; 4 tbsp brown sugar; 4 tbsp soy sauce; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tsp minced ginger; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

Description

Korean Chicken Bao are delightful, soft steamed buns filled with crispy fried chicken and drizzled in a sweet-spicy Korean sauce. These mouthwatering bites are perfect for any gathering or party, sure to impress your guests with their fluffy texture and vibrant flavors. With an easy preparation process, you can whip them up for game nights, celebrations, or just a cozy family dinner. Not only do they deliver a flavor explosion, but they also offer versatile serving options—whether as appetizers or main dishes, they fit seamlessly into any meal.

Ingredients

Scale

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
4 chicken breasts, bite-size chunks
240ml buttermilk
180g plain flour (for coating)
2 tbsp gochujang paste
2 tbsp honey
4 tbsp brown sugar
4 tbsp soy sauce
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tsp minced ginger
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

Instructions

Prepare the Dough: Combine flour, sugar, salt, and yeast in a bowl. Gradually add warm milk and water while mixing in softened butter. Knead for 10 minutes until smooth. Cover and let rise for 90 minutes until doubled.
Shape the Buns: Divide dough into 20 balls and roll into ovals. Brush with olive oil and fold over with a chopstick to form buns. Let rise again for 1 hour.
Marinate the Chicken: Mix chicken pieces with buttermilk and seasonings; refrigerate for 1 hour.
Coat and Fry the Chicken: Dredge marinated chicken in seasoned flour and fry in hot oil until golden brown (3-5 minutes).
Prepare the Sauce: Combine sauce ingredients in a pan; simmer until thickened (about 5 minutes). Toss fried chicken in the sauce.
Steam the Buns: Steam each batch of buns for about 10 minutes until fluffy. Fill each bun with crispy chicken and garnish before serving.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Appetizer
Method: Steaming/Frying
Cuisine: Korean

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 220
Sugar: 8g
Sodium: 350mg
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 10g
Cholesterol: 55mg

Keywords: Experiment with fillings like tofu or vegetables for variety. Serve alongside fresh veggies or dipping sauces to enhance flavor. For best results, steam buns in smaller batches to prevent sticking.