Name: Korean Chicken Bao Buns: A Crispy Comfort Food Dream
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 75 min
Ingredients: Bao buns (Store-bought or homemade); 1 pound Korean fried chicken (Crispy and spicy filling); 3 tablespoons Gochujang (Korean chili paste; substitutes: sriracha or chili garlic sauce); 2 tablespoons Soy sauce (Use tamari for gluten-free); 1 tablespoon Sesame oil (Olive oil can be used as an alternative); 2 cloves Garlic (Minced; garlic powder can be a substitute); Pickled vegetables (Quick-pickled radishes or cucumbers)

The moment I took my first bite of Korean Chicken Bao Buns, I felt like I’d stumbled into a bustling street market in Seoul. These buns bring together the airy softness of traditional bao and the sizzling crunch of crispy Korean fried chicken, creating a blissful fusion that’s utterly irresistible. With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up these comforting delights in your kitchen, making them perfect for casual dinners or an entertaining feast with friends. Plus, they’re completely customizable, allowing you to mix and match toppings to keep every meal fresh and exciting. What twist will you add to make these bao your own?

Why are Korean Chicken Bao Buns a Must-Try?

Comforting Fusion: These bao buns beautifully combine tender, fluffy bread with crisp, spicy chicken, making every bite a delightful experience.

Customization Galore: Personalize your creation with various toppings, from pickled vegetables to spicy mayo, appealing to every palate.

Easy to Make: With straightforward instructions, they’re perfect for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs looking for a fun challenge.

Crowd Pleaser: Ideal for gatherings, these bao buns are always a hit—serving them is like bringing a piece of vibrant street food culture to your table!

Dive into another delightful recipe like Chopped Chicken Caesar for more inspiration.

Korean Chicken Bao Buns Ingredients

For the Bao Buns
• Bao buns – Choose store-bought for convenience or make homemade for a fun project.

For the Filling
• Korean fried chicken – Provides the perfect crispy and spicy filling; consider tofu for a vegetarian alternative.
• Gochujang – This Korean chili paste adds the iconic heat; sriracha or chili garlic sauce can be used as substitutes.
• Soy sauce – Essential for umami flavor; opt for tamari if you need a gluten-free option.
• Sesame oil – Infuses a nutty fragrance; olive oil works fine if sesame isn’t on hand.
• Garlic – Fresh garlic enhances the dish beautifully, but garlic powder can work in a pinch.

For the Toppings
• Pickled vegetables – They give a tangy contrast to the rich chicken; feel free to use quick-pickled radishes or cucumbers for variety.

Give your creation a personal twist by selecting toppings you love, and dig into the delightful fusion of Korean Chicken Bao Buns that will surely impress your family and friends!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Korean Chicken Bao Buns

Step 1: Prepare Marinade
In a mixing bowl, combine 3 tablespoons of gochujang, 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of sesame oil, and 2 minced garlic cloves. Whisk everything together until smooth, creating a vibrant red marinade that promises flavor. This will infuse your chicken with a delightful spicy kick while it marinates.

Step 2: Marinate Chicken
Coat 1 pound of chicken pieces evenly with the marinade from Step 1. Let the chicken sit for at least 30 minutes so it can absorb those bold, savory flavors. For the best results, cover the bowl and refrigerate it while you prepare the frying setup, allowing the flavors to deepen.

Step 3: Fry Chicken
Heat about 2 cups of oil in a deep frying pan over medium-high heat (around 350°F). Carefully add the marinated chicken pieces in batches, frying them for about 6–8 minutes until they turn golden brown and crispy. Once finished, transfer the chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil while maintaining the crunch you crave.

Step 4: Steam Bao Buns
Prepare your steamer while the chicken cools. If using store-bought bao buns, follow the package instructions to steam them for about 10 minutes until they become fluffy and soft. If homemade, steam according to your recipe until they puff up beautifully, creating the perfect pillow for the crispy filling.

Step 5: Assemble Bao Buns
Once your bao buns are steamed, carefully open each fluffy bun. Fill them with a generous amount of the crispy Korean fried chicken from Step 3. Top with quick-pickled vegetables for a tangy crunch, adding visual flair and flavor contrast to each Asian-inspired bite.

Step 6: Serve
Present your Korean Chicken Bao Buns warm on a platter, inviting everyone to dig in. Consider offering gochujang mayo or your favorite sauce on the side for dipping. The combination of soft bao and spicy chicken is sure to create a delightful culinary experience that will impress your guests!

Make Ahead Options

These Korean Chicken Bao Buns are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to savor their delightful flavors with minimal effort throughout the week! You can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance, letting those savory spices really deepen. Cooked fried chicken can be refrigerated separately and reheated in a hot oven for that fresh, crispy texture. Additionally, bao buns can be steamed a day ahead and stored in an airtight container, ready to be warmed briefly before assembling. When you’re ready to serve, simply fill the fluffy buns with the reheated chicken and add your favorite toppings, saving you precious time on busy weeknights while still delivering delicious, restaurant-quality results.

Korean Chicken Bao Buns Variations & Substitutions

Feel free to get creative with your Korean Chicken Bao Buns, exploring flavors and textures that excite your taste buds!

Grilled Chicken: Swap out the fried chicken for juicy grilled chicken marinated in the same flavors for a healthier twist. The smoky taste complements the bao beautifully.
Vegetable Medley: Use a mixture of stir-fried vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini for a vibrant and plant-based filling. It’s a hearty option that’s just as satisfying!
Sriracha Spicy Mayo: Create a spicy mayo by combining sriracha with mayonnaise, drizzling it on top for an extra kick. It adds creaminess and a fun burst of heat.
Peanut Sauce Fusion: Try drizzling some peanut sauce over your fillings for a nutty, rich flavor that transforms your bao into a delightful treat reminiscent of Asian street food.
Gluten-Free Option: Replace regular bao buns with gluten-free bao or lettuce wraps to cater to gluten sensitivities while keeping the flavors intact. It’s incredibly light and refreshing!
Pickled Jalapeños: For a spicy twist, use pickled jalapeños instead of traditional pickled vegetables. They provide an exciting burst of heat that pairs perfectly with the chicken.
Sesame Slaw: Create a crunchy sesame slaw using shredded cabbage, carrots, and a sesame vinaigrette. This adds a fresh, crunchy element that complements the soft bao beautifully.

Dive into the heartwarming world of these variations and pair them with other comforting dishes like Fried Chicken Street for a delightful feast!

How to Store and Freeze Korean Chicken Bao Buns

Fridge: Store leftover bao buns in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat by steaming briefly to restore softness.

Freezer: Freeze any extra cooked fried chicken in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a sealed bag for up to 3 months. Reheat in an oven to maintain crispiness.

Wrapping: If you have any unfilled bao buns, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in the fridge or freezer to prevent them from drying out.

Reheating: For the best results, reheat steamed buns by placing them in a steamer for a few minutes, while chicken can be reheated in a preheated oven until hot. Enjoy your flavorful Korean Chicken Bao Buns!

What to Serve with Korean Chicken Bao Buns

Elevate your meal to new heights with delightful pairings that complement the bold flavors of these bao buns.

Kimchi: Adds a spicy, tangy crunch that enhances the savory profile of the buns.
Fresh Cucumber Salad: This light, refreshing dish balances the richness of the fried chicken, leaving a crisp sensation on the palate.
Sesame Noodles: Offers a warm, nutty flavor that pairs beautifully; the silky texture complements the bao buns’ fluffy softness.
Spicy Mayo Dipping Sauce: A creamy, zesty addition that allows guests to add a personalized kick to each bite, intensifying the bao’s savory notes.
Steamed Edamame: Lightly salted edamame adds a healthy, protein-packed side with a satisfying bite that contrasts with the bao’s fluffiness.
Mango Sticky Rice: For dessert, this sweet treat provides a luscious finish, balancing the meal with its creamy coconut and soft rice textures.
Coconut Lemonade: This refreshing beverage can cool down the spice from the gochujang while adding a tropical flair to your meal experience!
Ginger Beer: A fizzy, spicy drink that works as a palate cleanser; it cuts through the richness of the crispy chicken.

These combinations not only enhance your Korean Chicken Bao Buns but also create a memorable dining experience filled with vibrant flavors and textures.

Expert Tips for Korean Chicken Bao Buns

Double-Frying Magic: For that unbeatable crunch, double-fry your chicken. The second fry ensures a crispier texture that perfectly complements the softness of the bao.
Steaming Tips: If you lack a steamer basket, use a metal sieve over a pot of simmering water. This method ensures even steaming without soggy buns.
Manage the Heat: Start with half the amount of gochujang in your marinade, especially if you’re unsure of your heat tolerance. You can always adjust to taste!
Creative Toppings: Encourage creativity by letting guests choose their own toppings. Try including sesame slaw or jalapeños to add that personal touch to each bao!
Storing Leftovers: If you have leftovers, store the bao buns and fried chicken separately in airtight containers. Reheat them separately to keep the buns fluffy and chicken crispy.
Fun Presentation: Serve your Korean Chicken Bao Buns on a wooden board or tiered platter for an eye-catching display, capturing the essence of vibrant street food!

Korean Chicken Bao Buns Recipe FAQs

How do I choose the right bao buns?
When selecting bao buns, look for those that are soft and fluffy when steamed. If you’re using store-bought, ensure they are labeled as “steamed” or “ready to use,” and check the expiration date. For an exciting homemade project, consider making your own from scratch! It’s a fun way to enhance the flavor and texture of your Korean Chicken Bao Buns.

What’s the best way to store leftover bao buns?
Store leftover bao buns in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat them, simply steam for a few minutes until they’re soft again. If you have unfilled bao buns, wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap can help maintain their freshness. Keeping them properly sealed will prevent drying out, ensuring you enjoy that delightful fluffy texture.

Can I freeze cooked fried chicken and bao buns?
Absolutely! To freeze cooked fried chicken, place it in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer it to a sealed freezer bag for up to 3 months. For bao buns, if you have any unfilled ones, wrap them tightly and freeze them separately. When ready to enjoy, reheat the chicken in the oven to keep it crispy and steam the buns to restore their light texture.

What if I need to manage the spiciness of gochujang?
If you’re concerned about the heat level, start with half the amount of gochujang in the marinade and taste before adding more. Gochujang can be quite potent, and adjusting to your preference allows you to enjoy the flavors without overwhelming your palate. Also, consider adding milder toppings like avocado or fresh cucumber for a refreshing contrast!

Can I make these bao buns vegetarian?
Certainly! Substitute the Korean fried chicken with crispy tofu or battered and fried eggplant for a delightful vegetarian option. You can still use the gochujang marinade for the tofu or eggplant to retain the delicious flavor profile. Additionally, feel free to load up on fresh vegetables and your favorite dipping sauces for a vibrant and satisfying meal.

What other toppings work well with Korean Chicken Bao Buns?
You can get creative with toppings! Think sesame slaw, avocado, or even jalapeños for someone who likes a little kick. Quick-pickled veggies, such as radishes or cucumbers, complement the dish beautifully, adding vibrant color and refreshing tang. Let your creativity flow and customize to fit your taste!