Korean Chicken Bao Buns: Amazing Weeknight Meal

Name: Korean Chicken Bao Buns: Amazing Weeknight Meal
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Korean
Ingredients: For the Chicken:; 500g (1 lb) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar; 2 tablespoons gochujang (Korean chili paste); 1 teaspoon minced garlic; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 1 tablespoon grated ginger; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for frying); 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (for garnish); For the Bao Buns:; 10-12 pre-made bao buns (or homemade using 300g all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon instant yeast, 1 tablespoon sugar, ½ teaspoon salt, 1 tablespoon vegetable oil, 150ml warm water); For Toppings:; Sliced cucumber (optional); Fresh cilantro leaves (optional); Sliced green onions (optional); Pickled vegetables (optional)

by basmer

21 de October de 2025

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Korean Chicken Bao Buns have quickly become my absolute favorite weeknight meal, and I know you’ll feel the same way! I first tried them from a street food vendor on a trip to Seoul, and the explosion of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors in that pillowy soft bun was pure magic. The crispy chicken, coated in that addictive gochujang glaze, paired with the fresh crunch of cucumber and cilantro – it’s a flavor combination that’s hard to beat. Making this easy Korean chicken bao recipe at home felt intimidating at first, but I’ve found it’s surprisingly straightforward and incredibly rewarding. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Korean Chicken Bao Buns

Get ready to fall in love with these amazing Korean Chicken Bao Buns! They’re a flavor explosion waiting to happen.

Incredibly Flavorful: The combination of sweet, spicy, and savory is utterly addictive.
Perfect Textures: You get the satisfying crunch of the chicken against the soft, fluffy bao buns.
Easy to Make: This easy Korean chicken bao recipe simplifies a restaurant favorite.
Customizable: Easily adjust the spice level and add your favorite toppings.
Impressive Presentation: They look as good as they taste, perfect for guests.
Versatile Meal: Great for a quick dinner, appetizer, or even as Korean chicken sliders bao.
Authentic Taste: Experience the true essence of Korean fried chicken bao right at home.

Ingredients for Korean Chicken Bao Buns

Gathering these ingredients is the first step to making fantastic Korean Chicken Bao Buns. You’ll find the chicken marinade creates that signature sweet and spicy Korean flavor profile, while the bao buns provide the perfect pillowy vessel.

500g (1 lb) boneless, skinless chicken thighs – cut into bite-sized pieces for even cooking
2 tablespoons soy sauce – the salty base for our marinade
1 tablespoon sesame oil – adds that distinct nutty aroma
1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar – for a touch of sweetness to balance the spice
2 tablespoons gochujang (Korean chili paste) – the heart of our gochujang chicken bao buns, providing heat and depth
1 teaspoon minced garlic – essential for that pungent kick
1 tablespoon rice vinegar – adds a subtle tang
1 tablespoon grated ginger – for a fresh, zesty note
2 tablespoons vegetable oil – for frying the chicken to crispy perfection
1 teaspoon sesame seeds – for a final garnish and nutty crunch
10-12 pre-made bao buns – or your favorite homemade recipe for authentic Korean steamed buns with chicken
Optional Toppings:
Sliced cucumber – for a cool, crisp contrast
Fresh cilantro leaves – adds a bright, herbaceous flavor
Sliced green onions – for a mild oniony bite
Pickled vegetables – like daikon or carrots, for extra tang

How to Make Korean Chicken Bao Buns

Making these delicious Korean Chicken Bao Buns at home is easier than you think! Follow these simple steps to create a truly satisfying meal. The aroma of the simmering sauce and the sizzle of the chicken will fill your kitchen, promising a fantastic meal.

Preparing the Chicken Marinade

First, let’s get that chicken flavor started. In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, gochujang, minced garlic, rice vinegar, and grated ginger. Add your bite-sized chicken pieces and toss everything gently to ensure each piece is coated. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours in the fridge for deeper flavor. For more chicken marinade ideas, check out these honey lime chicken marinade recipes.

Cooking the Korean Chicken Filling

Now for the star of the show! Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until shimmering. Carefully add the marinated chicken, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is beautifully golden brown and cooked through. This step is key for that irresistible Korean fried chicken bao texture and flavor.

Steaming the Bao Buns

While the chicken cooks, it’s time to prep your buns. If you’re using pre-made bao buns, steam them according to the package directions, usually for about 5-8 minutes until they’re warm and fluffy. If you’ve made your own, steam them for 10-12 minutes until they puff up nicely. Be careful not to over-steam, as they can become gummy.

Assembling Your Korean Chicken Bao Buns

The moment you’ve been waiting for! Gently open each warm, steamed bao bun. Spoon a generous portion of the savory Korean chicken filling inside. Then, add your favorite toppings like crisp sliced cucumber, fresh cilantro, sliced green onions, or tangy pickled vegetables. These amazing Korean steamed buns with chicken are now ready to be devoured!

Pro Tips for the Best Korean Chicken Bao Buns

Want to elevate your Korean Chicken Bao Buns game? I’ve picked up a few tricks over the years that make all the difference. These tips will help you achieve that perfect balance of flavor and texture that defines the best Korean bao buns recipe.

Toast your sesame seeds lightly before garnishing for an extra nutty depth of flavor.
Don’t be afraid to adjust the gochujang amount to suit your spice preference – more for a fiery kick, less for a milder taste.
Ensure your chicken is cut into uniform, bite-sized pieces so it cooks evenly and fits perfectly in the buns.
For the fluffiest bao buns, avoid over-steaming them; they should be soft and slightly springy, not mushy.

What’s the secret to perfect Korean chicken bao buns?

The real magic in these Korean chicken bao buns lies in the balance of the marinade and the cooking technique. Achieving that sticky, sweet-and-spicy glaze on perfectly cooked chicken, paired with a light, fluffy bun, is key. It’s all about that contrast!

Can I make Korean chicken bao buns ahead of time?

You can definitely prep components ahead! Marinate the chicken up to 2 hours in advance. Cook the chicken and steam the buns a few hours before serving, storing them separately at room temperature. Reheat the chicken slightly before assembly.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Korean chicken bao buns?

A common pitfall is overcrowding the pan when cooking the chicken, which leads to steaming rather than frying. Another mistake is over-steaming the bao buns, making them tough. Also, ensure your gochujang is fresh for the best flavor. For more on food safety and storage, you can consult resources on food handling.

Best Ways to Serve Korean Chicken Bao Buns

These delicious Korean Chicken Bao Buns are incredibly versatile and can be served in so many fun ways! For a casual weeknight dinner, I love pairing them with a simple side of pickled daikon radish or a refreshing cucumber salad. They also make fantastic appetizers for parties; just serve them on a platter and watch them disappear! For a lighter meal or a fun brunch option, consider serving them as Korean chicken sliders bao, perhaps with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and a drizzle of extra sauce.

You can also serve them alongside other Korean favorites like kimchi or a light, savory soup to round out the meal beautifully. They’re perfect for a street food-inspired feast right in your own home!

Nutrition Facts for Korean Chicken Bao Buns

Here’s a breakdown of the estimated nutritional information for each delicious Korean Chicken Bao Bun. These values help you understand what you’re enjoying with every bite of this flavorful dish.

Serving Size: 1 bao bun
Calories: 280
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 25g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 7g
Protein: 18g
Cholesterol: 55mg
Sodium: 650mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used, especially for the bao buns and any additional toppings.

How to Store and Reheat Korean Chicken Bao Buns

Wondering about storing leftovers of these amazing Korean Chicken Bao Buns? I’ve got you covered! After they’ve cooled down completely, store any leftover chicken filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The steamed bao buns are best eaten fresh, but you can store them separately in a sealed bag for a day. For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked chicken filling for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container. This is a great way to have components ready for quick meals. For more quick meal ideas, explore these easy meat recipes.

When you’re ready to enjoy them again, reheat the chicken filling gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through. For the best texture, steam the bao buns again for a few minutes until they are soft and fluffy before assembling your delicious Korean chicken bao bun street food inspired creation.

Variations of Korean Chicken Bao Buns You Can Try

While this recipe is fantastic as is, there are so many fun ways to switch up your Korean Chicken Bao Buns! Don’t be afraid to experiment with flavors and methods to make them your own. These variations ensure there’s a delicious option for everyone, whether you’re craving something spicy or a different texture.

Spicy Kimchi Chicken Bao Buns: For an extra kick of fermented goodness, add a tablespoon or two of chopped kimchi to the chicken filling just before assembling. This brings a wonderful tang and spice that pairs beautifully with the glaze.
Crispy Tofu Bao Buns: Looking for a vegetarian option? Swap out the chicken for extra-firm tofu, pressed well and cut into bite-sized cubes. Coat the tofu in cornstarch and fry until golden and crispy before tossing with the sauce.
Korean BBQ Chicken Bao Sliders: Use smaller, slider-sized bao buns for a delightful appetizer. You can also adjust the sauce to a more traditional Korean BBQ flavor profile by adding a touch more soy sauce and a hint of brown sugar.
Air Fryer Korean Chicken Bao: If you prefer a less oily cooking method, try air frying the marinated chicken pieces at 400°F (200°C) for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway, until cooked through and slightly crispy. This is similar to other easy air fryer chicken thigh recipes.