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Korean Chicken Bao Buns

Korean Chicken Bao Buns: A Flavorful Taste Adventure

Korean Chicken Bao Buns are a delightful twist on traditional comfort food, featuring fluffy, steamed buns enveloping spicy-sweet chicken.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Marinating Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 4 buns
Course: Lunch
Cuisine: Korean
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken Marinade
  • 1 pound Boneless Chicken Thighs Avoid using chicken breasts unless adjusted for moisture.
  • 3 tablespoons Gochujang (Korean Chili Paste) Adjust to your spice level.
  • 2 tablespoons Soy Sauce Swap with tamari for a gluten-free version.
  • 1 tablespoon Honey (or Brown Sugar) Adjust according to your taste.
  • 2 cloves Garlic (minced) Always opt for fresh garlic.
  • 1 tablespoon Grated Ginger Fresh is ideal, but powdered works in a pinch.
For the Bao Buns
  • 4 buns Bao Buns Store-bought or homemade; homemade is delightful, frozen saves time.
For the Toppings
  • 1 cup Cucumber (thinly sliced or pickled veggies) Can substitute with carrots or daikon.
  • 1/2 cup Green Onions (chopped) Offers a mild onion flavor.
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Cilantro Leaves Can be omitted if not a cilantro fan.
  • 2 tablespoons Toasted Sesame Seeds Provides a nutty accent.

Equipment

  • Non-stick skillet
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Steamer

Method
 

Marinating and Cooking
  1. In a mixing bowl, combine gochujang, soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, and grated ginger to create a flavorful marinade. Add the boneless chicken thighs, ensuring they are well coated. Cover and let marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours.
  2. Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing excess sauce to drip off, then sauté for 10-15 minutes until fully cooked, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F. Slice the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
  3. Prepare the bao buns by following package instructions or steam them if homemade. Steam for about 8-10 minutes until fluffy. Keep covered to retain softness.
  4. Open each steamed bao bun gently and fill with cooked chicken, topping with cucumbers, green onions, cilantro, and sesame seeds.
  5. Serve warm, encouraging guests to enjoy the flavorful contrast of the fluffy buns and savory filling.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bunCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 20gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 2gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 2mg

Notes

These Korean Chicken Bao Buns are ideal for gatherings or family dinners. Adjust spice levels to suit your taste.

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