The moment you sink your teeth into a fluffy Korean Chicken Bao Bun, you’ll experience an explosion of flavors that dance across your palate. Imagine tender, marinated chicken enveloped in a soft, pillowy bun, topped with vibrant pickled vegetables and a drizzle of creamy sauce that takes it to another level. It’s like a hug for your taste buds, perfect for cozy nights or casual get-togethers with friends.
Now, let’s be real. The first time I made these delightful buns, I found myself knee-deep in flour and slightly questioning my life choices. But the blissful joy on my friends’ faces when they took their first bite made it all worthwhile. These bao buns are the ideal party food or a fun weeknight treat to impress your family!
[info_box title=”Why You’ll Love This Recipe”] These Korean Chicken Bao Buns are incredibly easy to prepare and packed with bold flavors. Their visual appeal makes them a showstopper at any gathering. You can customize the toppings based on your preferences or what’s available in your fridge. Perfect for both casual snacking and impressive entertaining! [/info_box]
I still remember my friend Sarah’s reaction when she devoured her first bao bun; it was pure joy and disbelief all wrapped up in one bite!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs: They stay juicy and tender during cooking, making them perfect for this recipe.
All-Purpose Flour: Essential for creating those soft bao buns; opt for unbleached if you can.
Active Dry Yeast: This little magic worker helps the buns rise beautifully; make sure it’s fresh for best results.
Sugar: A touch of sugar helps activate the yeast and adds a hint of sweetness to the dough.
Sesame Oil: Adds a nutty flavor that perfectly complements the chicken; use toasted sesame oil for an extra kick.
Pickled Vegetables: Feel free to mix it up! Carrots and cucumbers add crunch and acidity to balance the richness of the chicken.
Sriracha Sauce: For those who love heat, this spicy condiment adds an exciting kick!
Green Onions: Chopped as a fresh garnish; they add color and flavor that brighten up each bite.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Dough Preparation: Begin by mixing warm water with sugar and yeast in a bowl; let it sit until frothy—about 5 minutes. Then blend in flour and knead until smooth. Allow resting for 1 hour until doubled in size.
Chicken Marinade: While the dough rises, combine soy sauce, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, and sriracha in a bowl. Add chicken thighs and let them marinate for at least 30 minutes, allowing those flavors to infuse deeply. For more inspiration, check out this honey garlic meatballs recipe.
Cooking the Chicken: Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add marinated chicken; cook until browned on both sides—about 5-7 minutes per side or until fully cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
Shape the Buns: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide into equal portions. sushi-inspired dragon roll Roll each piece into small circles about 4 inches wide; place a piece of cooked chicken inside each circle.
Steam Time!: Place buns in a steamer basket lined with parchment paper. Steam over boiling water for about 15 minutes until fluffy and cooked through.
Assemble Your Bao Buns: Finally, take those glorious steamed buns and fill them generously with pickled veggies and green onions. Drizzle with extra sriracha if you’re feeling adventurous!
And voila! You have created mouthwatering Korean Chicken Bao Buns that will leave everyone clamoring for seconds—and possibly thirds! light and refreshing chicken lettuce wraps. savory ground beef lettuce wraps.
[info_box title=”You Must Know”] Korean chicken bao buns are a delightful fusion of flavors and textures, making them perfect for any occasion. The soft, pillowy buns complement the savory chicken beautifully. Don’t forget to add your favorite toppings for that extra crunch and freshness! [/info_box]
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by marinating the chicken, then steam the bao buns while cooking the chicken for maximum efficiency. This way, everything finishes at the same time, and your kitchen smells incredible!
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out spices or add vegetables like shredded carrots or sliced cucumbers. You can also experiment with different sauces for unique flavor profiles that suit your taste preferences.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover bao buns in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat them in a steamer or microwave with a damp paper towel to keep them fluffy and fresh.
[info_box title=”Chef’s Helpful Tips”] Keep your chicken juicy by not overcooking it; aim for an internal temperature of 165°F. Ensure your bao buns are steamed just enough to be soft but not soggy. Experiment with pickled vegetables for added flavor! [/info_box]
Creating these Korean chicken bao buns reminds me of my first attempt at impressing friends during a potluck. flavorful teriyaki shrimp stir fry They devoured every last bun and asked for the recipe, which gave me quite the chef moment!
FAQ
What is a Korean chicken bao bun?
Korean chicken bao buns are fluffy steamed buns filled with marinated chicken and various toppings. For more inspiration, check out this chicken avocado burrito recipe.
Can I make bao buns ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare bao dough in advance and store it in the refrigerator before steaming.
What toppings go well with Korean chicken bao buns?
Popular toppings include pickled vegetables, cilantro, sliced cucumbers, and spicy mayo for extra flavor.
Korean Chicken Bao Buns
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4 (makes approximately 8 bao buns) 1x
Description
Korean Chicken Bao Buns are a delightful fusion of soft, fluffy buns filled with tender marinated chicken and topped with crunchy pickled veggies. Each bite is a burst of flavor that will impress your guests at any gathering. Perfect for casual dinners or fun parties, these buns are easy to make and sure to become a favorite!
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp active dry yeast
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 cup pickled vegetables (carrots and cucumbers)
- 2 tbsp sriracha sauce (optional)
- 2 green onions, chopped
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix warm water (1 cup) with sugar and yeast; let sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
- Combine the flour and yeast mixture; knead until smooth. Let rise for 1 hour until doubled.
- Marinate chicken thighs in soy sauce (¼ cup), garlic (2 cloves), ginger (1 tsp), sesame oil, and sriracha for at least 30 minutes.
- Cook marinated chicken in a skillet over medium heat for 5-7 minutes per side until cooked through.
- Divide the dough into equal portions, roll into circles, and place cooked chicken inside each circle.
- Steam buns over boiling water for about 15 minutes until fluffy.
- Assemble by adding pickled veggies and green onions; drizzle with extra sriracha if desired.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Steaming
- Cuisine: Korean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bun (95g)
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
