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Korean Chicken Bao Buns

Korean Chicken Bao Buns: A Flavorful Twist on Comfort Food

Delight in these Korean Chicken Bao Buns, a perfect blend of flavors and textures.
Prep Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Rising Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 45 minutes
Servings: 8 buns
Course: Lunch
Cuisine: Korean
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

For the Dough
  • 3 cups All-Purpose Flour Substitute with gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.
  • 2 tablespoons Sugar Can be replaced with honey or agave syrup.
  • 1 packet Instant Yeast Use active dry yeast if needed; adjust rising times.
  • 1 teaspoon Baking Powder Important for creating an airy texture.
  • ½ teaspoon Salt Essential for balancing sweetness.
  • 1 cup Warm Water Must be warm (not hot) to avoid killing yeast.
  • 2 tablespoons Vegetable Oil Can substitute with any neutral oil.
For the Filling
  • 1 pound Chicken Thighs Juicy protein base for the filling.
  • ¼ cup Soy Sauce Low-sodium soy sauce can be used for less saltiness.
  • 2 tablespoons Gochujang (Korean Chili Paste) Can substitute with a mix of chili paste and miso.
  • 1 tablespoon Honey Maple syrup can be a vegan alternative.
  • 1 tablespoon Sesame Oil Can replace with a light oil if unavailable.
  • 3 cloves Minced Garlic Fresh garlic is best; avoid powdered for stronger taste.
  • 1 tablespoon Grated Ginger Fresh ginger preferred for a more vibrant flavor.
  • 2 tablespoons Rice Vinegar Apple cider vinegar can be used as a substitute.
For Toppings
  • 1 cup Cucumbers Fresh and crunchy.
  • ½ cup Pickled Daikon Provides tanginess.
  • ½ cup Fresh Cilantro Adds herbaceous notes.
  • 1 tablespoon Sesame Seeds For garnish.
  • 2 tablespoons Green Onions Brings a mild taste.

Equipment

  • mixing bowl
  • Steamer
  • grill or skillet
  • parchment paper

Method
 

Preparation Steps
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, yeast, baking powder, and salt.
  2. Gradually stir in warm water and vegetable oil until a dough forms.
  3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  4. Cover with a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
  5. In a separate bowl, mix together soy sauce, gochujang, honey, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger to prepare the marinade.
  6. Cut chicken thighs into pieces and add to the marinade; let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.
  7. Heat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat and cook the marinated chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side.
  8. Remove the chicken from the heat and let it rest before slicing into thin strips.
  9. Punch down the risen dough, divide into 8 pieces, and shape each into a disc.
  10. Cover the discs with a damp cloth and let them rise again for 30 minutes.
  11. Set up a steamer and bring water to a boil; steam the buns for 10-12 minutes until fluffy.
  12. Assemble the buns with chicken strips, cucumber, pickled daikon, cilantro, sesame seeds, and green onions.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bunCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 15gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 75mgSodium: 700mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 2gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 1.5mg

Notes

Serve warm to enjoy the best flavors and textures. Perfect for gatherings.

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