Korean Fried Chicken Bao Buns

Introduction

Korean Fried Chicken Bao Buns are your ticket to a flavor-packed fusion experience right in your own kitchen! These soft, pillowy steamed buns cradle crispy, double-fried chicken coated in a sweet, spicy, and tangy gochujang glaze, creating a perfect balance of crunch and tenderness in every bite. Bursting with bold Korean flavors and fresh garnishes, they’re the ultimate handheld treat for any occasion.

I still remember the first time I made these for a game night with friends—the combination of crispy chicken, fluffy bao, and that irresistible glaze had everyone reaching for more. What makes these bao buns so special is their versatility. You can top them with crunchy slaw, pickled veggies, sesame seeds, or a drizzle of creamy sriracha mayo for an extra kick. Whether you keep it classic or experiment with toppings, each bite is a harmony of sweet, spicy, and savory goodness.

Surprisingly easy to make, these bao buns come together with just a few key ingredients and a little prep. From casual gatherings to fancy dinners, they’re guaranteed to impress. Whether you’re indulging in comfort food or sharing with friends, Korean Fried Chicken Bao Buns are a must-try for any food lover!

Perfect for:

• Street food lovers
• Parties and gatherings
• Korean food enthusiasts
• Casual dinners with a gourmet twist
• Anyone who loves crispy, spicy, and sweet flavors

Why You’ll Love This Korean Fried Chicken Bao Buns

Here’s why Korean Fried Chicken Bao Buns will become a favorite in your kitchen:

• Crispy and Flavorful Chicken: Double-frying the chicken ensures a perfectly crunchy coating that stays crisp, even after adding sauce.
• Bold and Addictive Sauce: The gochujang glaze is the perfect mix of sweet, spicy, and tangy, creating an explosion of flavor.
• Soft and Fluffy Bao Buns: The steamed bao buns are light, pillowy, and the perfect vessel for the crunchy chicken.
• Customizable: You can adjust the spice level and toppings to suit your taste.
• Restaurant-Quality at Home: These bao buns look and taste like they came from a gourmet restaurant, but they’re easy to make in your own kitchen.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Preparation Time: 45 minutes
• Cooking Time: 45 minutes
• Servings: 8 bao buns
• Calories per serving: Approximately 350-400 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 20g, Carbs: 45g, Fat: 15g

Ingredients

For the Bao Buns:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon instant yeast
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ½ cup warm water
• ¼ cup milk
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Korean Fried Chicken:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• ½ cup cornstarch
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 egg
• ½ cup cold water
• Oil for deep frying

Gochujang Glaze:

• 2 tablespoons gochujang (Korean red chili paste)
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar

Toppings & Garnishes:

• ½ cup shredded cabbage or lettuce
• 1 small cucumber, thinly sliced
• 1 green onion, finely chopped
• Sesame seeds, for garnish
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Ingredient Highlights

• Gochujang: This fermented Korean chili paste gives the sauce its deep, spicy-sweet flavor.
• Cornstarch & Flour Coating: The combination of cornstarch and flour ensures a super crispy texture when frying the chicken.
• Rice Vinegar: Adds a tangy brightness to balance out the richness of the sauce.
• Bao Buns: These soft, fluffy buns contrast beautifully with the crunchy fried chicken.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making the Bao Buns:

1. Prepare the Dough: In a bowl, mix the flour, sugar, yeast, and baking powder.
2. Add Wet Ingredients: Stir in warm water, milk, and vegetable oil. Knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth.
3. Let it Rise: Cover and let the dough rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
4. Shape the Buns: Roll out the dough and cut into circles. Fold each circle in half and place on a parchment-lined tray.
5. Steam the Buns: Steam in a bamboo steamer or a regular steamer for 10-12 minutes until fluffy.

Korean Fried Chicken:

6. Prepare the Batter: In a bowl, mix cornstarch, flour, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. In another bowl, whisk together the egg and cold water.
7. Coat the Chicken: Dip each piece of chicken into the egg mixture, then dredge in the dry mix. Repeat for an extra crispy layer.
8. First Fry: Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) and fry chicken pieces for 4-5 minutes. Remove and let rest.
9. Second Fry: Fry the chicken again for another 2-3 minutes until golden and extra crispy. Drain on a wire rack.

Gochujang Glaze & Assembling the Bao Buns:

10. Make the Sauce: In a saucepan, combine gochujang, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and brown sugar. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
11. Coat the Chicken: Toss the fried chicken in the sauce until fully coated.
12. Assemble the Bao Buns: Open each steamed bun and fill with shredded cabbage, gochujang-glazed chicken, cucumber slices, and green onions. Garnish with sesame seeds and fresh cilantro.

How to Serve Korean Fried Chicken Bao Buns

Korean Fried Chicken Bao Buns can be enjoyed in various ways:

• Classic Style – Stuff the bao buns with crispy Korean fried chicken, drizzle with gochujang mayo, and top with pickled cucumbers and shredded cabbage.
• Spicy Kick – Add extra heat by tossing the chicken in a spicy Korean chili sauce and garnishing with sliced jalapeños and kimchi.
• Cheesy Delight – Melt mozzarella or cheddar over the fried chicken before placing it in the bao, creating a gooey, cheesy bite.
• Sweet & Savory – Balance the spicy chicken with a drizzle of honey or maple syrup and add crispy shallots for a crunch.
• Asian Fusion – Add a slice of grilled pineapple and a touch of teriyaki sauce for a tropical twist.
• Healthy Touch – Swap regular fried chicken for air-fried or grilled chicken and serve with fresh avocado slices and microgreens.
• Street Food Style – Serve with Korean radish pickles, extra sesame seeds, and a sprinkle of crushed peanuts for a crunchy texture.
• BBQ Bliss – Glaze the chicken with Korean BBQ sauce and serve with coleslaw and crispy fried garlic.
• Kimchi Lover’s Dream – Stuff the bao with spicy kimchi, fried chicken, and a runny fried egg for an umami-packed bite.
• Deluxe Platter – Serve the bao buns DIY-style with different fillings and toppings like spicy mayo, ssamjang sauce, crispy onions, and lettuce, letting everyone customize their own.

Additional Tips for Korean Fried Chicken Bao Buns

• Double Fry for Maximum Crispiness: Frying the chicken twice ensures a super crispy texture.
• Adjust the Spice Level: Reduce the amount of gochujang for a milder flavor, or add extra chili flakes for more heat.
• Keep the Buns Warm: If serving later, keep steamed buns warm in a covered container.
• Make-Ahead Option: You can freeze steamed buns and reheat them by steaming for 2-3 minutes.
• Use a Stand Mixer for the Dough: If you don’t want to knead by hand, use a stand mixer with a dough hook.

Recipe Variations for Korean Fried Chicken Bao Buns

Here are 10 ways to customize your Korean Fried Chicken Bao Buns:

• Spicy Honey Glazed Chicken Bao: Add extra honey for a sweet-spicy version.
• Kimchi Chicken Bao: Add chopped kimchi inside the buns for extra flavor.
• Sesame Soy Chicken Bao: Use a soy sauce-based glaze instead of gochujang.
• Korean BBQ Chicken Bao: Swap fried chicken for grilled bulgogi-style chicken.
• Buffalo Chicken Bao: Toss chicken in buffalo sauce instead of Korean glaze.
• Teriyaki Chicken Bao: Coat the fried chicken in teriyaki sauce for a sweet-savory twist.
• Mango Chili Chicken Bao: Add fresh mango slices and chili flakes for a tropical kick.
• Vegetarian Tofu Bao: Replace chicken with crispy fried tofu.
• Pulled Pork Bao: Use slow-cooked Korean-style pulled pork instead of fried chicken.
• Seafood Bao: Try tempura shrimp instead of chicken.

Freezing and Storage for Korean Fried Chicken Bao Buns

• Freezing Buns: Store steamed buns in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months.
• Storing Chicken: Store fried chicken separately and reheat in the oven at 375°F (190°C) to keep it crispy.

Special Equipment for Korean Fried Chicken Bao Buns

• Mixing Bowls – For preparing the chicken marinade, batter, and sauce.
• Deep Fryer or Heavy Pot – For frying the chicken to crispy perfection.
• Tongs – To safely handle the hot fried chicken.
• Steamer – For steaming the bao buns until soft and fluffy
• .Whisk – For mixing the batter and sauce evenly.
• Knife & Cutting Board – For slicing chicken, garnishes, and other ingredients.

Frequently Asked Questions for Korean Fried Chicken Bao Buns

1. Can I bake the chicken instead of frying? Yes, but it won’t be as crispy. Try air frying at 400°F for 12-15 minutes.
2. Where can I buy bao buns? Many Asian grocery stores sell frozen bao buns.
3. Can I make these ahead? Yes! Steam the buns and fry the chicken in advance, then assemble when ready to serve.

Print

Conclusion

Korean Fried Chicken Bao Buns are a perfect fusion of crispy, juicy chicken and soft, pillowy buns, packed with bold, irresistible flavors. Every bite delivers a delightful contrast of textures, from the crunch of the golden-fried chicken to the light, airy chew of the bao.

These handheld delights are surprisingly easy to make and perfect for any occasion, whether you’re preparing a special feast or just treating yourself to a flavorful weeknight meal. Customize them with your favorite toppings and sauces for a dish that’s as fun to eat as it is delicious.

I’d love to see how your Korean Fried Chicken Bao Buns turn out! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and don’t forget to tag me—I can’t wait to see your mouthwatering creations. Happy cooking!