Korean Fried Chicken Bao Buns

Soft and fluffy Korean Fried Chicken Bao Buns are the perfect treat for any gathering, from casual get-togethers to festive celebrations. This delightful fusion combines the crispy, savory goodness of Korean fried chicken with the comforting embrace of steamed bao buns. Whether you serve them as appetizers or a main dish, these bao buns are sure to impress your guests with their rich flavors and unique presentation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple steps, you can whip up these bao buns without fuss.
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of crispy chicken and flavorful sauces offers a taste sensation.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal for parties, family dinners, or meal prep.
• Customizable Fillings: Feel free to experiment with different proteins or veggies.
• Impressive Presentation: These bao buns look stunning on any table and are sure to wow your guests.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into making your Korean Fried Chicken Bao Buns, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make the cooking process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Rolling pin
• Steamer basket
• Frying pan or deep fryer
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients efficiently.
• Rolling pin: Helps achieve the perfect thickness for your bao dough.
• Steamer basket: Ensures even cooking of the bao buns without drying them out.
• Frying pan or deep fryer: Crucial for achieving that crispy fried chicken texture.

Ingredients

Ingredients:
– 3 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
– 2 tablespoons caster sugar
– ½ teaspoon salt
– 2 teaspoons instant dried yeast
– 3 tablespoons full-fat milk
– ¾ cup + 2 tablespoons warm water
– 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (soft)
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 4 chicken breasts (sliced into bite-size chunks)
– 1 cup buttermilk
– ½ teaspoon salt
– ¼ teaspoon white pepper
– ¼ teaspoon garlic salt
– 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (or 00 flour substitute)
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
– ½ teaspoon garlic salt
– ½ teaspoon celery salt
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1 teaspoon chilli flakes
– 4 cups vegetable oil for deep frying
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 2 tablespoons gochujang paste
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 4 tablespoons brown sugar
– 4 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 cloves garlic peeled and minced
– 2 teaspoons minced ginger
– ½ cup green onion (chopped thinly sliced)
– ½ cup lettuce or cabbage (roughly chopped)
– ¼ cup Korean spicy mayo sauce
– 2 teaspoons black and white sesame seeds
– ¼ cup pickled radishes (optional)

How to Make Korean Fried Chicken Bao Buns

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, caster sugar, salt, and instant dried yeast.
2. In another bowl, mix warm water and full-fat milk. Add this mixture to the dry ingredients along with softened butter and olive oil.
3. Knead until a soft dough forms. Cover it with a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm place for about an hour.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

1. In a separate bowl, combine buttermilk, salt, white pepper, garlic salt, and chicken pieces.
2. Allow it to marinate for at least thirty minutes.

Step 3: Prepare Coating for Chicken

1. In another bowl, mix all-purpose flour (or substitute), salt, black pepper, garlic salt, celery salt, dried thyme, paprika, baking powder, and chili flakes.

Step 4: Fry the Chicken

1. Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or frying pan over medium-high heat.
2. Dredge marinated chicken in the flour mixture until fully coated.
3. Fry chicken pieces in hot oil until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels.

Step 5: Prepare Bao Buns

1. Roll out the dough into small circles about three inches wide.
2. Place each circle into a steamer basket lined with parchment paper.
3. Steam over boiling water for about fifteen minutes until soft and fluffy.

Step 6: Assemble Your Buns

1. Mix gochujang paste with honey, brown sugar, soy sauce, minced garlic, ginger, sesame oil, and vegetable oil for dipping sauce.
2. Fill each bao bun with fried chicken pieces topped with green onions and lettuce or cabbage.
3. Drizzle with Korean spicy mayo sauce and sprinkle sesame seeds before serving.

Enjoy your delicious homemade Korean Fried Chicken Bao Buns, perfect for impressing friends and family!

How to Serve Korean Fried Chicken Bao Buns

Korean Fried Chicken Bao Buns are a delightful treat perfect for sharing or serving at gatherings. These fluffy buns filled with crispy chicken can be enjoyed in various ways, making them versatile enough for any occasion.

Casual Gatherings

• With Spicy Mayo: Drizzle or spread Korean spicy mayo sauce on top of the filled buns for an extra kick.
• Garnished with Sesame Seeds: Sprinkle black and white sesame seeds over the buns for added texture and flavor.

Family Dinners

• Served with Pickled Radishes: The tangy crunch of pickled radishes complements the rich flavors of the bao buns beautifully.
• Accompanied by Fresh Greens: Pairing with lettuce or cabbage adds a refreshing crunch to each bite.

Street Food Style

• In Paper Wraps: Serve these bao buns wrapped in parchment paper for a casual street food vibe.
• On a Sharing Platter: Arrange them on a large platter with dipping sauces for a fun, interactive dining experience.

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How to Perfect Korean Fried Chicken Bao Buns

Perfecting your Korean Fried Chicken Bao Buns takes practice, but these tips will help you achieve fluffy and flavorful results.

• Use Fresh Yeast: Ensure your yeast is fresh to help the dough rise properly and create that fluffy texture.
• Knead Well: Kneading the dough for about 10 minutes will develop gluten, resulting in softer buns.
• Steam Properly: Use a steamer basket lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking while ensuring even cooking.
• Temperature Check: Maintain the water temperature around 100°F (38°C) for optimal yeast activation during proofing.

Best Side Dishes for Korean Fried Chicken Bao Buns

Pairing side dishes with your Korean Fried Chicken Bao Buns can enhance your meal’s flavor and presentation. Here are some great options:

1. Kimchi: A spicy fermented vegetable dish that adds zing and complements the bao’s richness.
2. Korean Potato Salad: Creamy and slightly sweet, this salad balances out the savory flavors of the chicken.
3. Cucumber Pickles: Quick-pickled cucumbers offer a refreshing crunch that contrasts nicely with the soft bao buns.
4. Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy sweet potato fries add sweetness and texture, making them an enjoyable side.
5. Miso Soup: A warm bowl of miso soup provides comfort and pairs well with the savory elements of the meal.
6. Edamame Beans: Lightly salted edamame beans are nutritious and easy to prepare, perfect as finger food alongside bao buns.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Korean Fried Chicken Bao Buns, it’s easy to overlook some key steps. Here are common mistakes to steer clear of.

• Skipping the dough resting time – Allowing the dough to rest is crucial for achieving soft and fluffy bao buns. Skipping this step can lead to dense buns.
• Not seasoning the chicken properly – Ensure you season the chicken well before frying. A lack of seasoning can result in bland flavors that don’t complement the bao.
• Using cold ingredients – Cold ingredients can hinder the yeast’s effectiveness, resulting in a poor rise. Always use warm water and allow milk to reach room temperature.
• Overcrowding the frying pan – Frying too many pieces at once lowers the oil temperature, making your chicken soggy instead of crispy. Fry in small batches for perfect results.
• Ignoring storage tips – Proper storage is key to maintaining freshness. Failing to store them correctly can lead to dry or stale buns.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover bao buns in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• They will last up to 3 days but are best consumed fresh.

Freezing Korean Fried Chicken Bao Buns

• Wrap each bun tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 1 month.

Reheating Korean Fried Chicken Bao Buns

• Oven – Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place buns on a baking sheet and heat for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave – Place buns on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat for 30 seconds, then check and repeat if necessary.
• Stovetop – Steam the buns over boiling water for about 5-7 minutes until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you’re curious about Korean Fried Chicken Bao Buns, here are some frequently asked questions.

What are Korean Fried Chicken Bao Buns?

Korean Fried Chicken Bao Buns are fluffy steamed buns filled with crispy fried chicken, often drizzled with sauces like gochujang or spicy mayo.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator overnight. Just allow it to come back to room temperature before shaping.

How do I ensure my bao buns are fluffy?

To achieve fluffy bao buns, ensure you follow the resting time for the dough and steam them properly without overcrowding.

Can I customize my fillings?

Absolutely! You can add vegetables, different sauces, or even swap out chicken for tofu or pork according to your preferences.

Are Korean Fried Chicken Bao Buns spicy?

They can be! The level of spice depends on how much gochujang or chili flakes you choose to include. Adjust it based on your taste.

Final Thoughts

Korean Fried Chicken Bao Buns bring a delightful fusion of flavors and textures that everyone will love. Their versatility allows you to customize fillings and toppings based on personal preference. Whether serving as an appetizer or main dish, give this recipe a try—you’ll enjoy every bite!