Korean Fried Chicken Bao Buns: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe

Korean Fried Chicken Bao Buns are a delicious fusion delight you won’t want to miss. As food lovers explore the beauty of fusion cuisine, the combination of crispy Korean fried chicken and soft, pillowy bao buns creates an experience like no other. Imagine taking a bite into a fluffy bao filled with juicy, spicy fried chicken, topped with pickled vegetables and a drizzle of savory sauce. Each mouthful transports you to the streets of Seoul while giving you a taste of traditional Chinese cuisine!
The fusion between Korean fried chicken and bao buns offers joy to your taste buds. These bao buns encapsulate everything we love about culinary creativity. The incredible crunch of the chicken complements the smooth texture of the bao, delivering satisfaction in every bite. Serving these bao buns can transform any casual gathering into an extraordinary culinary adventure.
In this article, we will delve into the amazing recipe, preparation tips, and the ideal serving method for Korean Fried Chicken Bao Buns. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just venturing into the kitchen, you’ll find that creating these delicious buns is a rewarding journey. So let’s dive into the world of flavor and texture that awaits with Korean Fried Chicken Bao Buns!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Korean Fried Chicken Bao Buns are beloved for several reasons. They are not only scrumptious, but the recipe also offers versatility that accommodates various dietary preferences. Here are some reasons why you’ll fall in love with this recipe:
1. Incredible Flavors: The combination of spicy and sweet flavors in the chicken pairs beautifully with the neutral bao, creating an unforgettable taste sensation.
2. Perfect for Sharing: These bao buns are an excellent option for parties or family gatherings, encouraging everyone to indulge and explore together.
3. Easy to Customize: You can adjust the toppings or spice levels based on personal preference, making it suitable for different tastes.
4. Fun to Make: Rolling out bao dough can be an enjoyable experience, allowing you to get creative in the kitchen.
5. Comfort Food: These bao buns embody the essence of comfort food, appealing to both the eyes and the palate.
6. Cultural Experience: By making them at home, you experience a cultural journey filled with heritage and tradition.
Combining all these aspects, Korean Fried Chicken Bao Buns become a delightful way to appreciate flavors from different parts of the world, making a fantastic and memorable dish for any occasion.

Preparation and Cooking Time

When planning to make Korean Fried Chicken Bao Buns, time management is key. In total, expect to spend around 2 to 2.5 hours to prepare and cook this dish. Here’s a breakdown of the time required:
– Preparation Time: 30-45 minutes
– Cooking Time: 45-60 minutes
– Resting Time (for dough): 1 hour
These times may vary based on your experience and kitchen equipment, but this framework should provide a good estimate.

Ingredients

For the Bao Buns

– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tablespoon sugar
– 1 teaspoon instant yeast
– ½ teaspoon baking powder
– ½ teaspoon salt
– ¾ cup warm water (110°F or 43°C)
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

For the Korean Fried Chicken

– 1 pound chicken thighs (boneless, skinless)
– 1 cup buttermilk
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– ½ cup cornstarch
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– ½ teaspoon onion powder
– ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (you can adjust based on spice preference)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Vegetable oil for frying

For the Sauce

– ⅓ cup gochujang (Korean red chili paste)
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
– 1 teaspoon sesame oil

For Garnishing

– Pickled vegetables (such as carrots and radish)
– Fresh cilantro or green onions (chopped)
– Sesame seeds (toasted)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making Korean Fried Chicken Bao Buns involves a series of clear, manageable steps. Here’s how to do it:

Preparing the Bao Buns

1. In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, sugar, yeast, baking powder, and salt.
2. Gradually add the warm water and vegetable oil to the dry mixture, stirring until a dough forms.
3. Knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
4. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a cloth, and allow it to rest for at least 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
5. Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into small equal portions (about 10-12 pieces).
6. Roll each portion into a circle (around 3 inches in diameter). You can flatten each circle slightly with a rolling pin.
7. Place parchment paper strips underneath each circle to prevent sticking while steaming.

Preparing the Korean Fried Chicken

1. Marinate the chicken thighs in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for the best flavor).
2. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.
3. Heat vegetable oil in a deep pot or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C).
4. Take the marinated chicken, allowing excess buttermilk to drip off, and coat it in the flour mixture.
5. Fry the chicken for about 6-8 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
6. Remove the chicken and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to soak up excess oil.

Preparing the Sauce

1. In a small bowl, whisk together gochujang, honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil until smooth and well combined.

Steaming the Bao Buns

1. Fill a steamer pot with water and bring it to a boil.
2. Place the bao buns in the steamer basket, ensuring they are not touching each other.
3. Steam the buns for about 10-12 minutes until fluffy and cooked through.

Assembly

1. Take a steamed bao bun, fill it with fried chicken, drizzle the sauce on top, and garnish with pickled vegetables, chopped cilantro or green onions, and sesame seeds.
2. Repeat with the remaining buns.

How to Serve

Serving Korean Fried Chicken Bao Buns can enhance the overall dining experience. Consider the following tips:
1. Presentation: Arrange the bao buns on a vibrant platter. A large round plate allows for an appealing and inviting display.
2. Accompaniments: Serve with extra sauce on the side, along with various toppings like sliced jalapeños or additional pickled veggies.
3. Beverage Pairings: Pair with refreshing beverages like iced tea, soju, or Korean beer for a complete experience.
4. Garnishes: A sprinkle of fresh herbs can elevate the visual appeal and enhance the flavors.
By taking these elements into consideration, you ensure that your Korean Fried Chicken Bao Buns leave a lasting impression on everyone. Enjoy preparing and sharing this sensational dish that captures the essence of fusion cuisine!

Additional Tips

– Use High-Quality Chicken: Opt for fresh, organic chicken thighs to enhance the overall flavor of your Korean Fried Chicken Bao Buns. Quality ingredients make a significant difference.
– Adjust the Spice Level: If you’re sensitive to spice, reduce the amount of cayenne pepper or opt for a milder sauce. You can also provide spicy elements as optional toppings.
– Experiment with Fillings: While crispy fried chicken is delicious, feel free to try other fillings like tofu for a vegetarian version or pork belly for a richer taste.
– Make It Ahead: Prepare the bao buns in advance and store them in the refrigerator. Simply steam them prior to serving to enjoy fresh, warm buns.
– Garnish Creatively: Use colorful garnishes like pickled red onions, jalapeños, or microgreens to make the dish visually appealing.

Recipe Variation

You can easily customize the recipe to fit your preferences. Here are some fun variations to explore:
1. Vegetarian Version: Replace fried chicken with fried cauliflower bites tossed in gochujang for a meatless option.
2. Different Proteins: Use shrimp or crispy tofu as a substitute for chicken. The sauce complements various proteins beautifully.
3. Sauce Modifications: Experiment with different sauces like Sriracha mayo or sweet chili sauce for a different flavor profile.
4. Unique Toppings: Try adding kimchi for an extra kick or sliced cucumbers for added crunch.

Freezing and Storage

– Storage: Keep your Korean Fried Chicken Bao Buns in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for about 3-4 days.
– Freezing: You can freeze the bao buns separately from the fried chicken. Wrap each bun tightly in plastic wrap. Store the chicken in a freezer-safe container. Both can be frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat, steam the buns and warm up the chicken in the oven or microwave.

Special Equipment

To successfully prepare Korean Fried Chicken Bao Buns, you’ll need a few essential tools:
– Mixing Bowls: For combining ingredients.
– Rolling Pin: To roll out the bao dough.
– Steamer: A bamboo steamer or a classic steaming pot will work to cook the buns.
– Deep Fryer or Heavy Pot: For frying the chicken evenly.
– Cooking Thermometer: To ensure your chicken is cooked through safely.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, but chicken thighs are recommended for their juiciness and flavor.
What if I can’t find gochujang?
If gochujang is unavailable, you can substitute it with a mix of chili paste and a touch of sugar for sweetness.
Can I prepare the dough the night before?
Absolutely! Prepare the dough, let it rise, and then refrigerate overnight. Take it out to warm up before shaping.
Are bao buns gluten-free?
Traditional bao buns are made with wheat flour, but you can experiment with gluten-free flour mixtures if you’re looking for a gluten-free version.
Can I skip steaming the buns?
Steaming is essential for the traditional texture of bao buns. Skipping this step may yield a dry or tough result.

Conclusion

Korean Fried Chicken Bao Buns offer an exciting culinary adventure that combines rich flavors and different cooking traditions. With good preparation and creativity, you can create a dish that delights your senses and impresses your guests. Try this recipe today and enjoy the delightful fusion of textures and tastes!

Print