Go Back
+ servings
Korean Chicken Bao

Irresistible Korean Chicken Bao: Crispy, Saucy, and Fun!

Discover the delight of Korean Chicken Bao, featuring crispy chicken and creamy sesame sauce wrapped in soft buns.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Chilling Time 10 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 bao
Course: Lunch
Cuisine: Korean
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

For the Creamy Sesame Sauce
  • 2 tbsp Sesame oil Adds a rich, nutty flavor
  • 1 cup Greek yogurt Substitute for a lighter texture
  • 2 tbsp Soy sauce Provides umami flavor
For the Chicken Coating
  • 500 g Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs Juicy and tender
  • 1 large Egg Binds flour for the coating
  • 0.5 cup Plain Flour Crucial for coating
  • 0.5 cup Cornflour Ensures extra crispiness
  • 1 tsp Garlic Powder Adds depth of flavor
For the Spice and Glaze
  • 1 tsp Sea Salt Flakes Essential for seasoning
  • 0.25 tsp White Pepper Provides mild spice
  • 2 tbsp Ketchup Adds sweetness to glaze
  • 2 tbsp Gochujang Gives a delightful kick
  • 2 tbsp Honey Natural sweetness for glaze
  • 1 tbsp Brown Sugar Adds depth to glaze
  • 1 tbsp Rice Vinegar Balances flavor
For Assembly
  • 12 pieces Store-bought Bao Buns Soft and fluffy
  • 2 tbsp Toasted Sesame Seeds Adds texture
  • Cucumber, onion, and coriander Fresh toppings for crunch

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowl
  • Skillet or Frying Pan
  • Saucepan
  • Bamboo Steamer

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together sesame oil, Greek yogurt, soy sauce, and preferred seasonings. Cover and refrigerate for 10 minutes.
  2. In a large bowl, mix chicken thighs with egg and water. In another bowl, whisk flour, cornflour, garlic powder, salt, and white pepper. Dredge chicken in the mixture.
  3. Heat oil in a skillet at 180°C (350°F). Fry chicken in batches for 5-6 minutes until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
  4. In a saucepan, heat oil and sauté garlic for a minute. Add ketchup, gochujang, honey, soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and water. Simmer until thickened.
  5. Add fried chicken to the glaze and toss until coated.
  6. Steam bao buns according to package instructions until warm and soft.
  7. Spread sesame sauce on the inside of each bun, fill with glazed chicken, and top with cucumber, onion, and coriander. Sprinkle with sesame seeds before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1baoCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 18gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 2gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 400IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 1.5mg

Notes

Feel free to customize toppings like pickled veggies or shredded carrots for added flavor.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!