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Spicy Fried Chicken Bao Buns

Rose
If you love bold flavors and soft, pillowy bites, these spicy fried chicken bao buns are a must-try. Crispy Korean-style fried chicken coated in a sweet-spicy gochujang glaze is tucked inside fluffy steamed buns, creating a perfect fusion of textures and flavors.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main Dish, Snack
Cuisine Asian Fusion, Korean
Servings 4 bao buns
Calories 320 kcal

Equipment

  • mixing bowl
  • steamer
  • pan for frying
  • small saucepan
  • spatula or tongs
  • paper towels

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tbsp cornstarch
  • 2 tbsp sugar
  • 1 tsp instant yeast
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 3/4 cup warm water
  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 500 g chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tsp Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
  • 1 egg white
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (for coating)
  • vegetable oil for frying
  • 3 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp honey or brown sugar
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cucumber, thinly sliced
  • 2 spring onions (scallions), sliced
  • 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds

Instructions
 

  • In a mixing bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, sugar, yeast, and baking powder.
  • Add warm water and oil; knead until a smooth dough forms.
  • Cover and let the dough rise for 1–2 hours until doubled in size.
  • Divide dough into small portions, shape into buns, and steam for 10–12 minutes.
  • Mix chicken pieces with salt, pepper, soy sauce, and Shaoxing wine.
  • Whisk in the egg white and let marinate for at least 15 minutes.
  • Heat oil in a pan to 175°C (350°F).
  • Coat chicken in flour and carefully fry until golden brown and cooked through, about 4–5 minutes per side.
  • Remove and drain on paper towels.
  • In a small saucepan, combine gochujang, soy sauce, honey, and minced garlic.
  • Simmer over low heat for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
  • Add fried chicken to the glaze and toss until fully coated.
  • Slice steamed buns open and spread a little glaze inside.
  • Add a few pieces of chicken, cucumber slices, and spring onions.
  • Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and serve immediately.

Notes

Pat chicken dry before frying for maximum crispiness. Steam buns right before serving. Adjust gochujang to control spice. Make glaze ahead of time and reheat gently. Add pickled vegetables for extra tang.

Nutrition

Calories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 20gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 2.5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 580mgPotassium: 350mgFiber: 2gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 150IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 2.5mg
Keyword bao buns, fried chicken, Korean fried chicken, spicy gochujang
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