If you’re craving something that combines fluffy, pillowy texture with a burst of bold, spicy flavor, these Spicy Korean-Style Chicken Bao Buns will absolutely hit the spot. Imagine tender, crispy fried chicken drenched in a sticky chili glaze nestled inside soft, steamed bao buns—each bite bursting with sweet heat, crunch from pickled cucumbers and shredded carrots, and a fresh sprinkle of sesame seeds and green onions. These buns are a wonderful marriage of textures and flavors, bringing a taste of Korean-inspired street food right to your kitchen, perfect for sharing or savoring all to yourself.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of these Spicy Korean-Style Chicken Bao Buns lies in a handful of simple but essential ingredients, each bringing its own unique touch to the final dish. From the tender chicken to the vibrant produce and sauces, every component plays a role in building those complex, irresistible flavors.
- Bao buns: Soft, fluffy steamed buns that provide the perfect, neutral base for the bold fillings.
- Chicken thighs: Juicy and flavorful, ideal for frying crisp and soaking up the spicy glaze.
- Korean chili paste (gochujang): Adds that signature sweet-spicy kick essential to Korean cuisine.
- Soy sauce: Brings a savory depth that balances the sweetness and heat.
- Honey or sugar: A touch of sweetness to mellow the fiery glaze.
- Pickled cucumbers: Adds a refreshing crunch and tang to cut through the richness.
- Shredded carrots: Bright color and natural sweetness for balance.
- Sesame seeds: Toasted for that subtle nutty aroma and delicate texture.
- Green onions: Fresh and slightly sharp, elevating the flavor complexity.
- Flour and cornstarch: For the crispy coating on the chicken.
- Vegetable oil: For frying until golden and crisp perfection.
How to Make Spicy Korean-Style Chicken Bao Buns
Step 1: Prepare the Bao Buns
Begin by steaming the bao buns while preparing the filling. If you’re using store-bought buns, follow package instructions to steam them just until pillowy and soft, which usually takes around 5–7 minutes. Fresh-steamed buns are essential for that tender texture that perfectly contrasts with the crispy chicken.
Step 2: Marinate and Coat the Chicken
Cut the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces and marinate briefly with a splash of soy sauce and a pinch of garlic powder for extra flavor. Then, dredge the pieces in a mixture of flour and cornstarch. This combination is key for that irresistible crunch after frying, sealing in juicy tenderness.
Step 3: Fry the Chicken
Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet until shimmering hot. Carefully fry the chicken pieces in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan—this keeps them crisp and evenly cooked. Fry until golden brown and crisp, then remove and drain on a paper towel to keep them beautifully crunchy.
Step 4: Make the Spicy Korean Glaze
In a small saucepan, combine gochujang, soy sauce, honey (or sugar), and a splash of water. Heat gently, stirring frequently until the sauce thickens to a sticky glaze. This glaze is the heart of the Spicy Korean-Style Chicken Bao Buns, providing that perfect balance of sweet heat that clings to every morsel of chicken.
Step 5: Toss Chicken in the Glaze
Toss the crispy fried chicken pieces directly into the warm chili glaze, coating each piece thoroughly. This step ensures every bite bursts with bold flavor and sticky deliciousness.
Step 6: Assemble the Bao Buns
Open each steamed bao bun and layer the spicy chicken inside. Top with a handful of pickled cucumbers and shredded carrots for crunch and brightness. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and finely sliced green onions for that extra pop of flavor and color.
How to Serve Spicy Korean-Style Chicken Bao Buns
Garnishes
Garnishes make such a difference. Beyond sesame seeds and green onions, consider adding thin slices of fresh red chili for a kick and a drizzle of creamy mayo or sriracha mayo for richness. These little touches elevate the Spicy Korean-Style Chicken Bao Buns and add dimension to every bite.
Side Dishes
These bao buns shine as a main dish but pair beautifully with light, refreshing sides like an Asian slaw, steamed edamame, or even a crisp cucumber salad. These sides help balance the richness and spice of the chicken with cool, crisp textures and mild flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your Spicy Korean-Style Chicken Bao Buns in a bamboo steamer basket for an authentic feel and instant presentation upgrade. You can also let guests build their own buns buffet-style, making a lively, interactive meal perfect for gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store the chicken, buns, and garnishes separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This keeps the textures fresh, preventing the bao buns from getting soggy and the chicken from losing its crispness.
Freezing
You can freeze both the fried chicken (unsauced) and the bao buns separately. Wrap the buns tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag to maintain softness. When ready, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and re-steam or reheat gently before assembling.
Reheating
Reheat the fried chicken in a hot oven or air fryer to restore its crisp exterior. Steam or microwave the buns briefly to warm. After reheating, toss the chicken in the spicy glaze again just before serving to keep that fresh, sticky coating.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts can be used if you prefer leaner meat, although thighs generally stay juicier and more flavorful when fried. Just be careful not to overcook breasts to avoid dryness.
Is there a vegetarian alternative for this recipe?
Yes! You can swap the chicken for crispy fried tofu or tempeh cubes, then coat them in the same spicy Korean glaze for a delicious plant-based version of these bao buns.
Where can I buy bao buns?
Many Asian grocery stores carry pre-made bao buns in the frozen section, and some supermarkets have started offering them too. They’re often labeled as steamed buns or bao buns. If you have time, making them from scratch is a rewarding option!
How spicy are the Spicy Korean-Style Chicken Bao Buns?
The heat level mainly comes from gochujang, which is a moderate chili paste with sweet undertones. You can adjust the spice by adding more or less gochujang, or mix in sriracha for extra heat.
Can these buns be made gluten-free?
Definitely! Use gluten-free flour and cornstarch alternatives for coating the chicken, and ensure your soy sauce is gluten-free (tamari works well). The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Final Thoughts
There’s something genuinely joyful about biting into a warm, soft bao bun filled with spicy, crispy chicken and fresh, crunchy toppings. These Spicy Korean-Style Chicken Bao Buns bring together so many textures and flavors in one heavenly bite, making them an absolute crowd-pleaser. I can’t wait for you to try making these at home and experiencing that perfect harmony of spicy, sweet, and savory all wrapped in a fluffy bun. Get ready to wow your friends or treat yourself to a little Korean-inspired magic!