Korean Chicken Steamed Bao Buns

If you’re looking for a dish that’s bursting with flavor and perfect for any occasion, look no further than these Korean Chicken Steamed Bao Buns. These soft and fluffy buns filled with savory chicken are a crowd-pleaser and are surprisingly easy to make. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll be making them again and again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- The combination of tender chicken, spicy gochujang paste, and sweet honey creates a perfect balance of flavors.
- With quick prep time and simple ingredients, you can whip up a batch of these bao buns in no time.
- These buns are great for meal prep – make a big batch and enjoy them throughout the week.
Ingredient Notes:
For the bun dough – plain flour, baking powder, instant yeast, salt, neutral oil, lukewarm water.
For the chicken – boneless, skinless chicken thighs, salt, olive oil, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, gochujang paste, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey.
To serve – chili oil, toasted sesame seeds, scallions, fresh cilantro.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Mix the dry ingredients for the bun dough, then add the oil and water to form a dough.
- Let the dough rise while you prepare the chicken.
- Cook the chicken with garlic, ginger, gochujang paste, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and honey.
- Roll out the dough, fill with the chicken mixture, and steam until cooked.
- Serve with chili oil, sesame seeds, scallions, and cilantro.
Helpful Tips:
- For a shortcut, use store-bought bao buns instead of making your own dough.
- Feel free to customize the filling with your favorite ingredients.
- Store any leftover buns in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Expert Tips for the Best Results:
- Make sure the dough is well-kneaded to achieve a soft and fluffy texture.
- Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to develop fully.
Serving Suggestions:
These Korean Chicken Steamed Bao Buns pair well with a side of kimchi, a refreshing cucumber salad, and a cold glass of Korean rice wine.

Storage and Reheating Tips:
To store, place the buns in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat in the microwave or steamer until warm.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs? Yes, but thighs are more flavorful and juicy.
- Can I freeze the bao buns? Yes, you can freeze them after steaming and reheat when ready to eat.
- Can I make the dough ahead of time? Yes, you can refrigerate the dough overnight and let it come to room temperature before using.
- Can I make this recipe vegetarian? Yes, you can substitute the chicken with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version.
Conclusion:
Don’t hesitate to try these Korean Chicken Steamed Bao Buns – they’re a delicious and satisfying meal that’s sure to impress your family and friends. Once you take a bite, you’ll be hooked on the bold flavors and comforting texture of these buns. Enjoy and share your feedback with us!
PrintKorean Chicken Steamed Bao Buns
These Korean Chicken Steamed Bao Buns are a delicious fusion of flavors, with tender chicken thighs marinated in a spicy-sweet sauce, served in soft and fluffy bao buns. The perfect combination of savory, spicy, and slightly sweet notes in every bite.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Total Time: 40 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Steaming
- Cuisine: Korean
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
For the bun dough:
- 350g plain flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 2 teaspoons instant yeast
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1.5 tablespoons neutral oil
- 180g lukewarm water
For the chicken:
- 1lb/500g boneless, skinless free-range chicken thighs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 garlic cloves, crushed
- 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
- 2 tablespoons gochujang paste
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 3 tablespoons honey
To serve:
- 1 tablespoon chilli oil
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
- 2 scallions (spring onions), finely sliced
- A handful of fresh cilantro (coriander)
Instructions
- Prepare the bun dough: Mix flour, baking powder, yeast, salt, oil, and water. Knead until smooth, then let rise.
- Cook the chicken: Season and cook chicken with oils, garlic, ginger, gochujang, soy sauce, vinegar, and honey until tender.
- Assemble: Fill steamed buns with chicken, top with chilli oil, sesame seeds, scallions, and cilantro.
Notes
- If using pre-cooked chicken, marinate it in the sauce for extra flavor.
- You can adjust the spice level by adding more or less gochujang paste.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bun with chicken filling
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 16 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
Keywords: Korean recipe, steamed buns, spicy chicken, fusion cuisine