Description
These Korean Chicken Bao Buns are a fusion of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors tucked into fluffy steamed buns. Filled with tender gochujang-marinated chicken and topped with crisp veggies and herbs, they’re perfect for an appetizer, snack, or light meal. Great for gatherings or weeknight cravings.
Ingredients
1 pound boneless chicken thighs
2 tablespoons gochujang (Korean chili paste)
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon honey (or brown sugar)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon grated ginger
8 bao buns (store-bought or homemade)
1 small cucumber, thinly sliced or pickled veggies
2 green onions, chopped
2 tablespoons fresh cilantro leaves
1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
1. In a bowl, mix gochujang, soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger. Add chicken thighs and coat well. Marinate for 30 minutes to 4 hours.
2. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high. Cook the marinated chicken until sticky and caramelized. Slice into bite-sized pieces once cooked.
3. Steam bao buns according to package or homemade instructions until fluffy and warm.
4. Open each bun gently, fill with chicken, then top with cucumber or pickled veggies, cilantro, green onions, and sesame seeds.
5. Serve warm immediately.
Notes
Make ahead by prepping the chicken and storing separately from the buns.
For milder flavor, reduce the gochujang or mix with extra honey.
Use a damp paper towel and microwave to reheat bao buns if you don’t have a steamer.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Steaming & Sautéing
- Cuisine: Korean Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 bao buns
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 95mg