Korean Chicken Bao is a delightful fusion dish that combines soft and fluffy bao buns with crispy, spicy Korean fried chicken. It’s an indulgent treat that marries the savory, sweet, and spicy flavors of Korean cuisine with the light and airy texture of Chinese bao buns. Making this dish at home might sound intimidating, but with the right ingredients, techniques, and patience, you can recreate restaurant-quality Korean Chicken Bao in your kitchen.
History of Korean Chicken Bao
The origins of bao buns trace back to China, where they’ve been a staple of street food and home cooking for centuries. Known as “baozi,” these steamed buns are typically filled with savory or sweet fillings. They gained popularity across Asia and became a versatile vessel for different types of fillings, including meats, vegetables, and even desserts.
Korean fried chicken, on the other hand, has a more recent history. Fried chicken was introduced to Korea by American soldiers during the Korean War in the 1950s. Over time, Koreans adapted the recipe, creating their unique double-fried version that’s crispy, light, and coated with a signature sweet-spicy sauce made with gochujang (fermented chili paste) and other seasonings.
The marriage of these two dishes—bao buns and Korean fried chicken—is a modern culinary fusion. This dish has become a favorite in global food markets, food trucks, and fusion restaurants. It represents the creativity of modern chefs combining flavors and textures from different cultures.
Ingredients for Korean Chicken Bao
For the Bao Buns:
- All-purpose flour: 2 ½ cups
- Sugar: 3 tablespoons
- Instant yeast: 2 teaspoons
- Baking powder: 1 teaspoon
- Salt: ½ teaspoon
- Milk: ¾ cup (lukewarm)
- Vegetable oil: 2 tablespoons
For the Korean Fried Chicken:
- Chicken thighs or breast: 500g (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- Salt and pepper: To taste
- Cornstarch: ½ cup
- All-purpose flour: ½ cup
- Eggs: 2 (beaten)
- Vegetable oil: For frying
For the Korean Sauce:
- Gochujang (Korean chili paste): 2 tablespoons
- Soy sauce: 2 tablespoons
- Honey or brown sugar: 2 tablespoons
- Rice vinegar: 1 tablespoon
- Garlic: 2 cloves (minced)
- Ginger: 1 teaspoon (grated)
- Sesame oil: 1 teaspoon
- Water: 2 tablespoons
- Sesame seeds: For garnish
- Green onions: For garnish (sliced thinly)
For Assembly:
- Cabbage or lettuce: Thinly sliced
- Pickled radish: Optional, for added tang
- Mayonnaise or sriracha mayo: Optional, for drizzling
Step-by-Step Recipe for Korean Chicken Bao
Step 1: Make the Bao Buns
- Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, yeast, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the lukewarm milk and vegetable oil. Mix until a dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic.
- Proof the Dough: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours or until it doubles in size.
- Shape the Bao: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 10-12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball, then flatten it into an oval shape. Fold the oval in half and place a small piece of parchment paper between the layers to prevent sticking.
- Steam the Bao: Arrange the buns in a steamer basket, leaving space between each bun. Steam them over medium heat for 10-12 minutes until puffed and cooked through.
Step 2: Prepare the Korean Fried Chicken
- Season the Chicken: Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
- Coat the Chicken: Set up a breading station with three bowls—one for cornstarch, one for flour, and one for beaten eggs. Dredge each chicken piece in flour, then dip it in egg, and finally coat it with cornstarch.
- Fry the Chicken: Heat oil in a deep pan or fryer to 175°C (350°F). Fry the chicken pieces in batches for 6-8 minutes until golden and crispy. Remove and let them drain on a wire rack.
- Double-Fry (Optional): For extra crispiness, fry the chicken pieces a second time for 2-3 minutes.
Step 3: Make the Korean Sauce
- In a small saucepan, combine gochujang, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, and water. Cook over medium heat until the mixture thickens slightly.
- Toss the fried chicken in the sauce until each piece is evenly coated.
Step 4: Assemble the Bao
- Open each bao bun gently and spread a thin layer of mayonnaise or sriracha mayo (if desired).
- Add a small handful of sliced cabbage or lettuce as the base.
- Place a few pieces of sauced Korean fried chicken on top.
- Garnish with sesame seeds, sliced green onions, and pickled radish for extra flavor and texture.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
The nutrition values below are approximate and will vary depending on portion sizes and specific ingredients used.
| Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350-400 kcal |
| Protein | 18-22g |
| Carbohydrates | 35-40g |
| Fat | 15-18g |
| Saturated Fat | 2-3g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sugar | 10-12g |
| Sodium | 700-800mg |
Tips to Adjust Nutrition:
- To reduce calories, opt for baking the chicken instead of frying.
- Use whole-wheat flour for the bao buns to add fiber.
- Adjust the sugar and honey in the sauce for a lower-sugar option.
Tips for Perfect Korean Chicken Bao
- Fluffy Bao Buns: Ensure your dough rises well by keeping it in a warm, draft-free environment.
- Crispy Chicken: Double-fry the chicken to achieve maximum crispiness.
- Balanced Sauce: Taste the sauce before coating the chicken, and adjust the sweetness or spiciness to your preference.
- Prep in Advance: You can prepare the bao dough and fried chicken ahead of time. Steam the bao and toss the chicken in sauce just before serving.
Why Make Korean Chicken Bao at Home?
- Freshness: Homemade bao and chicken taste fresher and are free from preservatives.
- Customization: You can tweak the recipe to suit dietary preferences (e.g., gluten-free, low-sodium).
- Fun Activity: Making bao buns and frying chicken is a rewarding activity to share with family or friends.
Making Korean Chicken Bao at home is a rewarding culinary adventure that combines the best of Asian fusion cuisine. While it takes some time and effort, the result is a deliciously satisfying dish that will impress anyone at the dining table. With its combination of fluffy bao buns, crispy Korean fried chicken, and flavorful toppings, this dish is perfect for special occasions or indulgent meals. Enjoy the process of creating these baos, and savor the fusion of flavors and textures in every bite!