Irresistible Korean Chicken Bao Recipe for Flavor Lovers

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by deliciouscorner

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The moment you bite into a Korean Chicken Bao, you’re met with a symphony of flavors that dance across your palate. The tender chicken, marinated in a delightful mix of sweet and savory notes, enveloped by a soft, fluffy bao bun, is nothing short of culinary magic. Imagine the aroma wafting through your kitchen, drawing everyone in like moths to a flame. For more inspiration, check out this Creamy Chicken Marsala Pasta recipe.

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I remember the first time I made these dreamy little clouds of goodness for a family gathering. My cousin, who typically sticks to pizza and burgers, took one bite and declared it life-changing. That day became legendary in our family lore, as we all agreed that Korean Chicken Bao deserved a permanent spot on our dinner table.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • This Korean Chicken Bao is not only easy to prepare but also bursts with flavor in every bite
  • The visual appeal of the delicate bao paired with vibrant fillings makes it perfect for gatherings
  • Enjoy them as an appetizer or a main dish; they’re versatile enough for any occasion
  • Friends and family will rave about these delicious morsels!

Sharing this recipe has become my secret weapon at potlucks—everyone wants to know how I made such delightful bites!

Recipe preparation

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish: Lentil coconut curry.

  • Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs: Thighs are juicier than breasts and hold up well during cooking.
  • Fresh Ginger: Look for firm ginger; it adds warmth and zest to the marinade.
  • Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves pack more flavor than pre-minced options.
  • Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce keeps your dish flavorful without overwhelming saltiness. Flavorful cottage cheese wraps. For more inspiration, check out this Cheesy Beef Wraps recipe.
  • Brown Sugar: This adds sweetness that balances the savory elements beautifully.
  • Sesame Oil: A drizzle enhances the nutty flavor profile; don’t skip this!
  • Bao Buns: Store-bought saves time; look for soft, pillowy options for the best texture.
  • Sliced Green Onions: They add a fresh crunch and pop of color when serving.
  • Cabbage Slaw: Use pre-packaged slaw for convenience; it adds great texture and freshness.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Marinate the Chicken: Start by combining soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, ginger, and sesame oil in a bowl. Add chicken thighs to marinate for at least 30 minutes while you prep other ingredients.

Cook the Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the marinated chicken thighs for 5-7 minutes per side until they turn golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Chicken rice skillet

Prepare the Bao Buns: Steam or microwave bao buns according to package instructions until they are warm and fluffy. You want them soft enough to cradle all that delicious filling.

Assemble Your Bao: Layer each bun with pieces of chicken followed by cabbage slaw and green onions. Feel free to drizzle more sauce if you like extra flavor!

Savor Every Bite!: Serve warm and watch as everyone devours these heavenly bites! Encourage guests to customize their baos with extra toppings if desired.

Enjoy this delightful experience where flavors blend into one unforgettable meal!

You Must Know

  • Korean chicken bao is not just a dish; it’s an experience
  • These fluffy buns paired with savory chicken create a delightful flavor explosion
  • The textures and aromas make every bite memorable, perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a cozy night in

Perfecting the Cooking Process

To achieve perfect Korean chicken bao, marinate the chicken first, then steam the buns while cooking the chicken. This way, everything finishes at the same time, ensuring hot and delicious bites.

Serving and storing

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out the chicken for tofu or vegetables for a vegetarian version. Adding kimchi or pickled vegetables can also elevate flavors and add crunch.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover bao in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in a steamer to maintain their fluffy texture when enjoying again.

Chef's Helpful Tips

  • Use high-quality soy sauce for richer flavor in your marinade
  • Always ensure your buns are fully cooked before serving to avoid any doughy surprises!
  • Don’t skip the marinating step; it’s essential for tender, flavorful chicken

Sharing this recipe brings me back to my first dinner party. Friends raved about these bao, and I felt like a culinary rockstar!

FAQ

What is Korean chicken bao?

Korean chicken bao is a fluffy steamed bun filled with flavorful marinated chicken. Gochujang deviled eggs.

Can I make Korean chicken bao ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare both the filling and buns separately and assemble later.

What can I serve with Korean chicken bao?

Pair them with spicy dipping sauce or fresh cucumber salad for an amazing meal.

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Korean Chicken Bao


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  • Author: deleciouscorner
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 4 (2 baos per serving) 1x

Description

Korean Chicken Bao offers a delightful fusion of flavors in a soft, fluffy bun. Each bite is a perfect blend of tender, marinated chicken and fresh toppings, making it an ideal dish for gatherings or cozy dinners. Easy to prepare, these bao are sure to impress your guests and become a favorite on your dinner table.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 2 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 2 tsp sesame oil
  • 8 bao buns (store-bought)
  • 1 cup sliced green onions
  • 2 cups cabbage slaw

Instructions

  1. In a bowl, mix soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil. Add chicken thighs and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
  2. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook marinated chicken for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
  3. Steam or microwave buns according to package instructions until warm and fluffy.
  4. Fill each bun with pieces of chicken, topped with cabbage slaw and green onions. Add extra sauce if desired.
  5. Serve warm and enjoy!
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Main
  • Method: Cooking
  • Cuisine: Korean

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2 bao (200g)
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 10g
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Fat: 16g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 50g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 24g
  • Cholesterol: 90mg

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