Korean Chicken Steamed Bao Buns

Name: Korean Chicken Steamed Bao Buns
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: Korean Fusion
Ingredients: 12 bao buns (store-bought or homemade); 1 1/2 lbs chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces; 3 tbsp soy sauce; 2 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste); 1 tbsp rice vinegar; 2 tbsp honey or brown sugar; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp ginger, grated; 1 tbsp sesame oil; 1 cup shredded carrots or cabbage; 1/2 cucumber, thinly sliced; 2 green onions, thinly sliced; Fresh cilantro, optional; 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds, for garnish

Korean Chicken Steamed Bao Buns are fluffy, pillowy buns filled with tender Korean-style chicken, crisp vegetables, and a drizzle of spicy-sweet sauce. These handheld bites bring together soft bao bread and bold flavors, making them a perfect party food, snack, or dinner idea that feels both comforting and exciting.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These bao buns are the ultimate mix of soft, savory, and spicy. The Korean-inspired chicken adds depth with its sweet, tangy, and slightly fiery flavor, while the bao buns provide a soft, melt-in-your-mouth contrast. They’re a fun, restaurant-style dish you can make at home that’s sure to impress family and friends.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Bao buns (store-bought or homemade)
Chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
Soy sauce
Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
Rice vinegar
Honey or brown sugar
Garlic, minced
Ginger, grated
Sesame oil
Shredded carrots or cabbage
Sliced cucumber
Green onions, thinly sliced
Fresh cilantro (optional)
Toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)

Directions

In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, gochujang, rice vinegar, honey, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil.
Marinate the chicken in the mixture for at least 30 minutes.
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat, cook the marinated chicken until fully cooked and caramelized.
Steam the bao buns according to package directions until soft and fluffy.
Fill each bun with chicken, then top with shredded carrots, cucumber, and green onions.
Garnish with cilantro and sesame seeds before serving.

Servings and timing

Serves 4–6 people (makes about 12 bao buns).
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Marinate Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Variations

Extra Spicy: Add more gochujang or a drizzle of sriracha.
Sweet & Tangy: Add pineapple chunks or pickled radish to the filling.
Vegetarian: Swap chicken with crispy tofu or mushrooms.
Fusion Twist: Add kimchi for extra crunch and heat.
Lighter Option: Use grilled chicken breast instead of pan-fried thighs.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat chicken in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave.
Bao buns are best enjoyed fresh, but you can steam leftovers briefly to soften them again.

FAQs

What are bao buns made of?

Bao buns are made with flour, yeast, sugar, milk, and oil, giving them their signature fluffy texture.

Can I buy bao buns instead of making them?

Yes, most Asian grocery stores or freezer sections carry ready-to-steam bao buns.

Do I need gochujang for this recipe?

Yes, gochujang gives the dish authentic Korean flavor, but you can substitute with sriracha for a different heat.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, cook the chicken ahead and reheat when ready to assemble. Steam the buns fresh before serving.

Can I freeze bao buns?

Yes, uncooked bao buns can be frozen and steamed straight from frozen.

What vegetables go best in bao buns?

Shredded carrots, cucumbers, cabbage, or pickled radish add crunch and freshness.

How spicy is this recipe?

It’s mildly spicy, but you can adjust the level by adding more or less gochujang.

Can I use lettuce instead of buns?

Yes, for a low-carb option, wrap the chicken and toppings in lettuce leaves.

What dipping sauce pairs well with bao buns?

Soy sauce, sesame sauce, or extra gochujang mixed with honey makes a great dip.

Conclusion

Korean Chicken Steamed Bao Buns are a deliciously fun way to enjoy bold flavors wrapped in fluffy bao bread. With spicy, sweet, and savory chicken paired with crunchy veggies, this dish is a versatile appetizer or main course that’s as enjoyable to eat as it is to make.

Korean Chicken Steamed Bao Buns

Korean Chicken Steamed Bao Buns

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ingredients

Directions

Servings and timing

Variations

Storage/Reheating