Korean Chicken Bao Buns

Did you know that Korean cuisine is one of the fastest-growing culinary trends in the U.S., with a 50% increase in popularity over the past few years? Among this rise, Korean Chicken Bao Buns stand out as a standout fusion dish that perfectly marries tradition with innovation. The soft bao serves as an ideal vessel for the crispy fried chicken, but there’s more to this dish than its flavor profile. You might be surprised to uncover how the ingredients reflect cultural influences and modern culinary techniques that have shaped our dining experiences today.

Key Takeaways

• Korean Chicken Bao Buns are soft, steamed buns filled with crispy fried chicken and a spicy-sweet Korean sauce.

• The bao dough is made from plain flour, sugar, salt, instant yeast, and warm water, requiring a two-hour rise time.

• Marinate chicken breasts in buttermilk, then coat with a seasoned flour mixture, ensuring a crispy texture when deep fried.

• The Korean sauce combines gochujang, honey, brown sugar, soy sauce, and garlic for a flavorful topping.

• Toppings like sliced red onion, cabbage, coriander, and sesame seeds add fresh textures and flavors to the dish.

History

Bao buns have a fascinating history that traces back to Northern China during the Three Kingdoms period in the 3rd century. These buns, originally fist-sized balls, were made with ingredients like flour, yeast, and sugar, combining them to form a soft, sweet dough ball filled with meat. Historical evidence of bao can even be traced as far back as 400 BC.

Over time, bao buns adapted to various regions across Asia:

• Hong Kong: Used rice flour with sweet barbeque pork fillings.

• Taiwan: Developed larger buns filled with crab, beef, or sweet potato.

• Shanghai: Innovated the soup dumpling with gelatine fillings.

As bao buns gained popularity in the United States, they welcomed a variety of fillings, tailoring to local tastes. The versatility and ease of preparation made bao a beloved street food. Furthermore, the method of steaming is now widely recognized as essential for cooking bao buns, ensuring they remain fluffy and tender.

This evolution illustrates how the bao has transcended its origins, adapting to cultural preferences while retaining its core identity.

The journey of bao buns reflects a rich tapestry of culinary history, paving the way for modern fusions like the Korean chicken bao buns you might enjoy today.

Recipe

Korean Chicken Bao Buns are a delightful fusion of soft, pillowy buns filled with crispy, flavorful chicken and drizzled in a spicy-sweet Korean sauce. This dish brings together the best of both worlds—comfort food meets bold Asian flavors. Whether you’re planning a cozy family dinner or a fun gathering with friends, these bao buns are sure to impress with their vibrant colors and irresistible taste.

To create these delicious buns, the process involves making the bao dough from scratch, marinating the chicken to guarantee tenderness and flavor, and crafting a rich Korean sauce that ties everything together. The result is a mouthwatering treat that balances textures and flavors, offering a unique experience with each bite. Cooking techniques are essential to ensure the chicken turns out crispy and the buns remain soft. Let’s get started with the ingredients that will help you create this savory delight!

Ingredients

• Bao Buns:
• 450 g plain flour
• 2 tbsp caster sugar
• ½ tsp salt
• 2 tsp instant yeast
• 3 tbsp whole milk

• 210 ml warm water

• Chicken and Marinade:

• 4 chicken breasts sliced into chunks
• 240 ml buttermilk
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp white pepper

• ¼ tsp garlic salt/powder

• Crispy Coating:

• 180 g plain flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp garlic salt/powder

• 1 tsp paprika

• Korean Sauce:

• 2 tbsp gochujang paste
• 2 tbsp honey
• 4 tbsp brown sugar
• 4 tbsp soy sauce

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• Additional Toppings:

• Thinly sliced red onion
• Sliced red and green cabbage
• Fresh coriander leaves
• Sesame seeds
• Sriracha (optional)

To prepare the bao buns, start by combining warm water, sugar, and the instant yeast in a bowl. Let this mixture bloom for 10 minutes, then mix the flour and salt in a stand mixer, followed by the yeast mixture and warm milk. Knead on medium speed for about 10 minutes until the dough is smooth.

Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover with cling film, and let it prove for 2 hours or until it’s doubled in size. Once the dough has risen, divide it into 20 pieces, rolling each into a ball and then flattening them into ovals measuring 6cm x 9cm.

For the chicken, marinate the chunks in buttermilk, salt, white pepper, and garlic salt/powder for an hour. Meanwhile, prepare the crispy coating by mixing the plain flour, salt, black pepper, garlic salt/powder, and paprika. After marinating, coat the chicken in the crispy mixture and deep fry until golden brown and crispy.

For the Korean sauce, combine gochujang, honey, brown sugar, soy sauce, minced garlic, and ginger in a pan, simmering until thickened.

For extra tips when cooking this dish, be sure to keep the steamed bao buns warm and covered as you fry the chicken to maintain their softness. You can also serve extra Korean sauce on the side, allowing guests to customize their bao buns with additional sauce or sriracha for an extra kick.

Don’t hesitate to investigate different vegetable toppings, as they not only add color but also improve the crunchy texture of the finished dish. Enjoy your cooking adventure!

Final Thoughts

Indulging in Korean Chicken Bao Buns offers not just a meal, but a delightful culinary experience that bridges traditions and flavors. This dish showcases the evolution of Korean fried chicken, which has deep historical roots linked to the Korean War and cultural exchanges that followed. The U.S. military presence introduced fried chicken to Korea, highlighting how food adapts and evolves through context. The popularity of bao buns, which originated in Northern China, also emphasizes the dish’s cultural significance.

Korean Chicken Bao Buns represent:

• Cultural Significance: They connect Korean traditions with modern culinary practices.

• Culinary Innovation: Incorporating Korean fried chicken into bao illustrates the blend of global influences.

• Community Ties: They serve as a unifying dish for Korean Americans, fostering identity and connection.

• International Appeal: The popularity of this dish contributes to the growing recognition of Korean cuisine worldwide.

As you savor each bite, you experience not only the unique flavors but also the rich cultural narratives behind them.

The adaptation of traditional elements into a contemporary format makes Korean Chicken Bao Buns a true reflection of the resilience and innovative spirit of Korean culinary traditions.

Welcome this fusion dish, and appreciate the journey it represents on your plate.

FAQ

As you investigate the delightful world of Korean Chicken Bao Buns, you might’ve some questions about making or serving this fusion dish. Here are some frequently asked questions to guide you:

What ingredients do I need?

• For Bao Buns: All-purpose flour, instant dried yeast, caster sugar, salt, warm water, and whole milk.

• For Korean Fried Chicken: Chicken breast, buttermilk, various seasonings, flour, cornflour, gochujang, and vegetable oil.

How do I prepare the dough?

• Allow the dough to rise for about an hour, then shape it and let it rise again for 30 minutes. Kneading the dough is crucial for achieving the right bun texture.

What’s the best steaming method?

• Use a steamer basket over boiling water or microwave with water at intervals.

• Make sure not to overcrowd the steamer to maintain bun texture.

Can I make these in advance?

• Yes, you can prepare vegetables a day ahead, but it’s ideal to cook the chicken and buns fresh.

What can I serve with them?

• Consider sliced cabbage, onion, chili mayonnaise, and fresh coriander for added flavor.

Enjoy your culinary adventure!