Name: Korean Chicken Bao
Prep time: 90 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 240 min
Ingredients: 450 g plain (all-purpose) flour; 2 tbsp caster sugar; 0.5 tsp salt; 2 tsp instant dried yeast (equivalent to one packet or 7g); 3 tbsp whole milk; 210 ml warm water ((3/4 cup + 2 tbsp)); 3 tbsp unsalted butter (very soft); 1 tbsp olive oil; 4 pieces chicken breasts (sliced into bite-size chunks); 240 ml buttermilk ((1 cup)); 0.5 tsp salt; 0.25 tsp white pepper; 0.25 tsp garlic salt; 180 g plain (all-purpose) flour ((1 1/2 cups)); 1 tsp salt; 1 tsp ground black pepper; 0.5 tsp garlic salt; 0.5 tsp celery salt; 1 tsp dried thyme; 1 tsp paprika; 1 tsp baking powder; 1 tsp chilli flakes; 1 litre vegetable oil (for deep frying); 2 tbsp gochujang paste; 2 tbsp honey; 4 tbsp brown sugar; 4 tbsp soy sauce; 2 cloves garlic (peeled and minced); 2 tsp minced ginger; 1 tbsp vegetable oil

Introduction to Korean Chicken Bao

The allure of homemade Korean Chicken Bao

Have you ever bitten into a fluffy bao bun and felt like you were transported to a bustling street market in Seoul? That’s the magic of Korean Chicken Bao! These little pillows of goodness, steamed to perfection, are filled with crispy, flavorful chicken that embodies the heart of Korean cuisine. Making them at home not only allows you to impress your friends at gatherings but also gives you the freedom to tailor each bao to your taste.

The shining star of this recipe is, of course, the Korean chicken. Marinated in buttermilk for extra tenderness and then tossed in a brilliant blend of spices before frying, the chicken offers a wonderful contrast to the delicate bao. If you're curious about the delightful flair of Korean cuisine, exploring gochujang, a staple fermented chili paste, will elevate your culinary game to new heights.

Whether you’re hosting a party or just treating yourself to a delightful meal, these steamed bao filled with crispy chicken will surely steal the show. So gather your ingredients and join in on this flavor-packed adventure that’s both rewarding and satisfying to make at home. For more insights on cooking techniques, check out this look into bao buns for a deep dive into mastering this traditional dish!

Ingredients for Korean Chicken Bao

When preparing your delicious Korean Chicken Bao, it's essential to have all the right ingredients on hand. Let's break them down into key categories!

Essential ingredients for the bao buns

For those fluffy bao buns that cradle your crispy chicken, you'll need:

450 g (3 ¾ cups) plain flour
2 tablespoon caster sugar
½ teaspoon salt
2 teaspoon instant dried yeast
3 tablespoon whole milk
210 ml warm water
3 tablespoon unsalted butter, very soft
1 tablespoon olive oil

These ingredients create a delightful, soft texture that perfectly complements the filling.

Chicken marinade ingredients

The key to mouth-watering chicken is in the marinade! You’ll need:

4 chicken breasts, sliced into bite-size chunks
240 ml (1 cup) buttermilk
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon white pepper
¼ teaspoon garlic salt

Marinating the chicken adds moisture and flavor, making each bite a delight.

Crispy coating essentials

To achieve that irresistible crunch, gather:

180 g (1 ½ cups) plain flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
½ teaspoon garlic salt
½ teaspoon celery salt
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon chilli flakes
Vegetable oil for deep frying

This coating will give your chicken that extra crunch to balance the softness of the bao.

Korean sauce ingredients

A delicious sauce can elevate your dish to new heights! You'll need:

2 tablespoon gochujang paste
2 tablespoon honey
4 tablespoon brown sugar
4 tablespoon soy sauce
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoon minced ginger
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 tablespoon sesame oil

This harmonious blend of flavors brings that authentic Korean Chicken Bao taste right to your kitchen.

With these ingredients prepped and ready, you're well on your way to making a savory feast that will impress family and friends alike!

Preparing Korean Chicken Bao

Making Korean Chicken Bao at home may seem daunting, but it’s actually a fun and rewarding cooking adventure! Follow these simple steps for a delicious dish that’s sure to impress your family and friends.

Make the bao dough

The foundation of your bao is the soft, fluffy dough that makes every bite heavenly. Start by mixing 450 g (about 3¾ cups) of plain flour, 2 tablespoons of caster sugar, ½ teaspoon of salt, and 2 teaspoons of instant dried yeast in a large bowl. In another container, combine 3 tablespoons of whole milk, 210 ml (¾ cup + 2 tablespoons) of warm water, and 3 tablespoons of very soft unsalted butter until the butter melts. Stir the liquid into the dry ingredients, first with a spoon and then with your hands. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until smooth. Let it rest in an oiled bowl, covered with a damp tea towel, for about 1.5 to 2 hours or until doubled in size.

Marinate the chicken

While the dough is proving, it’s time to marinate the chicken. Cut 4 chicken breasts into bite-sized chunks and toss them in a bowl with 240 ml (1 cup) of buttermilk, ½ teaspoon of salt, ¼ teaspoon of white pepper, and ¼ teaspoon of garlic salt. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This step is crucial; the buttermilk tenderizes the meat and adds incredible flavor.

Prepare and fry the chicken

Once your chicken has marinated, it’s time to prepare the crispy coating! In a separate bowl, whisk together 180 g (1½ cups) of plain flour, salt, ground black pepper, garlic salt, celery salt, dried thyme, paprika, baking powder, and chili flakes. Heat up at least 1 litre (4 cups) of vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat. Take your chicken pieces from the marinade, letting the excess drip off. Dredge them in the flour mixture until fully coated. When the oil is hot, fry the chicken in batches for 3-5 minutes until they are golden brown. Drain on paper towels and keep warm in a low oven.

Shape and steam the bao buns

When the dough has risen, pop it onto a floured surface and knead it again briefly. Divide it into 20 equal pieces and shape each into an oval about 6 cm x 9 cm. Brush the ovals with olive oil and fold each over using a chopstick in the middle to create a slight "pocket." Place them on small squares of parchment paper and let them rest for an additional hour before steaming.

Set up a steamer and steam the bao for 10 minutes or until fluffy. Trust me, the aroma that fills your kitchen will be irresistible!

Make the Korean sauce

Next, it’s time to create that mouthwatering sauce that ties everything together. In a saucepan, mix together 2 tablespoons of gochujang paste, 2 tablespoons of honey, 4 tablespoons of brown sugar, 4 tablespoons of soy sauce, minced garlic, ginger, vegetable oil, and sesame oil. Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer for about 5 minutes until it thickens slightly.

Assemble the bao

Now comes the fun part— assembling your Korean Chicken Bao! Take each steamed bun and carefully open it. Fill it with the crispy chicken and drizzle the savory sauce over the top. Garnish with thin slices of red onion, chopped cucumber, fresh coriander, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.

So, gather your friends around and share this delicious creation! Your Korean Chicken Bao will not only be a feast for the eyes but a treat for the taste buds. Enjoy!

Variations on Korean Chicken Bao

Alternative fillings for bao buns

While the star of this dish is undoubtedly the Korean Chicken, don't shy away from experimenting with other delicious fillings! Try:

Spicy tofu: Marinated and pan-fried for a vegetarian twist.
Beef bulgogi: Sweet and savory beef marinated in a tantalizing Korean sauce.
Kimchi: A zesty, fermented kick that pairs wonderfully with your bao buns.

Healthier tweaks to the original recipe

Want to lighten things up? Here are some simple modifications:

Baked instead of fried: Swap deep frying for baking the chicken for a healthier alternative.
Whole wheat flour: Use whole wheat flour in your bao buns for added fiber.
Reduce sugar: Cut back on the brown sugar in your sauce, or use natural sweeteners like monk fruit or agave syrup.

By mixing it up, you can keep Korean Chicken Bao exciting while still satisfying your taste buds! Want to learn more about these flavor combinations? Check out this article on food substitutions for inspiration.

Cooking Tips and Notes for Korean Chicken Bao

Creating the perfect Korean Chicken Bao is all about getting the details right. Here are some tips to ensure your baos are soft and your chicken is crispy:

Steaming the Buns: When steaming, ensure there's enough space between each bun. This allows them to expand without sticking together. Using parchment paper underneath makes handling easy and prevents them from sticking to the steamer.
Marinating the Chicken: Don't rush the marination process! Letting the chicken sit in buttermilk for at least an hour will tenderize it, enhancing its flavor.
Crispy Coating: Double-dip the chicken pieces in the coating for an extra crunchy texture. This is especially effective if you allow the first layer to set for a few minutes before adding the second.

These simple yet effective tips will turn your Korean Chicken Bao into a delicious crowd-pleaser! For more flavor inspiration, check out Gochujang recipes or explore the versatility of different cooking oils.

Serving suggestions for Korean Chicken Bao

Creative plating ideas

When serving your Korean Chicken Bao, consider a beautiful platter to catch your guests' eyes. First, arrange the fluffy bao buns so they’re easily reachable. You might stack them in a staggered pattern to create height, or line them up neatly like polished flowers. Add vibrant garnishes like thinly sliced cucumbers and sprigs of fresh coriander around the edges. For a modern twist, use wooden boards or slate tiles, which can add an earthy feel to your spread. Drizzle extra Korean sauce around the plate for a splash of color and flavor!

Pairing with side dishes

To elevate your Korean Chicken Bao experience, think about sides that complement their bold flavors. Here are some tasty options:

Asian Slaw: A refreshing mix of cabbage, carrots, and a tangy sesame dressing.
Kimchi: Spicy fermented vegetables for a delightful crunch.
Scallion Pancakes: Crispy yet soft, these add a deliciously savory element.
Spicy Pickled Cucumbers: A great way to cut through the richness of the chicken.

Pairing these sides can create a well-rounded meal, ensuring your gathering is memorable!

Time breakdown for Korean Chicken Bao

Preparation time

The preparation for these delightful Korean Chicken Bao takes about 1 hour. This includes making the dough for the bao and marinating the chicken, ensuring those flavors really meld together.

Cooking time

Once you're ready to cook, the total cooking time is approximately 30 minutes. This includes frying the chicken and steaming the bao buns, all while keeping everything warm and fresh!

Total time

In total, you're looking at approximately 4 hours to get this fantastic dish served up! Factor in the proving time (about 2 hours 30 minutes) for the bao, and you'll have an impressive meal ready for your friends or family to enjoy.

For more tips on timing and techniques, check out Nicky Corbishley's original recipe!

Nutritional Facts for Korean Chicken Bao

Calories

A serving of Korean Chicken Bao packs approximately 250 calories. This makes it a delightful option for a satisfying snack or appetizer without the guilt.

Protein

Each bao is a good source of protein, containing around 12 grams. This is primarily thanks to the chicken, which not only helps in muscle repair but also keeps you feeling full longer.

Carbohydrates

With about 30 grams of carbohydrates per bao, these fluffy buns are sure to give you a quick boost of energy. The balance of carbs and protein makes them an excellent choice for a pre- or post-workout snack.

Korean cuisine is celebrated for its vibrant flavors and textures, so you can enjoy these delightful buns without sacrificing your nutritional goals. If you're curious about how other traditional dishes stack up nutritionally, check out this guide on Korean food.

FAQs about Korean Chicken Bao

Can I make bao dough in advance?

Absolutely! You can prepare the bao dough up to a day ahead. After kneading, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you're ready to use it, let it come to room temperature and prove again before shaping your bao. This makes hosting much easier since the dough can be ready to go!

Is it possible to bake instead of steam the bao?

While steaming is the traditional method for cooking Korean Chicken Bao, you can bake them for a different texture. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the bao for about 12-15 minutes. Keep in mind that the texture will be denser compared to steamed bao, but they’ll still taste delicious.

What are some common mistakes to avoid when making bao?

Overworking the dough: Knead until smooth but don’t stress it too much—this helps maintain its fluffy texture.
Not letting the dough rise: Make sure to give the dough plenty of time to prove; insufficient proofing can lead to flat buns.
Ignoring water levels: Use warm water (not boiling!) for optimal yeast activation. Always check your ingredients for precise measurements.

If you're keen to explore more about the bao making process, check out this detailed guide for expert tips!

Conclusion on Korean Chicken Bao

In wrapping up your culinary adventure with Korean Chicken Bao, you'll find these delightful bites are not just delicious but also a hit for gatherings. Serve them warm, stuffed with crispy chicken and vibrant toppings to impress your guests. Try pairing them with traditional sides like pickled radishes or kimchi for an authentic experience!