Korean Chicken Bao Buns
Looking for a dish that combines the soft fluffiness of Chinese bao with the bold, spicy flair of Korean fried chicken? Meet Korean Chicken Bao Buns — the viral street-food sensation that’s made its way from night markets to home kitchens across the globe.
These pillowy buns packed with crispy gochujang-glazed chicken are more than just a trendy bite. They’re a cross-cultural fusion that blends tradition, creativity, and full-on flavor.
🍜 A Fusion of Flavors: Chinese Street Food Meets Korean Spice
Bao buns, also known as gua bao, have roots in Taiwanese and Chinese cuisine. Traditionally filled with pork belly, the steamed bun has evolved to accommodate a wide range of fillings — and Korean chicken is one of the most exciting new additions.
The key twist? Instead of fatty pork, the bun wraps around crispy Korean fried chicken, known for its double-fried crunch and addictive spicy glaze. If you’re curious about how Korean-style frying achieves its legendary texture, check out this food science breakdown on Serious Eats.
The bold, punchy flavors of Korean cuisine are a natural match for bao buns. Gochujang, soy, sesame oil, and garlic come together in a rich marinade that infuses the chicken with deep, savory heat. For an authentic approach to Asian home cooking, The Woks of Life offers excellent step-by-step techniques to master both bao and Korean marinades.
🛒 Key Ingredients: What You’ll Need
To make Korean Chicken Bao Buns at home, you’ll need ingredients from both Korean and Chinese pantries. Here’s what to gather:
For the Chicken:
- Boneless chicken thighs (juicier than breasts)
- Cornstarch and flour for crisping
- Gochujang (Korean red chili paste)
- Soy sauce, garlic, ginger, sesame oil
- Brown sugar or honey
For the Bao Buns:
- All-purpose flour
- Instant yeast
- Milk and sugar
- Neutral oil
Alternatively, you can buy pre-made bao buns at Asian markets or online.
Toppings & Extras:
- Pickled daikon or cucumber
- Kimchi slaw
- Fresh herbs (cilantro, scallions)
- Gochujang mayo or sesame aioli
👩🍳 How to Make Korean Chicken Bao Buns at Home
Here’s a step-by-step guide to bring this street food to your kitchen:
- Make the dough (or defrost store-bought buns)
Let it rise until doubled, then steam each bun until fluffy. - Marinate the chicken
Use a blend of gochujang, garlic, soy sauce, and sesame oil for 30 minutes or more. - Double-fry for crispiness
Dredge in cornstarch and fry twice — the key to that Korean crunch. - Prepare toppings
Quick-pickle some radish or cucumber with vinegar, sugar, and salt. - Assemble
Slice open buns, stuff with chicken, top with pickles, herbs, and drizzle with spicy mayo.
🔥 Flavor Profile & Texture
The beauty of these buns lies in their layered experience:
- Soft, steamed bun as the base
- Juicy, spicy chicken with a crispy exterior
- Tangy, crunchy pickles for contrast
- Creamy, umami-rich sauces
It’s a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, sour, and savory — all in one satisfying bite.
🥗 Nutritional Info & Variations
General Nutritional Facts (per bao):
- ~300–400 calories
- High in protein
- Can be high in sodium and sugar (due to sauces)
Variations:
- Air-fried chicken for a lighter option
- Vegan swap: tofu or tempeh glazed with gochujang
- Gluten-free bao using rice flour or gluten-free flour blends
Craving something hearty and comforting? This Cheesy Hot Beef Sandwich is loaded with flavor and melty goodness.
🛍️ Where to Find Korean Chicken Bao Buns
Craving Korean Chicken Bao Buns but not in the mood to cook? You’re in luck — these fusion delights have gained popularity worldwide and are easier to find than ever. Whether you prefer dining out, ordering in, or picking up a frozen version for home, there are plenty of convenient ways to enjoy them.
🍽️ Restaurants & Food Trucks
- Korean Fusion Restaurants: Many modern Korean or Asian fusion spots feature bao buns on the menu, especially in food-forward cities like Los Angeles, New York, Toronto, London, and Seoul.
- Street Food Markets: Pop-up vendors and food trucks often serve bao buns as a trending snack, especially at night markets or food festivals.
- Asian Gastropubs: These locations frequently offer bao buns as appetizers or shared plates alongside craft cocktails and Korean BBQ.
🧊 Grocery Stores & Online Retailers
- Trader Joe’s & Whole Foods: Look in the frozen Asian section for bao buns (though fillings may vary).
- Costco: Some stores stock frozen bao with chicken or pork — keep an eye out for seasonal rotations.
- H Mart, 99 Ranch, or Lotte Market: These Asian supermarkets often carry ready-made buns, Korean-style fried chicken, and all the ingredients to build your own.
🛒 Online Specialty Shops
- Weee!, Goldbelly, and Umamicart offer nationwide delivery for bao buns and authentic Korean sauces.
Whether you’re grabbing takeout or stocking your freezer, Korean Chicken Bao Buns are just a few clicks or a short trip away!
🥢 What to Serve with Korean Chicken Bao Buns
Korean Chicken Bao Buns are flavorful and satisfying on their own, but pairing them with the right sides and drinks can elevate your meal into a full, unforgettable feast. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, prepping a fun weeknight dinner, or serving up an appetizer platter, here are perfect companions to round out the dish.
🥗 Side Dishes
- Pickled Vegetables: Tangy pickled daikon, cucumber, or carrots provide crunch and balance the richness of the fried chicken.
- Kimchi Slaw: A spicy, fermented twist on classic coleslaw adds both flavor and gut-friendly probiotics.
- Seaweed Salad: Light and refreshing, it’s an excellent textural and temperature contrast to the warm bao.
- Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy, oven-baked or air-fried, and served with gochujang ketchup or sriracha mayo.
🍹 Drinks & Beverages
- Soju Cocktails: Light, slightly sweet Korean spirits mix well with citrus or sparkling water.
- Makgeolli (Korean Rice Wine): Slightly tangy and lightly carbonated, this traditional drink pairs well with spicy foods.
- Iced Green Tea or Jasmine Tea: Refreshing and non-alcoholic, these help cleanse the palate.
- Korean Beer (Cass, Hite): Light and crisp, perfect for cooling down the heat from the gochujang.
🍶 Dipping Sauces
- Gochujang Mayo: Creamy and spicy with a tangy kick.
- Soy-Garlic Sauce: Salty-sweet and packed with umami.
- Sesame Lime Aioli: A nutty, citrusy blend that adds depth to each bite.
These pairings bring out the best in your bao, making every bite even more delicious and dynamic.
🎉 Hosting with Korean Chicken Bao Buns
These buns are perfect for:
- Party appetizers
- Game day snacks
- Potlucks and family dinners
Want to impress? Serve them DIY style, letting guests build their own with assorted toppings.
🧊 Storage and Reheating Tips
To keep your Korean Chicken Bao Buns tasting fresh and delicious, proper storage and reheating are essential — especially if you’re making them in batches or prepping ahead for meals or parties.
🧊 How to Store Korean Chicken Bao Buns:
- Separate components: For best results, store the steamed buns, fried chicken, and toppings separately. This prevents sogginess and helps maintain texture.
- Buns: Wrap each bao individually in plastic wrap or parchment paper and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 2 months.
- Chicken: Let it cool completely before storing in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 1 month.
- Pickled toppings and sauces: These typically last 5–7 days in the refrigerator.
🔥 How to Reheat Korean Chicken Bao Buns:
- Buns:
- Microwave: Wrap in a damp paper towel and microwave for 20–30 seconds.
- Steamer: Steam for 3–5 minutes until soft and warm — this gives the best texture.
- Chicken:
- Oven or air fryer: Reheat at 375°F (190°C) for 5–8 minutes until crispy.
- Avoid microwaving, as it can make the coating soggy.
- Assemble fresh: Once everything is warm, reassemble your bao buns with fresh herbs and drizzle with sauce right before serving for the ultimate bite.
With these tips, your bao buns will taste just as good the second time around — maybe even better!
📱 Trend Alert: Social Media’s Bao Obsession
Korean Chicken Bao Buns are TikTok and Instagram favorites:
- “ASMR crunch” videos of Korean chicken
- Colorful bao assembly reels
- Fusion experiments (e.g., kimchi mac and cheese bao)
Hashtags like #BaoBuns, #KoreanStreetFood, and #FusionFood are racking up millions of views.
❓ FAQs About Korean Chicken Bao Buns
What are Korean chicken bao buns made of?
Steamed buns filled with crispy Korean fried chicken, topped with pickled veggies and sauces like gochujang mayo.
Are bao buns Korean or Chinese?
Bao buns originate from Chinese cuisine. The Korean twist comes from the filling — Korean fried chicken.
Can I make bao buns without a steamer?
Yes! Use a metal sieve or colander over boiling water, covered with a lid.
What sauces go best with Korean chicken?
Try:
- Gochujang mayo
- Honey soy glaze
- Spicy sesame dressing
How do I reheat bao buns?
Use steam for best results. Microwave with a damp paper towel in short bursts to avoid sogginess.
✅ Final Thoughts
Korean Chicken Bao Buns are the perfect blend of comfort food and culinary adventure. With their pillowy soft buns, crispy Korean fried chicken, and layers of bold flavor from spicy gochujang sauces to tangy pickled toppings, they offer an unforgettable bite that’s both satisfying and exciting. Whether you’re cooking from scratch or looking for inspiration for your next dinner party, these fusion-style buns bring something unique to the table.
What makes them truly special is their versatility — from being a street food favorite to a gourmet appetizer or even a fun weeknight dinner. You can customize the fillings, play with the spice levels, or even try vegetarian and gluten-free variations to suit your taste. Paired with the right sides and sauces, Korean Chicken Bao Buns easily become a showstopper on any menu.
Thanks to their popularity on social media and food blogs, these buns are no longer just a restaurant dish — you can now enjoy them at home with simple ingredients and a bit of creativity. So next time you’re craving something sweet, spicy, and utterly crave-worthy, give Korean Chicken Bao Buns a try — your taste buds will thank you.
