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Spicy Korean chicken buns with glossy gochujang glaze in steamed bao

Spicy Korean Chicken Buns Recipe


  • Author: Velma
  • Total Time: PT45M
  • Yield: 8 buns 1x

Description

These Spicy Korean Chicken Buns are a flavor explosion — tender chicken glazed in gochujang sauce, tucked into soft buns, and topped with crunchy sesame slaw. Sweet, spicy, and savory in every bite, they’re perfect for game day, lunch, or an Asian-inspired dinner night.


Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts), diced
  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the Korean Sauce:

  • 3 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp honey or brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tsp grated ginger

For the Slaw:

  • 2 cups shredded cabbage
  • 1 carrot, julienned
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced
  • 2 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tbsp mayonnaise (optional)
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • Salt, to taste

To Assemble:

  • 8 steamed bao buns or slider buns
  • Sesame seeds and chopped cilantro for garnish

Instructions

  • Prepare the slaw:
    • In a medium bowl, combine cabbage, carrot, and green onions. Add rice vinegar, sesame oil, and mayo (if using). Toss and refrigerate until ready to serve.
  • Cook the chicken:
    • Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
    • Add chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden and cooked through (6–8 minutes).
  • Make the sauce:
    • In a small bowl, whisk together gochujang, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger.
    • Pour over the chicken and stir well. Cook 2–3 minutes until thickened and glossy.
  • Assemble the buns:
    • Warm your bao buns or slider buns.
    • Add a spoonful of spicy chicken to each, top with slaw, and sprinkle sesame seeds and cilantro.
  • Serve immediately:
    • Enjoy warm with extra sauce or a side of pickled cucumbers.
  • Prep Time: PT20M
  • Cook Time: PT25M
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Pan-Fried
  • Cuisine: Korean Fusion

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 filled bun
  • Calories: 290kcal
  • Sugar: 8g
  • Sodium: 720mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 27g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 20g
  • Cholesterol: 65mg