What type of flour is best for making soft and fluffy fried chicken buns?

For soft and fluffy fried chicken buns, all-purpose (plain) flour mixed with a small amount of cornstarch works well. All-purpose flour provides structure, while cornstarch lightens the texture, resulting in tender buns. For an even lighter, snow-white appearance similar to those in Asian restaurants, bleached flour from Asian markets can be used. Avoid using bread flour as it can make the buns dense.

How do I achieve a crispy coating on the fried chicken inside the buns?

To get a crispy coating, marinate the chicken pieces first to infuse flavor and moisture. Then, press flour firmly onto the marinated chicken to create a thick, craggy crust. Fry the chicken at the right oil temperature (around 350°F/175°C) so the coating quickly crisps without absorbing excess oil. Double frying—frying once, resting, then frying again—can enhance crispiness even more.

What is the best method to steam bao buns to avoid sogginess?

To steam bao buns properly, use a steamer basket over gently boiling water, making sure the water does not touch the buns. Space the buns well apart to allow expansion. Cover the steamer with a lid to trap steam and cook over low to medium heat for 10–12 minutes. Avoid lifting the lid during steaming to prevent temperature drops that cause sogginess.

Can leftover fried chicken buns be stored and reheated without losing texture?

Leftover buns freeze well when sealed in airtight bags for up to two months. To reheat, steam frozen buns for about 5 minutes until heated through, which keeps them soft. For the fried chicken, reheat separately in a hot oven or air fryer to help restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving chicken inside buns as it can make the coating soggy.

What chicken cut is recommended for the best texture in fried chicken buns?

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are ideal for fried chicken buns due to their tenderness and juiciness. They hold up well to frying without drying out. Chicken breasts can be used for a leaner option but require careful cooking to prevent toughness. Cut pieces to a size that fits comfortably inside the buns for easy eating.

Fried Chicken Buns Recipe With Crispy Spicy Korean Flavors

Name: Fried Chicken Buns
Prep time: 3 h
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 3 h 30 min
Cuisine: Korean
Ingredients: – 300 g all-purpose or bleached flour; – 125 g cornstarch; – 60 g superfine sugar; – 3.5 g baking powder; – 12 g instant yeast; – 180 ml warm water; – 60 ml vegetable oil plus extra for shaping; – 700 g chicken breasts or thighs; – 0.5 teaspoon salt; – 0.5 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper; – 30 ml soy sauce; – 15 ml rice vinegar; – 1 egg white; – 300 g all-purpose flour; – Vegetable oil for shallow frying; – 125 ml gochujang (Korean chili paste); – 4 tablespoons soy sauce; – 80 g light brown sugar; – 3-4 tablespoons rice vinegar (adjust to taste); – 4 teaspoons finely chopped garlic (adjust to taste); – Thinly sliced cucumber; – Finely chopped spring onions or chives; – Sesame seeds for sprinkling

Ingredients

– 300 g all-purpose or bleached flour

– 125 g cornstarch

– 60 g superfine sugar

– 3.5 g baking powder

– 12 g instant yeast

– 180 ml warm water

– 60 ml vegetable oil plus extra for shaping

– 700 g chicken breasts or thighs

– 0.5 teaspoon salt

– 0.5 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper

– 30 ml soy sauce

– 15 ml rice vinegar

– 1 egg white

– 300 g all-purpose flour

– Vegetable oil for shallow frying

– 125 ml gochujang (Korean chili paste)

– 4 tablespoons soy sauce

– 80 g light brown sugar

– 3-4 tablespoons rice vinegar (adjust to taste)

– 4 teaspoons finely chopped garlic (adjust to taste)

– Thinly sliced cucumber

– Finely chopped spring onions or chives

– Sesame seeds for sprinkling

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Instructions

1-Making the Steamed Bao Buns: Combine the dry ingredients for the buns, then add warm water and vegetable oil. Mix into a sticky dough and knead until it’s soft and smooth, which takes about 10 minutes with a mixer or 5 minutes by hand. Let the dough rise in a warm spot for 60 to 90 minutes until it doubles in size, then roll it out to about 1 cm thickness, oil the surface, and cut 8 cm rounds.

2-Making the Steamed Bao Buns: Fold each round in half with a piece of baking paper inside, flatten gently with a rolling pin, and let it rise for another 30 minutes. Steam the buns over boiling water for 10 to 12 minutes until they become puffy and cooked through. This method gives them a great texture, especially if you use a steamer basket.

3-Preparing the Korean Fried Chicken: Cut the chicken into pieces that fit the buns or into 2 cm cubes. Marinate it with salt, pepper, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and egg white for at least 30 minutes to boost flavor. Coat the pieces thoroughly in flour, then heat vegetable oil to 165°C (325°F) and shallow fry in batches until golden. Drain the excess oil on paper towels for a crisp finish.

4-Creating the Spicy Sauce: Whisk together gochujang, soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and garlic in a skillet over medium-high heat. Simmer until it thickens into a syrupy mix, adjusting with water if it’s too strong. This sauce adds the perfect spicy touch.

5-Assembling Your Buns: Toss the fried chicken in some sauce, then split the steamed buns and spread reserved sauce inside. Add the chicken, sliced cucumber, and garnish with spring onions and sesame seeds. Serve warm for the best experience. For more healthy ideas, try this baked broccoli cheese balls recipe on our site.

Notes

🧂 Use instant yeast directly with dry ingredients for convenience.
🍚 Steam buns in a bamboo or metal basket over boiling water for best texture.
❄️ Freeze leftover buns for up to 2 months; re-steam before serving.
🥒 Add cucumbers for a refreshing crunch to balance spicy chicken.
🍗 Chicken thighs provide juicier meat, but breasts are a lean alternative.
⏳ Assemble buns just before serving to maintain bun softness and avoid sogginess.

Author: Brandi Oshea
Prep Time: 1 hour
Dough rising time: 2 hours
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Dish, Snack
Method: Steaming, Shallow Frying
Cuisine: Korean
Diet: Gluten-Free Option (with appropriate flour)

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bao bun