Crispy Chicken Bao Buns Recipe
These Crispy Chicken Bao Buns are a delicious fusion of tender marinated chicken coated in a light, crispy batter, served inside soft, fluffy bao buns with fresh coleslaw, cucumber, spring onion, hoisin sauce, and Japanese mayo. Cooked by shallow frying the chicken and steaming the buns, this recipe brings together Asian-inspired flavors and textures for a quick and satisfying meal perfect for lunch or dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (8 bao buns)
- Category: Lunch
- Method: Frying and Steaming
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 500g chicken breast, sliced into 1 cm pieces
- 2 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp ginger powder
- 1 tsp 5 spice powder
- 1 egg
- ¼ cup cornflour
- ¼ cup oil for frying
Bao Buns and Toppings
- 8 bao buns
- 4 Tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 bag ready-made coleslaw
- ½ cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1 spring onion, sliced
- 2 Tbsp Japanese mayo
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Slice the chicken breast into 1 cm pieces and place them in a bowl. Add the soy sauce, garlic powder, ginger powder, and 5 spice powder. Stir well to combine all the flavors and coat the chicken evenly.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the egg and cornflour to the seasoned chicken pieces and mix thoroughly to create a light batter. Cover the bowl and let the chicken marinate in the fridge for 20 minutes to absorb the flavors and thicken the coating.
- Fry the Chicken: Heat the oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Shallow fry the chicken pieces, cooking each side until they become crispy and golden brown, and the chicken is fully cooked through. This should take about 4-5 minutes per side depending on thickness.
- Steam the Bao Buns: While the chicken is frying, prepare a bamboo steamer and steam the bao buns until soft and warm, usually for about 5-7 minutes. Alternatively, you can heat them according to package instructions.
- Assemble the Bao Buns: Open each steamed bao bun and spread a small amount of hoisin sauce inside. Fill with the crispy chicken pieces, then top with ready-made coleslaw, thinly sliced cucumber, spring onion, and a drizzle of Japanese mayo. Serve immediately for best taste and texture.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken helps tenderize it and enhances flavor; do not skip this step.
- Be careful not to overcrowd the pan while frying to maintain crispiness.
- Bao buns can be purchased pre-made from Asian grocery stores or frozen sections.
- For extra heat, add a dash of sriracha or chili sauce inside the buns.
- Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days but is best enjoyed fresh.
Find it online: https://marthatasty.com/crispy-chicken-bao-buns-recipe/
