Ingredients
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs (1.5 lbs)
- Pre-made frozen bao buns (12 count)
- Go Chu Jang (Korean chili paste) (3 tablespoons)
- Soy sauce (1 tablespoon)
- Honey or brown sugar (2 tablespoons)
- Rice vinegar (1 teaspoon)
- Minced garlic (2 cloves)
- Green onions, thinly sliced (1/4 cup)
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the Glaze and Chicken. In a bowl, whisk together the Go Chu Jang, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and minced garlic to create the Korean glaze. Cut the chicken thighs into 1-inch thick strips and lightly season with salt and pepper.
- Step 2: Cook the Chicken. Heat 1 tablespoon of cooking oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken strips and cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until fully cooked through and browned.
- Step 3: Glaze the Chicken. Reduce the heat to low. Pour the prepared Korean glaze over the cooked chicken in the skillet. Toss the chicken strips gently to ensure they are fully coated and allow the glaze to simmer for 1-2 minutes until it thickens slightly and adheres to the chicken.
- Step 4: Steam the Bao Buns. While the chicken is glazing, prepare the bao buns by steaming them according to the package directions (usually 8-10 minutes in a steamer basket over boiling water) until they are soft, fluffy, and hot.
- Step 5: Assemble and Serve. Carefully open each steamed bao bun. Place 2-3 strips of the glazed Korean chicken inside the bun. Garnish generously with the thinly sliced green onions and serve immediately.
Notes
- Store leftover glazed chicken separately in an airtight container for up to 3 days, as assembled buns do not keep well.
- To revive leftovers, gently reheat the chicken in a skillet, but always re-steam the bao buns for 3-4 minutes instead of microwaving to maintain their soft texture.
- For a satisfying crunch that balances the sticky glaze, add a quick pickled topping like matchstick carrots or cucumber slices inside the bao.
- Chef's Tip: Use low heat when glazing the chicken, ensuring the sauce thickens and adheres in the required 1-2 minutes without burning the honey or sugar.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American