Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon instant yeast
- 1/2 cup warm water (110°F)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 cup shredded cabbage (for slaw)
- 1/2 cup grated carrots (for slaw)
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- Sesame seeds for garnish
For a gluten-free option, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. If you’re looking for a lighter protein, try swapping the chicken thighs for chicken breasts or even tofu for a vegetarian twist. Cooking is all about finding what works for you and your family!
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, instant yeast, and salt. Mix well.
- Slowly add warm water and vegetable oil to the dry ingredients, mixing until a dough forms. Knead for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Cover the bowl with a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size. This is a great time to imagine the delicious meal to come!
- While the dough rises, prepare the chicken. In a bowl, mix together the soy sauce, gochujang, honey, and sesame oil. Add the chicken thighs and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- After marinating, heat a skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side or until fully cooked. Once cooked, shred the chicken using two forks.
- In a separate bowl, combine shredded cabbage, grated carrots, and green onions. Toss with a splash of soy sauce and a drizzle of sesame oil for a quick slaw.
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball, then flatten it into a disc.
- Place each disc into a steamer basket lined with parchment paper. Steam over boiling water for about 10 minutes, until fluffy.
- To assemble, take a steamed bao bun, add a generous portion of shredded chicken, top with slaw, and sprinkle sesame seeds on top. Enjoy the delightful flavors together!
As a little tip from my own kitchen, make sure to check that your steamer is well-prepped; no one wants soggy buns! I find that lining the steamer with parchment paper not only prevents sticking but also adds a nice presentation touch.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International