It’s party time. I’m making Kalbi Chicken Steam Buns. I absolutely adore bao or steam buns with all kinds of savory or sweet fillings. I order them every chance I get as a first course or appetizer when dining out at our favorite Asian restaurants. Now, we can make them easily at home.
The Lucky Foods Recipe Challenge is on. I am so inspired by these products made in the USA. With simple ingredients, but complex flavor, these sauces make it easy to get the party started. In addition, this company is family owned-and-operated by two generations of women. How cool is that! It makes me feel proud to collaborate with them.
Lucky Foods sent me their Kalbi Sauce, Kimchi Mayo and Gochujang for recipe testing.
This is my appetizer entry
kalbi chicken steam bun ingredients
- Inexpensive, flavorful chicken thighs are seasoned, browned and braised in Lucky Foods Kalbi Sauce for the most balanced sweet and savory tender protein zinged with ginger. Shred the chicken or leave it in bigger chunks.
- Steam buns are a soft and fluffy yeasted bread that can be stuffed with a variety of fillings. They are readily available in Asian markets, but if you can’t find them or don’t want to make them home-made, you can use a warm potato bun as a substitute
- Lucky Foods Kimchi Mayo is a creamy vegan mayonnaise with a touch of spice. Slather on as much as you like.
- Pickled red onions can be made in advance. They add a lovely tangy texture. If your onion is especially pungent I recommend rinsing the slices in cold water before pickling.
- Toasted sesame seeds and fresh cilantro leaves are the perfect garnish, but feel free to switch those out to your favorite seeds and herbs.
Kalbi Chicken Steam Buns
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: serves 6
Description
Korean inspired kalbi braised chicken steam buns have layers of sweet and savory flavors with the zing of ginger and creamy kimchi mayo
Ingredients
6 chicken thighs on the bone with skin
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons grapeseed or avocado oil
1 (13.2 oz.) bottle Lucky Foods Seoul Kalbi Sauce
6 plain frozen Asian steam buns (or 12 smaller size buns)
1 (12.35 oz.) bottle Lucky Foods Seoul Kimchi Mayo
2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
1 cup pickled red onions (recipe follows in Notes)
Fresh cilantro leaves
Instructions
- Season chicken thighs with salt and black pepper.
- Heat oil over medium-high heat in a cast iron or other heavy skillet until shimmering.
- Place chicken thighs in skillet, skin side down. Cook chicken 4-5 minutes or until skin is nicely browned; turn. Add Kalbi Sauce. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer 25-30 minutes or until chicken thighs are thoroughly cooked through and tender.
- Separate chicken from skin and bones. Keep chicken warm. Discard skin and bones.
- Prepare steam buns according to package directions.
- Open steam bun and spread bottom of bun with Kimchi Mayo. Add chicken. Sprinkle chicken with sesame seeds. Top with pickled red onions and cilantro leaves.
Notes
Pickled Red Onions
1 red onion, halved, thinly sliced
½ cup water
½ cup white vinegar
1/3-cup sugar
1 teaspoon kosher salt
Place onions in heat proof bowl or jar. In small saucepan, bring remaining ingredients to a boil, stirring, until sugar is dissolved. Pour hot mixture over vegetables; let stand at least 30 minutes or until ready to use. Can be made 1 week in advance and kept covered in the refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: appetizer
- Method: stove top
- Cuisine: Asian
Keywords: steam buns, easy Korean recipes, first course Asian, kalbi sauce recipe, braised chicken thighs, eatluckyfoods, luckyfoodsrecipechallenge
Check out Lucky Foods website facebook and instagram to find more great recipes and learn about the inspiring Jo family achieving the American dream. You can buy their products on-line or find them locally at Whole Foods, Giant, Acme and Food Lion.
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