Spicy Orange Glazed Chicken Bao Buns
Indulge in our Spicy Orange Glazed Chicken Bao Buns, where tender, lightly fried chicken is enveloped in a vibrant, spicy orange sauce that packs a flavorful punch. Nestled within fluffy steamed bao buns, each bite is a delightful medley of textures and flavors, accentuated by the freshness of parsley and a rich drizzle of Kewpie mayonnaise. Perfect as an appetizer or a main dish, these buns are a unique fusion of classic Asian street food with a sweet and spicy twist, sure to satisfy your taste buds.
N/A
Servings
450
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
honey
1/2 cup (none)
soy sauce
1 1/2 tablespoons (none)
orange
1 (zest and juice)
sriracha sauce
2 teaspoons (none)
garlic powder
1 teaspoon (none)
red pepper flakes
3/4 teaspoon (none)
ginger powder
1/4 teaspoon (none)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (none)
vegetable oil
for frying (heated to 375°F)
chicken tenderloins
1 lb (cut into thirds)
cornstarch
1 cup (none)
bao buns
6 (prepared according to package instructions)
fresh parsley leaves
to taste (none)
sesame seeds
to taste (none)
scallion
1 (thinly sliced)
Kewpie mayonnaise
to taste (none)
Instructions
1
In a mixing bowl, combine honey, soy sauce, orange juice, orange zest, sriracha, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, ginger powder, and salt. Whisk thoroughly until the ingredients are well blended, then set aside to allow the flavors to meld.
2
In a large Dutch oven, heat vegetable oil to a temperature of 375°F (190°C), ensuring there is enough oil (about 3 inches) to submerge the chicken for even frying.
3
Prepare the chicken by cutting tenderloins into thirds. In a shallow bowl, add cornstarch. Dredge each chicken piece in cornstarch, shaking off any excess coating before frying.
4
Fry the coated chicken pieces in the hot oil for 4-5 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the chicken to a wire rack placed on a baking sheet to drain excess oil.
5
In a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, pour in the prepared sauce mixture. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until slightly thickened.
6
Add the fried chicken pieces to the skillet, tossing gently to ensure each piece is well coated in the spicy orange glaze.
7
To assemble the bao buns, first place a few fresh parsley leaves inside each steamed bun. Then, add 3-4 pieces of the sauce-coated chicken, followed by a sprinkle of sesame seeds and sliced scallions. Finish off with a generous squeeze of Kewpie mayonnaise. Serve immediately and enjoy the fusion of flavors!
Nutrition Information
18g
Fat
58g
Carbs
20g
Protein
0.67g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Spicy Orange Glazed Chicken Bao Buns?
This dish features tender, lightly fried chicken coated in a spicy orange sauce, served inside fluffy steamed bao buns with parsley and Kewpie mayonnaise.
What type of chicken is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for one pound of chicken tenderloins cut into thirds.
How is the chicken coated before frying?
The chicken pieces are dredged in one cup of cornstarch, with excess coating shaken off to ensure a crispy texture.
What temperature should the oil reach for frying?
The vegetable oil should be heated to a temperature of 375°F (190°C) in a large Dutch oven.
How long does it take to fry the chicken?
The chicken should be fried for 4 to 5 minutes until it is golden brown and crispy.
What ingredients are in the spicy orange sauce?
The sauce is made from honey, soy sauce, orange juice and zest, sriracha, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, ginger powder, and salt.
Is the orange sauce very spicy?
The sauce contains 2 teaspoons of sriracha and 3/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes, providing a significant flavorful punch.
How do you prepare the bao buns?
The bao buns should be prepared according to the specific instructions on their packaging, which typically involves steaming.
What is Kewpie mayonnaise?
Kewpie is a rich, creamy Japanese mayonnaise that adds a smooth finish to the spicy buns.
How many calories are in a serving?
Each serving contains approximately 450 calories.
How much fat is in this recipe?
There are 18 grams of fat per serving.
What is the carbohydrate count for this dish?
The dish contains 58 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein is in the chicken bao buns?
Each serving provides 20 grams of protein.
Is there fiber in this recipe?
Yes, there is approximately 0.67 grams of fiber per serving.
What toppings are used for assembly?
The buns are topped with sesame seeds, thinly sliced scallions, and Kewpie mayonnaise.
Can I use fresh ginger instead of ginger powder?
While the recipe specifies 1/4 teaspoon of ginger powder, you can substitute fresh grated ginger for a brighter flavor.
Why use a wire rack for the chicken after frying?
Placing the chicken on a wire rack allows excess oil to drain away, preventing the coating from becoming soggy.
How do you thicken the orange glaze?
The sauce mixture is simmered in a nonstick skillet for 1 to 2 minutes until it reaches a slightly thickened consistency.
How many bao buns does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to fill 6 bao buns.
What kind of oil is best for frying the chicken?
Vegetable oil is recommended because it has a high smoke point suitable for frying at 375°F.
Can I substitute the honey in the sauce?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of honey for sweetness and viscosity, but you could try agave nectar as an alternative.
How is the orange prepared for the sauce?
You should use both the zest and the juice of one whole orange to get the full citrus profile.
What is the best way to serve these buns?
They should be served immediately after assembly while the chicken is hot and the buns are soft.
Are there any fresh herbs in the recipe?
Yes, fresh parsley leaves are placed inside the buns before adding the chicken.
Can this be served as an appetizer?
Yes, these buns are perfect as either a unique appetizer or a main dish.
What makes this a fusion dish?
It combines classic Asian street food (bao buns) with a sweet and spicy orange glaze common in Western-style Asian cuisine.
How many chicken pieces go into each bun?
It is recommended to place 3 to 4 pieces of the glazed chicken inside each bun.
Is there any salt in the recipe?
Yes, 1/2 teaspoon of salt is included in the sauce mixture.
How do I cut the scallion?
The scallion should be thinly sliced for use as a garnish.
Can I make this recipe less spicy?
To reduce the heat, you can lower the amount of sriracha and red pepper flakes used in the sauce.