Mini Bao Burgers are a fun and creative twist on the classic bao buns! Filled with crispy fried chicken, tangy red cabbage slaw, and a refreshing yogurt sauce, these sliders are perfect for parties, family dinners, or when you’re craving something unique. With their soft, fluffy texture and bold flavors, they’re sure to be a hit with everyone!
Preparation time ⏰:
Total time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Number of Portions 🍽:
Makes 12 mini buns
Ingredients:
For the Bao Burgers Buns:
- 12 mini bao buns (store-bought or homemade)
For the Burgers Fried Chicken:
- 500g (1 lb) chicken thighs or breast, cut into small fillets
- 1 cup buttermilk (for marination)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Red Cabbage Slaw:
- 2 cups red cabbage, thinly shredded
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Yoghurt Sauce:
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 teaspoon honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Garnishes for Burgers:
- Fresh cilantro or parsley
- Sesame seeds
Nutritional Information (per serving):
Calories: 260 kcal
Protein: 12g
Fat: 12g
Carbohydrates: 25g
Note: These values are approximate and may vary depending on portion sizes and specific brands of ingredients used.
Instructions:
For the Burgers Fried Chicken:
- Marinate the chicken fillets in buttermilk for at least 1 hour (or overnight for best results).
- In a shallow bowl, mix the flour, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or pot over medium-high heat (about 350°F/175°C).
- Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, letting the excess drip off. Coat each piece in the flour mixture, ensuring even coverage.
- Fry the chicken in batches for 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Drain on paper towels.
For the Red Cabbage Slaw:
- In a bowl, toss the shredded red cabbage with apple cider vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Let it sit for at least 10 minutes to absorb the flavors.
For the Yogurt Sauce:
- In a small bowl, whisk together yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, honey, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.
To Assemble the Mini Bao Burgers:
- Warm the bao buns according to package instructions (usually steamed or microwaved for a few seconds).
- Spread a generous dollop of yogurt sauce on the bottom half of each bao bun.
- Add a piece of fried chicken, followed by a layer of red cabbage slaw.
- Drizzle more yogurt sauce on top and garnish with fresh cilantro or sesame seeds if desired. Cover with the top half of the bun.
Serving Tip 💡:
These mini bao burgers are perfect as appetizers, party snacks, or even a main dish. Serve them fresh and warm with a side of sweet potato fries, pickled vegetables, or a dipping sauce like spicy mayo or sriracha.
