Sticky Korean Prawn Bao 💫 I gotta say that I’m pretty partial to most things stuffed in a bao

Sticky Korean Prawn Bao 💫 I gotta say that I’m pretty partial to most things stuffed in a bao. But give me something sticky and crispy and spicy … 😱

Recipe:
12 bao buns
finely shaved iceberg lettuce, to serve
sesame seeds, to serve

Crispy fried shrimp:
24 medium-sized peeled and deveined prawns (shrimp)
2 tsp sea salt
¼ tsp ground white pepper
1 cup cornflour (cornstarch)
vegetable oil, for deep-frying

Sticky Korean sauce:
1/3 cup soy sauce
1/3 cup sugar
2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
2 tbsp gochujang*
2 tbsp tomato ketchup
3 garlic cloves, finely chopped

Step 1
For the sticky Korean sauce, place the ingredients in a small saucepan over high heat. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 5 minutes or until just thickened. Set aside until ready to serve.

Step 2
Cook or reheat your buns according to packet or recipe instructions. Keep warm.

Step 3
To make the crispy fried shrimp, season the shrimp with the salt and white pepper. Add the cornflour to a tray or bowl, then toss the seasoned prawns in the cornflour until coated all over. Set aside.

Step 4
Fill a wok or saucepan to about one-third capacity with the vegetable oil and place over high heat. The oil is hot enough when a wooden spoon dipped into the oil forms little bubbles. Tap any excess flour off the shrimp then, working in two batches, carefully place them in the hot oil. Cook for about 5 minutes or until golden and cooked through. Drain on a wire baking rack set over some kitchen paper.

Step 5
Brush the warm shrimp with the sticky Korean sauce.

Step 6
To serve, open up each bao bun and stuff with iceberg lettuce. Top each bun with 2 prawns and sprinkle over the sesame seeds. Serve.