Youtiao Chinese Breakfast Doughnuts (Printable version)
Golden fried dough sticks with crispy exterior and airy interior, ideal for dipping in soy milk or congee.
# List of ingredients:
→ Dough
01 - 2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 teaspoon baking powder
03 - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
04 - 1 teaspoon salt
05 - 1 tablespoon sugar
06 - 1 large egg
07 - 3/4 cup water, room temperature
08 - 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
→ For Frying
09 - 4 cups vegetable oil for deep frying
# Directions:
01 - Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar in a large mixing bowl until evenly distributed.
02 - Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients. Add egg, water, and 2 tablespoons vegetable oil. Mix with a spatula until a shaggy, sticky dough forms.
03 - Knead the dough directly in the bowl for 1 to 2 minutes until just combined. The dough will remain sticky—this is normal.
04 - Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the dough rest at room temperature for 15 minutes to relax the gluten.
05 - Lightly oil your hands and work surface. Knead the dough for 2 to 3 minutes until smooth and elastic, adding only minimal oil if necessary.
06 - Return the dough to the bowl, cover, and let rest for 1 hour at room temperature.
07 - Transfer dough to a lightly floured surface. Roll or press into a rectangle approximately 1/2 inch thick. Cut into strips 1 inch wide and 5 inches long.
08 - Place two strips on top of each other. Press firmly down the center lengthwise with a chopstick or knife back to fuse the strips together.
09 - Heat 4 cups vegetable oil in a deep pot or fryer to 375°F.
10 - Gently stretch each doubled strip to approximately 8 inches in length without separating the layers.
11 - Carefully lower 2 to 3 sticks into the hot oil. Fry for about 2 minutes, turning constantly with chopsticks, until puffed and golden brown on all sides.
12 - Remove sticks from oil and drain on a wire rack or paper towels. Serve immediately while warm and crispy.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The contrast between the blistered crispy crust and the cloudlike interior creates the most satisfying texture
- These fried dough sticks transform simple soy milk or congee into a complete breakfast that feels both comforting and special
02 -
- The dough will feel quite sticky and that is exactly right so resist adding extra flour which will make the finished result tough
- Proper oil temperature makes all the difference so use a thermometer because oil that is too cool creates greasy dense sticks
03 -
- A second fry at higher temperature after a 5 minute rest produces an extra crispy exterior that stays crunchy longer
- For vegan youtiao simply omit the egg and increase the water by 2 tablespoons with excellent results