Name: Chinese Doughnut Sticks (Youtiao): A Crispy, Comforting Treat
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 2½ cups all-purpose flour; 1 tsp aluminum-free baking powder; ½ tsp baking soda; ¾ tsp salt; 1 large egg; ¾ cup water; 1 tbsp neutral oil (plus more for frying); Extra flour for dusting

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Chinese Doughnut Sticks are not your typical doughnuts. They have a slightly salty flavor, which makes them an ideal savory treat, and their crispiness on the outside contrasts beautifully with the chewy, tender inside. They’re perfect for dunking in soy milk, making them the ideal breakfast or snack. Making Youtiao at home may seem intimidating, but with this simplified recipe, you can enjoy the magic of this beloved dish right in your kitchen!

Ingredients

2½ cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp aluminum-free baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
¾ tsp salt
1 large egg
¾ cup water
1 tbsp neutral oil (plus more for frying)
Extra flour for dusting

(Tip: You can substitute the neutral oil with vegetable oil or canola oil for frying.)

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
In a separate bowl, beat the egg, then mix in the water and 1 tablespoon of oil.
Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until a shaggy dough forms.

Step 2: Knead the Dough

Knead the dough until it’s smooth and elastic, about 8-10 minutes.
Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for 30 minutes.
After 30 minutes, knead the dough briefly again and cover it again to let it rest for at least 1 hour (you can rest it overnight in the fridge for even better results).

Step 3: Shape the Dough

Roll out the dough on a floured surface into a rectangle about ½ inch thick.
Cut the dough into strips that are 1 inch wide and 4-5 inches long.
Stack two strips of dough on top of each other and use a chopstick to press a line down the center to seal them together.

Step 4: Fry the Youtiao

Heat oil in a deep pot to 375°F (190°C). The oil should be deep enough to submerge the dough sticks.
Carefully stretch each dough pair slightly and gently lower them into the hot oil.
Fry the dough sticks while turning constantly for 2-3 minutes or until they are golden brown and puffed up.

Step 5: Drain and Serve

Remove the cooked dough sticks from the oil and drain them on paper towels.
Serve the Youtiao warm with soy milk, rice porridge, or enjoy them on their own for a delicious snack.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 8-10 sticks
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes (including resting time)

Variations

Sweet Version: For a sweeter variation, dust the Youtiao with powdered sugar or drizzle them with honey after frying.
Spicy: Add a pinch of chili powder or cayenne pepper to the dough for a spicy twist.
Filling Option: For a twist on the classic, you can stuff the dough with red bean paste or a sweet custard before frying.

Storage

Youtiao are best served fresh and crispy. However, if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day. To reheat, simply warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes to crisp them back up.

FAQs

Can I make Youtiao in advance?

It’s best to enjoy Youtiao fresh, as they are at their crispiest right after frying. However, you can prepare the dough ahead of time and store it in the fridge, then shape and fry the dough sticks when you’re ready to serve.

Can I use a different type of flour?

While all-purpose flour works best for the perfect texture, you can experiment with different types of flour, such as cake flour, for a slightly softer version of Youtiao.

How do I know when the oil is hot enough for frying?

A simple way to check if the oil is ready is to drop a small piece of dough into the oil. If it bubbles and rises to the surface quickly, the oil is at the correct temperature for frying.

Can I use a different oil for frying?

Yes, you can use vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil for frying. Just make sure the oil has a high smoke point to avoid burning the dough.

Conclusion

Chinese Doughnut Sticks (Youtiao) are a fantastic and easy-to-make breakfast or snack, combining crispy golden dough with a light and airy inside. With this simplified recipe, you can recreate the authentic flavor and texture of traditional Chinese street food right at home. Whether you’re dunking them into soy milk or enjoying them on their own, Youtiao is sure to bring comfort and joy to every bite.

Chinese Doughnut Sticks (Youtiao): A Crispy, Comforting Treat

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Chinese Doughnut Sticks (Youtiao) are a crispy, comforting treat with a golden brown exterior and chewy interior. Traditionally enjoyed with soy milk or congee, this simplified recipe brings the authentic flavor of Chinese street food right to your kitchen. They’re easy to make, perfectly crispy, and offer a savory snack experience.

Author: Amy
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes (including resting time)
Yield: 8-10 sticks
Category: Snack
Method: Fried
Cuisine: Chinese
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

2½ cups all-purpose flour

1 tsp aluminum-free baking powder

½ tsp baking soda

¾ tsp salt

1 large egg

¾ cup water

1 tbsp neutral oil (plus more for frying)

Extra flour for dusting

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Instructions

Prepare the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, beat the egg, then mix in the water and 1 tablespoon of oil.
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until a shaggy dough forms.
Knead the Dough:
- Knead the dough until it’s smooth and elastic, about 8-10 minutes.
- Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for 30 minutes.
- After 30 minutes, knead the dough briefly again and cover it again to let it rest for at least 1 hour (you can rest it overnight in the fridge for even better results).
Shape the Dough:
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface into a rectangle about ½ inch thick.
- Cut the dough into strips that are 1 inch wide and 4-5 inches long.
- Stack two strips of dough on top of each other and use a chopstick to press a line down the center to seal them together.
Fry the Youtiao:
- Heat oil in a deep pot to 375°F (190°C). The oil should be deep enough to submerge the dough sticks.
- Carefully stretch each dough pair slightly and gently lower them into the hot oil.
- Fry the dough sticks while turning constantly for 2-3 minutes or until they are golden brown and puffed up.
Drain and Serve:
- Remove the cooked dough sticks from the oil and drain them on paper towels.
- Serve the Youtiao warm with soy milk, rice porridge, or enjoy them on their own for a delicious snack.