Authentic Chinese Youtiao Recipe: Crispy Fried Dough Sticks at Home

Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 3/4 cup water
  • 1 teaspoon white vinegar
  • Vegetable oil for deep frying

Steps and instructions

  1. In a large bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  2. Add in the vegetable oil, water, and white vinegar. Mix until a dough is formed, then knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
  3. Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for 2 hours.
  4. Roll out the dough into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick.
  5. Cut the dough into strips, each about 1 inch wide and 4 inches long.
  6. Take two of these strips and press them together at the middle using a chopstick.
  7. Heat the vegetable oil for deep frying in a deep frying pan over medium heat. Test the oil by dropping a small piece of dough into it. The oil is ready if the dough floats to the surface of the oil quickly.
  8. Deep fry the dough strips, a few at a time, until they puff up and become golden brown. It takes about 1 minute on each side.
  9. Use a slotted spoon to remove the youtiaos from the oil and drain them on paper towels.
  10. Repeat with the remaining dough strips.
  11. Serve the youtiao warm.

Tools for making

Recipe variations

  • Adding sesame seeds to the dough before frying for added flavor and texture
  • Replacing all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier alternative
  • Adding a pinch of ground cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a subtle spiced flavor
  • Using a mixture of all-purpose flour and rice flour for a lighter and crispier texture
  • Adding a teaspoon of sugar to the dough for a slightly sweet taste
  • Making a savory version by adding chopped scallions or garlic to the dough
  • Creating a stuffed youtiao by slicing the dough lengthwise and filling it with ingredients like cheese, ham, or vegetables before frying
  • Replacing the vegetable oil with peanut oil for a nuttier flavor
  • Experimenting with different dipping sauces such as soy sauce, sweet chili sauce, or hoisin sauce
  • Making a vegan version by substituting the water and white vinegar with plant-based milk and apple cider vinegar

Recipe overview

Youtiao, also known as Chinese fried dough or Chinese crullers, is a popular breakfast staple in China and other parts of Asia. This tasty, deep-fried snack is light, crispy, and perfect when served with soy milk or porridge. Making youtiao at home can be quite an adventure, but with this simple recipe, you can create your own delicious youtiao in no time! Expect to spend a couple of hours preparing and resting the dough before frying it to golden perfection. The end result is a delightful, fluffy treat that's sure to impress. It's a versatile food that can be enjoyed on its own or as part of a larger breakfast spread. So, let's get started on your youtiao cooking journey!

Common questions

  1. Can I use other types of flour instead of all-purpose flour?
  2. Yes, you can use bread flour or cake flour if you prefer. However, the texture of the youtiao may vary slightly.
  3. Can I skip the vinegar?
  4. It is recommended to include vinegar as it helps to enhance the texture and flavor of the youtiao. However, if you don't have vinegar, you can omit it from the recipe.
  5. Can I use a different type of oil for deep frying?
  6. Yes, you can use other oils with high smoke points such as canola oil or peanut oil for deep frying.
  7. Do I have to let the dough rest for 2 hours?
  8. Resting the dough for 2 hours helps to develop the flavor and texture of the youtiao. If you're short on time, you can rest the dough for at least 30 minutes, although the results may not be as optimal.
  9. Can I store the leftover youtiao?
  10. Youtiao is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the oven or toaster oven before serving.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Mixing bowl - A large bowl for mixing the dough ingredients together.
  • Chopstick - Used for pressing the dough strips together in the middle before frying.
  • Deep frying pan - A pan with high sides for deep frying the youtiao.
  • Slotted spoon - Used for removing the fried youtiao from the oil.
  • Paper towels - To drain the excess oil from the fried youtiao.

Origin stories

Youtiao, also known as Chinese crullers, have a deep-rooted cultural significance in China. The snack can be traced back to the Song Dynasty, and is often linked to a rather infamous tale. The story goes that Qin Hui, a Song Dynasty official, falsely accused a national hero, General Yue Fei, of treason, leading to the General's execution. The people, full of anger and resentment, created two human-like figures out of dough, symbolizing Qin Hui and his wife, and deep-fried them together as a form of protest and symbolic punishment. It's an interesting bit of history that has made youtiao a popular breakfast staple in Chinese communities around the world. Now, it's often enjoyed dunked into soy milk or congee, but the tale of its origin adds a dash of historical flavor.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.