BreakfastSnack

You Tiao (Chinese Doughnut)

Name: You Tiao (Chinese Doughnut)
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 3 h 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: chinese
Ingredients: 250 g all-purpose flour; 2 tsp baking powder; 0.5 tsp baking soda; 1 tsp salt; 1 tsp sugar; 150 ml water warm; 1 tbsp vegetable oil; 500 ml vegetable oil for deep frying

You Tiao are crispy, savory Chinese fried dough sticks, traditionally enjoyed for breakfast with congee or soy milk. This vegan recipe creates a light and airy texture, perfect for dipping.

An original recipe by Forkin

Total time: 3 hr 35 min
Serves: 4
Difficulty: Medium
Per serving: 396 kcal

VeganVegetarian

Allergen information: may contain gluten. Always check ingredient packaging if you have an allergy.

Mise en place

Ingredients

250 gall-purpose flour
2 tspbaking powder
0.5 tspbaking soda
1 tspsalt
1 tspsugar
150 mlwater, warm

dough

1 tbspvegetable oil

frying

500 mlvegetable oil, for deep frying

Equipment

tongs · deep pot or wok · chopsticks · paper towels · plastic wrap · large bowl · wire rack

The method

Step by step

1
In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar.
About 2 min
2
Gradually add the warm water and the vegetable oil (for the dough) to the dry ingredients, mixing until a shaggy dough forms.
About 3 min
3
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
About 7 min
Cook’s note: Do not over-knead; the dough should be soft.
4
Lightly oil a clean bowl, place the dough inside, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rest at room temperature for at least 3 hours, or preferably overnight in the refrigerator.
About 3 hr
Cook’s note: This long rest is crucial for the dough's texture.
5
On a lightly floured surface, gently press and stretch the rested dough into a rectangle about 1 cm thick and 10-12 cm wide.
About 3 min
Cook’s note: Avoid using a rolling pin; use your hands to maintain airiness.
6
Cut the dough lengthwise into strips about 2 cm wide.
About 2 min
7
Take two strips and stack one on top of the other, then gently press down the middle with a chopstick to create an indentation.
About 3 min
Cook’s note: Do not press all the way through; just enough to join them.
8
Heat the vegetable oil (for deep frying) in a deep pot or wok to 180°C (350°F).
About 5 min
Cook’s note: Use a thermometer to ensure accurate oil temperature.
9
Gently stretch each dough stick slightly before carefully dropping it into the hot oil.
Cook’s note: Work in batches to avoid overcrowding the pot.
10
Fry the You Tiao for 1-2 minutes per side, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown and puffed up.
About 5 min
11
Remove the fried You Tiao with tongs or a slotted spoon and place them on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
12
Serve immediately while hot and crispy.
Cook’s note: They are best enjoyed fresh.

Per serving

Nutrition

57%Score

Calories: 396.3kcal
Protein: 6.2g
Carbs: 49.1g
Fat: 19.1g
Fibre: 1.7g
Sugar: 1.2g

Estimated from the recipe’s ingredient quantities. Values can vary with brands and substitutions.

Keep it good

Storage

You Tiao are best eaten fresh; they do not store well.