You Tiao (Chinese Doughnut)
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
Allergen information: may contain gluten. Always check ingredient packaging if you have an allergy.
Mise en place
Ingredients
Converted for display; the recipe amounts stay equivalent.
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
- 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
You Tiao are best eaten fresh; they do not store well.
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