When I unexpectedly stumbled upon the delightful world of Youtiao—Chinese doughnut sticks—I couldn’t help but feel like I had discovered a well-kept secret. The first time I savored these golden, crispy treats alongside a warm bowl of congee, I was captivated by their light, airy texture and subtle sweetness. It was a culinary revelation that sparked a new passion for homemade breakfast delights, and I’ve never looked back.
What I love most about Youtiao is their versatility; they complement sweet and savory dishes alike, making them perfect for any meal of the day. They are surprisingly easy to make, too! With just a few pantry staples and a bit of patience, you can whip up these delectable doughnut sticks that will impress everyone at your table. Imagine the joy of serving up freshly fried Youtiao, their crisp exteriors giving way to a soft, fluffy interior, all while filling your kitchen with an exciting aroma. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe that promises to elevate your culinary repertoire.
Why are Youtiao-Chinese Doughnut Sticks so special?
Crispiness at its finest: Each Youtiao boasts a perfectly crispy exterior that crackles with every bite.
Versatile pairing: Whether served with creamy congee or your favorite sweet dip, these doughnut sticks elevate any meal.
Easy to make: With pantry staples and simple techniques, you’ll be able to create these treats at home without a hitch.
Impressive aroma: Frying Youtiao fills your kitchen with an irresistible scent, inviting your family and friends to the table.
Crowd-pleasing treat: Make them for brunch or as a snack, and watch them disappear faster than you can fry! Indulge in this recipe and transform your breakfast experience.
Youtiao Ingredients
Explore the essential ingredients you’ll need to make these delightful Youtiao-Chinese Doughnut Sticks!
For the Dough
- All-purpose flour – 2 cups (around 300g) for a fluffy, airy texture that is the heart of Youtiao.
- Baking powder – 1 tsp to help your dough rise and create that light, crispy exterior.
- Baking soda – 1/4 tsp enhances the dough’s tenderness and flavor.
- Salt – 1/2 tsp brings out the sweetness and balances the flavors.
- Sugar – 1/2 tsp adds a hint of sweetness that complements the crispiness.
- Egg – 1 large for richness; it binds the dough and gives it structure.
- Water – 120 ml plus a splash (5 ml) for adjusting consistency based on the egg size; this keeps the dough moist yet workable.
- Vegetable oil – 1/2 tbsp in the dough for added richness, plus extra for brushing and frying, giving Youtiao its signature crunch.
For Cooking
- Oil for deep-frying – Enough to immerse the Youtiao, ensuring they cook evenly and create that irresistible golden-brown finish.
Gather these ingredients, and you’re on your way to creating something truly special in your kitchen!
How to Make Youtiao
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Combine Ingredients: In a stand mixer, add all the ingredients, then knead on low speed for 7-9 minutes, until the dough becomes elastic and smooth. Shape into a ball, cover it with plastic wrap, and let it rest.
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Mix by Hand: By hand, mix together the dry ingredients—flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and sugar. Crack the egg into the mixture and add oil. Use a chopstick or spatula to combine, then mix by hand until a dough forms. Cover it and let rest for 15 minutes. Repeat mixing until almost smooth; cover and set aside for 1 hour.
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Shape the Dough: Shape the dough into a long rectangle and brush the surface with oil. Set it aside to rest for 2 hours, or 1 hour if you’re in a hurry.
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Cut Strips: Cut the rectangle into strips about 3 cm wide. Take a wet chopstick and create a line in the center of one strip. Lay one strip over another and press a mark down the center lengthwise.
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Fry Youtiao: Heat oil to around 180-190 degrees C (400 degrees F). Hold the ends of the strips and gently stretch them. Slide them carefully into the oil, rolling with chopsticks to ensure they cook evenly. Fry until golden brown, about 1 minute. Transfer to a baking rack to drain excess oil.
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Maintain Temperature: Fry in batches and use a slow heat to maintain the oil temperature. Avoid overcrowding the frying space to ensure perfect crispiness.
Optional: Serve with your favorite dip for a delightful flavor boost!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for Perfect Youtiao
Dough Consistency: Ensure your dough is sticky but manageable. This helps achieve the desired airy texture in your Youtiao-Chinese Doughnut Sticks.
Resting Time: Don’t rush the resting processes; they are crucial for developing elasticity. A well-rested dough yields crispy results!
Oil Temperature: Maintain the oil between 180-190 degrees C (400 degrees F). Use a thermometer to avoid undercooking or burning your Youtiao.
Batch Frying: Fry in smaller batches to prevent overcrowding, which can lower the oil temperature and create soggy Youtiao.
Stretch with Care: Gently stretch the Youtiao before frying to ensure they puff up beautifully in the oil.
Cooling Rack: Always let your fried Youtiao drain on a cooling rack to preserve their crispiness and prevent steam from softening their texture.
Make Ahead Options
These Youtiao-Chinese Doughnut Sticks are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the dough and shape it up to 24 hours in advance. After mixing the ingredients and allowing them to rest, shape the dough into a long rectangle, brush with oil, and wrap tightly in plastic wrap before refrigerating. When you’re ready to fry, simply cut the dough into strips, create the necessary marks, and fry them in hot oil. For optimal quality, avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure they remain crisp. With this prep method, you’ll enjoy delicious, freshly made Youtiao with minimal effort, perfect for busy mornings!
Youtiao-Chinese Doughnut Sticks Variations
Feel free to get creative with your Youtiao—customizing these treats can lead to delightful surprises!
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Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a safe, delicious alternative. Experiment with different blends that work best for you.
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Sweet Cinnamon Twist: Add 1 tablespoon of cinnamon to the flour mixture for a warm, aromatic flavor. These make an enticing treat when served with sweet dips.
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Savory Addition: Incorporate finely chopped scallions into the dough for a savory twist. These youtiao are perfect as a snack on their own or dipped in soy sauce.
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Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the flour mixture for a subtle heat. Pair them with a spicy dipping sauce for contrast!
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Herbed Dough: Mix in fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme into the dough for a fragrant flavor profile. Serve alongside soups or salads for a herbal touch.
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Coffee-Infused: For a unique flavor, mix in a tablespoon of instant coffee granules with the dry ingredients. The slight bitterness balances the sweetness beautifully.
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Chocolate Drizzle: After frying, drizzle melted chocolate over youtiao for a decadent dessert version. This is a delightful surprise—perfect for sharing!
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Coconut Flake Coating: After frying, toss your youtiao in toasted coconut flakes for added texture and flavor. It adds a tropical flair that pairs wonderfully with coffee!
What to Serve with Youtiao-Chinese Doughnut Sticks?
Savor the perfect meal with these delightful accompaniments that elevate your Youtiao experience!
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Creamy Congee: A warm bowl of congee is a traditional pairing that enhances the softness of Youtiao, making it a comforting breakfast delight.
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Savory Soy Milk: Enjoy the nutty flavor of soy milk, sweetened or salted, as it beautifully complements the crispy texture of the doughnut sticks.
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Sweetened Condensed Milk: Drizzling Youtiao with this luscious treat offers a perfect balance of sweetness, perfect for dipping or drenching.
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Spicy Dipping Sauce: A soy sauce-based dip with a kick adds an exciting flavor contrast, highlighting the dough’s deliciousness with each bite.
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Fried Egg: Serve alongside a sunny-side-up or scrambled egg to add protein and richness, making your meal more filling and flavorful.
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Fresh Fruit: Brighten up your plate with slices of mango or ripe bananas for a refreshing fruity kick that balances the fried texture of Youtiao.
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Honey or Maple Syrup: Drizzle these sweeteners over your Youtiao for a dessert-like experience that’s simple yet satisfying.
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Iced Tea or Lemonade: Pair your meal with a cool, refreshing drink to cleanse your palate and complement the warm, crispy Youtiao.
Each of these choices brings out the unique attributes of Youtiao, creating a memorable meal for you and your loved ones!
How to Store and Freeze Youtiao-Chinese Doughnut Sticks
Room Temperature: Store leftover Youtiao in an airtight container for up to 1 day. They are best enjoyed fresh, but this will keep them at their best for a little longer.
Fridge: If you’ve made a large batch, you can store Youtiao in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just ensure they’re in an airtight container to prevent them from drying out.
Freezer: To freeze Youtiao, wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored for up to 2 months; reheat straight from the freezer!
Reheating: For the best results, reheat Youtiao in a hot oven or air fryer for a few minutes until crispy. Avoid microwaving, as it may make them chewy instead of crisp!
Youtiao-Chinese Doughnut Sticks Recipe FAQs
How do I select the right flour for Youtiao?
Absolutely! For the best results, use all-purpose flour since it provides the ideal balance of protein for a chewy yet airy texture. Look for flour with around 10-12% protein content, and avoid cake flour or bread flour for this recipe.
What is the best way to store leftover Youtiao?
You can store leftover Youtiao in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day. For longer storage, place them in the fridge for up to 3 days, ensuring the container is sealed tight to keep them from drying out.
Can I freeze Youtiao for later use?
Yes, you can freeze Youtiao easily! Wrap each doughnut stick individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply reheat straight from the freezer in an oven or air fryer until crispy.
What should I do if my Youtiao doesn’t puff up while frying?
If your Youtiao doesn’t puff up as expected, the dough might not have rested long enough, or the oil temperature could be too low. Make sure to allow the dough to rest for the full time as specified. To check oil temperature, use a thermometer, aiming for 180-190 degrees C (400 degrees F). If you notice your oil isn’t hot enough, reheat it before frying the next batch.
Are there any dietary considerations for Youtiao?
Yes, it’s important to note that Youtiao contains gluten due to the all-purpose flour, so it isn’t suitable for those with gluten allergies or celiac disease. While the recipe uses eggs, they can be omitted for a vegan version, but the texture might vary slightly. Also, be cautious when serving these tasty treats to pets, especially due to the oil and salt content.
How do I tell when my Youtiao is fully cooked?
Look for a beautiful golden-brown color, typically after frying for about 1 minute. They should be crisp to the touch and ought to have a hollow sound when tapped lightly. After frying, place them on a cooling rack to maintain their crispiness. Enjoy every satisfying bite of your delicious Youtiao!
Crispy Youtiao: Irresistible Chinese Doughnut Sticks Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a stand mixer, add all the ingredients, then knead on low speed for 7-9 minutes until the dough becomes elastic and smooth. Shape into a ball, cover it with plastic wrap, and let it rest.
- By hand, mix together the dry ingredients—flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and sugar. Crack the egg into the mixture and add oil. Use a chopstick or spatula to combine, then mix by hand until a dough forms. Cover and let rest for 15 minutes. Repeat mixing until almost smooth; cover and set aside for 1 hour.
- Shape the dough into a long rectangle and brush the surface with oil. Set it aside to rest for 2 hours, or 1 hour if you're in a hurry.
- Cut the rectangle into strips about 3 cm wide. Take a wet chopstick and create a line in the center of one strip. Lay one strip over another and press a mark down the center lengthwise.
- Heat oil to around 180-190 degrees C (400 degrees F). Hold the ends of the strips and gently stretch them. Slide them carefully into the oil, rolling with chopsticks to ensure they cook evenly. Fry until golden brown, about 1 minute. Transfer to a baking rack to drain excess oil.
- Fry in batches and use a slow heat to maintain the oil temperature. Avoid overcrowding the frying space to ensure perfect crispiness.