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Forkin
BreakfastSnack

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
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VeganVegetarian

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

You Tiao (Chinese Doughnut)

Mise en place

Ingredients

Measurements

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. 1

    In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar.

    About 2 min

  2. 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. 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. 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. 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. 6

    Cut the dough lengthwise into strips about 2 cm wide.

    About 2 min

  7. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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

Storage

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

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