There’s a unique pleasure in the early morning moments when the kitchen comes alive with the scent of fried dough, reminiscent of bustling street markets in China. As I prepared these Chinese Doughnut Sticks, known as Youtiao, I could almost hear the chatter of local vendors and the distant whistle of a tea kettle. These golden, crispy delights aren’t just a treat for the palate; they evoke warmth and comfort, making breakfast feel like a cherished ritual rather than a rush.
What’s remarkable about Youtiao is their delightful contrast in texture—crunchy on the outside, yet wonderfully chewy on the inside. They are the perfect accompaniment for a steaming cup of soy milk or a bowl of congee. Despite the seemingly intricate process, this recipe simplifies the traditional method, inviting both seasoned chefs and curious novices to embark on an authentic culinary journey. Let’s dive into creating these delicious sticks that blend tradition with your personal touch!
Why will you love Chinese Doughnut Sticks?
Irresistible Flavor: Youtiao are the ultimate savory treat, balancing a salty crunch with a tender, chewy middle that delights the taste buds.
Culinary Adventure: This recipe invites you to explore traditional Chinese cooking right in your kitchen, making it a perfect start to your day.
Quick & Easy: Made with simple ingredients, you’ll find this recipe straightforward, ensuring a delicious breakfast without the hassle.
Versatile Pairing: Enjoy them with soy milk or congee, or get creative by adding your favorite herbs for a twist!
Crowd-Pleaser: Serve these at your next brunch gathering, and watch them disappear—they’re sure to impress family and friends.
Chinese Doughnut Sticks Ingredients
For the Dough
- All-purpose flour – Provides structure and creates the dough. Substitution: Use bread flour for a chewier texture.
- Aluminum-free baking powder – Acts as a leavening agent for fluffiness. Note: Ensure it’s aluminum-free to maintain flavor.
- Baking soda – Contributes to the leavening process and browning. Avoid using more than specified to prevent bitterness.
- Salt – Enhances flavor and balances sweetness.
- Large egg – Adds richness and binds ingredients.
- Water – Hydrates the dough; adjust for consistency.
- Neutral oil – Used for frying; substitute with vegetable oil or canola oil.
- Extra flour for dusting – Prevents the dough from sticking.
How to Make Chinese Doughnut Sticks
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Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, whisk together the beaten egg, water, and oil. Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients until a shaggy dough forms.
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Knead and Rest: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. Cover with a cloth and let it rest for 30 minutes. For best results, allow it to rest for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight in the fridge.
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Shape the Dough: Roll the rested dough out to about ½ inch thick. Cut it into long strips, then stack two strips and seal them together by pressing down the center with a chopstick or your fingers.
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Heat Oil: In a deep pot, heat the neutral oil to 375°F (190°C). This temperature is crucial for achieving that golden, crispy exterior.
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Fry the Sticks: Carefully stretch each dough strip slightly before lowering it into the hot oil. Fry the sticks in batches for about 2-3 minutes, turning them occasionally until they puff up and turn golden brown.
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Drain and Serve: Use a slotted spoon to remove the Youtiao from the oil and let them drain on paper towels. Serve warm with soy milk, congee, or enjoy them plain for a delightful start to your day.
Optional: Sprinkle sesame seeds on top before serving for added flavor and crunch.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These Chinese Doughnut Sticks are fantastic for meal prep! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance by following the kneading and resting steps, then storing the dough in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To maintain quality, remember to cover the dough with a damp cloth to prevent it from drying out. When you’re ready to fry, simply roll it out and shape the sticks before frying. This will ensure you have fresh, crispy Youtiao with minimal effort on busy mornings. Alternatively, you can also freeze the shaped dough sticks for up to 3 days; just let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight before cooking for the best results!
Expert Tips for Chinese Doughnut Sticks
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Resting Time Matters: Allow the dough to rest adequately; this crucial step ensures a light and airy texture in your Chinese Doughnut Sticks.
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Oil Temperature: Use a thermometer to maintain the oil at 375°F (190°C). If the oil is too cool, Youtiao will absorb grease; too hot, and they may burn.
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Fry in Batches: Avoid overcrowding your frying pot to keep the oil temperature stable, ensuring every stick cooks evenly and crisps beautifully.
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Fresh Oil is Best: Always use fresh oil for frying to prevent any undesirable flavors. Old oil can impart a bitter taste to your delightful doughnuts.
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Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to infuse the dough with sesame seeds or herbs for a unique twist on the traditional recipe, adding extra deliciousness to your Youtiao.
What to Serve with Chinese Doughnut Sticks?
There’s something heartwarming about pairing these crispy, savory delights with something equally comforting to create a delightful breakfast.
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Warm Soy Milk: This creamy side is a classic pairing, enhancing the Youtiao with its mellow sweetness and rich texture.
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Congee: The subtle, flavorful rice porridge contrasts beautifully with the crispy dough sticks, making for a warm and satisfying meal.
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Pickled Vegetables: A touch of tangy crunch from pickled radishes or cucumbers adds a refreshing balance to the savory Youtiao.
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Sesame Oil Drizzle: A light drizzle of toasted sesame oil over your Youtiao can add an aromatic depth that complements the salty flavor.
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Scallion Pancakes: Pairing Youtiao with these flaky pancakes creates a delightful texture contrast that highlights both dishes’ savory qualities.
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Steamed Bok Choy: The vibrant greens provide a fresh element to the meal, bringing brightness and a slight crunch to your breakfast spread.
These pairings not only satisfy your craving but also create a culinary experience that transports you straight to the bustling streets of China.
Delicious Chinese Doughnut Sticks Variations
Feel free to get creative and customize your Youtiao with these fun options!
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Sesame Seed Infusion: Sprinkle sesame seeds into the dough for a delightful nutty flavor and extra crunch.
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Herb-Enhanced: Add minced garlic or chopped green onions to the dough before frying for a savory twist that elevates your breakfast.
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Air-Fried Alternative: For a healthier version, try air-frying the formed strips at 375°F for about 10 minutes until golden and crispy.
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Sweet Twist: Roll your Youtiao in a mixture of sugar and cinnamon right after frying for a delicious dessert-style treat that’s sure to please.
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Spicy Kick: Incorporate a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder into the dough for a surprising heat that contrasts beautifully with the savory notes.
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Veggie Delight: Fold finely chopped vegetables like spinach or carrots into the dough for added nutrition and color.
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Dipping Duo: Serve alongside sweetened condensed milk and soy milk for dipping, creating a rich blend of flavors and textures.
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Cheesy Goodness: Mix in grated cheese into the dough for a melty, savory surprise that transforms your Youtiao into a deliciously decadent snack!
Storage Tips for Chinese Doughnut Sticks
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Room Temperature: Store leftover Youtiao in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day. Enjoy them fresh for the best flavor and texture.
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Recrisping: To revive the crispiness, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the Youtiao directly on the oven rack for about 5–7 minutes. This will restore their delightful crunch.
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Freezer: For longer storage, freeze Youtiao in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored for up to 2 months.
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Reheating from Frozen: To reheat frozen Chinese Doughnut Sticks, bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes or until heated through, allowing you to enjoy them as if fresh!
Chinese Doughnut Sticks Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the right flour for Chinese Doughnut Sticks?
Absolutely! For the best texture, use all-purpose flour, which provides structure. If you prefer a chewier bite, I often recommend substituting with bread flour. Avoid using cake flour, as it may lead to a poor texture.
How should I store leftover Youtiao?
Youtiao are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day. For best results, re-crisp them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes before serving.
Can I freeze Chinese Doughnut Sticks?
Very! To freeze, first place the cooled Youtiao in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze for about 1-2 hours until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes.
What should I do if my dough doesn’t rise properly?
If your dough isn’t rising, double-check the freshness of your baking powder and baking soda; both are key to achieving that fluffy texture in your Youtiao. Be sure to knead the dough well and allow ample resting time—1 hour is ideal!
Can I make Chinese Doughnut Sticks vegetarian-friendly?
Absolutely! You can replace the egg in the recipe with an equal amount of unsweetened applesauce or a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water). This will allow you to keep the delightful texture while catering to dietary preferences.
Are Youtiao safe for my pets?
It’s advised to avoid giving Youtiao to pets due to the frying oil and salt content, which can be harmful. Stick to pet-friendly treats for a safe bite for your furry friends.
Crispy Chinese Doughnut Sticks for Your Perfect Breakfast
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, whisk together the beaten egg, water, and oil. Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients until a shaggy dough forms.
- Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until it's smooth and elastic. Cover with a cloth and let it rest for 30 minutes. For best results, allow it to rest for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight in the fridge.
- Roll the rested dough out to about ½ inch thick. Cut it into long strips, then stack two strips and seal them together by pressing down the center with a chopstick or your fingers.
- In a deep pot, heat the neutral oil to 375°F (190°C). This temperature is crucial for achieving that golden, crispy exterior.
- Carefully stretch each dough strip slightly before lowering it into the hot oil. Fry the sticks in batches for about 2-3 minutes, turning them occasionally until they puff up and turn golden brown.
- Use a slotted spoon to remove the Youtiao from the oil and let them drain on paper towels. Serve warm with soy milk, congee, or enjoy them plain for a delightful start to your day.