How to Make Youtiao: The Secret to Crispy Chinese Doughnuts at Home

Youtiao, those irresistibly crispy Chinese doughnuts, are a beloved breakfast staple across many Asian cultures. Imagine biting into a light, airy, and slightly chewy fried dough – it’s the perfect way to start your day! While they might seem intimidating to make, I’m here to tell you that you can achieve perfect youtiao right in your own kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
• 1 teaspoon (5g) baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon (3g) salt
• 1 tablespoon (15g) sugar
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) vegetable oil, plus more for frying
• 2/3 cup (160ml) lukewarm water

Optional Ingredients:

• 1/2 teaspoon (1g) ammonium bicarbonate (for a more traditional flavor and texture)
• 1/4 teaspoon (0.5g) alum (for a crispier texture)

Equipment You’ll Need

• Large mixing bowl
• Plastic wrap
• Rolling pin
• Sharp knife or pizza cutter
• Large skillet or wok
• Slotted spoon or spider strainer
• Paper towels

Let’s Get Cooking!

Step 1: Make the Dough

1. In your mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
2. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and add the vegetable oil and lukewarm water.
3. Using a wooden spoon or your hands, gradually mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until a rough dough forms.

Step 2: Knead and Rest

1. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes, or until smooth and elastic.
2. Lightly oil the mixing bowl, place the dough inside, cover it with plastic wrap, and let it rest for at least 1 hour (and up to overnight in the refrigerator).

Step 3: Shaping the Youtiao

1. Punch down the dough to release any air bubbles.
2. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle about 1/2 inch (1 cm) thick.
3. Cut the dough lengthwise into strips about 2 inches (5 cm) wide.
4. Take two strips of dough and stack them on top of each other.
5. Use a chopstick to press down firmly along the center of the stacked strips. This will help the two pieces stick together.
6. Gently stretch the dough strips lengthwise to about 8-10 inches (20-25 cm).

Step 4: Frying Time!

1. Heat about 2 inches (5 cm) of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat (around 350°F or 175°C).
2. Carefully lower the prepared dough strips into the hot oil, one at a time.
3. Fry the youtiao for 1-2 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and puffed up.
4. Remove the youtiao from the oil using a slotted spoon or spider strainer, and drain them on paper towels.

Youtiao Tips and Tricks

• For extra crispy youtiao: Add 1/4 teaspoon of alum to the dry ingredients.
• Can’t find ammonium bicarbonate? While it adds a traditional flavor, it’s okay to skip it if you can’t find it.
• Want to make ahead? You can prepare the dough the night before and let it rise in the refrigerator. Just make sure to bring it to room temperature before shaping and frying.

Serving and Enjoying Your Youtiao

Youtiao are best served immediately while they’re still hot and crispy. Enjoy them alongside a bowl of warm soy milk or congee for a classic breakfast pairing. You can also dip them into your favorite sweet chili sauce for a savory snack.

Golden Youtiao Frying

Stack of Fresh Youtiao

And there you have it! You’ve just made delicious, homemade youtiao. Now it’s your turn to try this recipe and impress your family and friends with your culinary skills! Don’t forget to share your youtiao creations with us in the comments below!