Youtiao Fried Dough Sticks

Name: Youtiao Fried Dough Sticks
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 2 tsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp baking soda; 1 tsp salt; 2/3 cup warm water; 2 tbsp neutral oil (vegetable or canola); 4 cups neutral oil (for frying)

50 minMediumServes 4220 cal/serving

ChineseBreakfastStovetopVeganHalal-friendlyDairy-FreeEgg-FreeNut-FreeLow-SodiumPork-FreeAlcohol-FreeNightshade-Free

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Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
2/3 cup warm water
2 tbsp neutral oil (vegetable or canola)
4 cups neutral oil (for frying)

Instructions

1

Whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 2 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp baking soda, and 1 tsp salt in a large bowl.
2

Add 2/3 cup warm water and 2 tbsp neutral oil (vegetable or canola). Mix until a shaggy dough forms, then knead briefly until smooth. The dough will be soft and slightly tacky. Cover with plastic wrap and rest at room temperature for at least 1 hour.
3

After resting, lightly oil a work surface. Roll the dough out into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick. Cut into strips roughly 1 inch wide and 6 inches long. Stack two strips on top of each other and press a chopstick or skewer firmly down the center lengthwise to seal the pair together.
4

Heat 4 cups neutral oil (for frying) in a deep pot or wok to 375°F (190°C). Use a thermometer to confirm the temperature.
5

Working in batches, carefully lower the dough pairs into the hot oil. They will puff and expand. Turn frequently with tongs or chopsticks and fry until golden and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per batch.
6

Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on a paper-towel-lined plate. Serve immediately.

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Questions

What is Youtiao Fried Dough Sticks?

Light and airy Chinese fried dough sticks with a crispy exterior and pillowy interior, classically served alongside soy milk or congee for breakfast. Plan ahead: the dough must rest for at least 1 hour before frying. This reference files it under Chinese breakfast: made on the stovetop, rated medium and about 50 minutes start to finish.

How hot should the oil be for Youtiao Fried Dough Sticks?

For Youtiao Fried Dough Sticks, the frying oil is held at 375 F (about 190 C) in step 4. Hotter scorches the outside before the inside cooks, and cooler turns it greasy.

How do I know when Youtiao Fried Dough Sticks is done?

Go by the cues in the method rather than the clock. Step 5: cook until golden and crispy.

Do I need any special equipment for Youtiao Fried Dough Sticks?

Beyond a knife and a board, the method uses a wok (step 4), a probe thermometer (step 4) and skewers (step 3). If you do not have one, your widest skillet over the hottest burner stands in for the wok.

Can I make Youtiao Fried Dough Sticks gluten-free?

Yes. The gluten in Youtiao Fried Dough Sticks is 2 cups all-purpose flour. Swap the flour for a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking blend (where it only thickens a sauce, half as much cornstarch also works). Everything else proceeds as written.

How long does Youtiao Fried Dough Sticks keep?

Refrigerate what is left of Youtiao Fried Dough Sticks within two hours and eat it within three days. Reheat uncovered in a 400 F oven (or an air fryer) for a few minutes to bring the crust back; the microwave softens it.

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