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)

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.

50 minMediumServes 4220 cal/serving

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

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.

Questions

Can I make Youtiao Fried Dough Sticks gluten-free?

Yes. The gluten in this entry 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 leftovers within two hours and eat them 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.

Can I halve or double Youtiao Fried Dough Sticks?

Yes. As written it serves 4. Every ingredient in this entry carries precomputed half and double quantities, and the app's batch dial rewrites them inside each step. When doubling on the stovetop, use your widest pan or work in two batches so the food sears instead of steaming.

Serve it with

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