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5.0 from 3 votes

Youtiao (Chinese Fried Dough)

A recipe for Youtiao (Chinese Fried Dough)! Strips of dough are deep-fried until golden with a light and airy center.

Prep Time
30 mins
Cook Time
30 mins
Additional Time
2 hrs 2 mins
Total Time
2 hrs 42 mins
Servings: 12 Youtiao
Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: Chinese

Ingredients

  • 4 cups (500 grams) all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon (scant) baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2/3 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 egg
  • 1 1/8-1 1/4 cups (280-290 milliliters) ice-cold water
  • vegetable oil for oiling and frying

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Mix the flour, baking powder, salt, and baking soda in a large bowl.
  2. In another bowl, whisk the egg and cold water together and gradually mix this into the dry ingredients until it comes together. Mix until a smooth dough is obtained, cover with plastic wrap, and leave in a humid place for 1 1/2 hours.
  3. Knead the dough until smooth, then let it rest again for an additional 45 minutes.
  4. In a pot, heat the frying oil to 350˚F (180˚C).
  5. Meanwhile, on an oiled work surface, roll out the dough to form a rectangle about 1/2 inch (1 centimeter) thick, then cut it into 1 1/4 x 3 1/2 inch (3 x 9 centimeter) strips.
  6. Stack two strips on top of each other and press down firmly all the way down the length using a chopstick.
  7. Holding both ends, carefully drop each youtiao into the hot oil.
  8. Turn constantly for 30 seconds so that they cook evenly on all sides, then remove and transfer to paper towels to drain excess oil.
  9. These are delicious served with hot or cold soy milk.