Chinese Doughnut Sticks: 7 Steps to Crispy Perfection

Chinese Doughnut Sticks are a beloved staple in Chinese cuisine, often enjoyed for breakfast or as a delightful snack. These crispy, airy sticks, also known as you tiao, are perfect for dipping in soy milk or enjoying alongside congee. With their irresistible crunch and light texture, they are a must-try for anyone seeking authentic Chinese flavors.

Why You’ll Love This Chinese Doughnut Sticks

There are countless reasons to love these Chinese doughnut sticks. First, they are incredibly easy to make, requiring only a few basic ingredients. Second, the satisfaction of frying them to golden perfection is unmatched. Third, they are versatile; you can serve them with sweet or savory dips. Fourth, they make for a delightful breakfast, often enjoyed with soy milk. Fifth, they can be a fun project for family cooking sessions. Sixth, once you learn how to make Chinese doughnut sticks, you’ll be able to impress your friends with your culinary skills. Lastly, they are a popular treat in China, making them a great way to experience traditional Chinese culture.

Ingredients for Chinese Doughnut Sticks

Gather these items:

• 400 g all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon baking soda (optional)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 eggs lightly beaten (combine with water to total 250g)
• 2 tablespoons neutral cooking oil (with more for coating)
• Flour for dusting
• Oil for deep-frying

How to Make Chinese Doughnut Sticks Step-by-Step

1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 400 g all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons baking powder, ¼ teaspoon baking soda (if using), and ½ teaspoon salt. Add the lightly beaten eggs along with enough water to make a total of 250g. Stir until a smooth dough forms.
2. Step 2: Pour in 2 tablespoons of neutral cooking oil and mix it into the dough thoroughly.
3. Step 3: Lightly coat the dough with some extra oil, then cover it with a cloth or plastic wrap. Let it rest for at least 30 minutes.
4. Step 4: On a well-floured surface, roll the rested dough to your desired thickness—around ½ inch is ideal.
5. Step 5: Using a sharp knife or dough cutter, cut the dough into long strips or fun shapes, as you prefer. Dust them lightly with flour to prevent sticking.
6. Step 6: Heat your deep-frying oil until it reaches about 350°F. Carefully add the dough pieces, frying until they are golden brown and puffed up—about 2-3 minutes on each side.

Pro Tips for the Best Chinese Doughnut Sticks

Keep these in mind:

• Ensure your oil is hot enough before adding the dough to avoid greasy sticks.
• Resting the dough is crucial for achieving that perfect puffiness.
• Experiment with different shapes for fun variations.
• For a vegan version, replace eggs with a mixture of ground flaxseed and water.

Best Ways to Serve Chinese Doughnut Sticks

These delicious fried dough sticks can be served in several delightful ways. Pair them with soy milk for a traditional Chinese breakfast. Alternatively, try them with a sweetened condensed milk dip for a dessert twist. You can also enjoy them with savory soups, making them a versatile addition to any meal.

How to Store and Reheat Chinese Doughnut Sticks

To store your Chinese doughnut sticks, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, consider freezing them. When ready to enjoy, reheat in an oven or air fryer for a few minutes to restore their crispy texture.

Frequently Asked Questions About Chinese Doughnut Sticks

What’s the secret to perfect Chinese Doughnut Sticks?

The secret lies in the resting time of the dough and the temperature of the oil. Resting allows the gluten to relax, ensuring a soft, airy texture. Additionally, maintaining the right oil temperature is key to achieving that golden, crispy exterior.

Can I make Chinese Doughnut Sticks ahead of time?

While it’s best to enjoy them fresh, you can prepare the dough in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just remember to let it come to room temperature before frying to achieve the best results.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Chinese Doughnut Sticks?

To avoid common mistakes, make sure your oil is hot enough before frying. Also, don’t skip the resting step, as this is crucial for the dough’s texture. Finally, ensure you cut the sticks evenly to ensure they cook uniformly.

Variations of Chinese Doughnut Sticks You Can Try

There are several fun variations of you tiao to explore. Try adding spices like five-spice powder to the dough for a unique twist. You can also create a sweet version by incorporating sugar into the dough. For a savory touch, experiment with herbs like chives. These variations keep your breakfast exciting and flavorful!

For more about the author, visit About Me. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us. For privacy information, check our Privacy Policy. Please read our Disclaimer for more details. You can also learn more about our author.

For more information on traditional Chinese breakfast items, you can visit The Spruce Eats.

Chinese Doughnut Sticks: 7 Steps to Crispy Perfection

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Enjoy delightful Chinese doughnut sticks (youtiao) that are crispy on the outside and airy inside, perfect for breakfast or any meal.

• Author: Olivia
• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 70 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4
• Category: Breakfast
• Method: Deep-frying
• Cuisine: Chinese
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 400 g all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon baking soda (optional)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 eggs lightly beaten (combine with water to total 250g)
• 2 tablespoons neutral cooking oil (with more for coating)
• Flour for dusting
• Oil for deep-frying

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine 400 g all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons baking powder, ¼ teaspoon baking soda (if using), and ½ teaspoon salt. Add the lightly beaten eggs along with enough water to make a total of 250g. Stir until a smooth dough forms.
2. Pour in 2 tablespoons of neutral cooking oil and mix it into the dough thoroughly.
3. Lightly coat the dough with some extra oil, then cover it with a cloth or plastic wrap. Let it rest for at least 30 minutes.
4. On a well-floured surface, roll the rested dough to your desired thickness—around ½ inch is ideal.
5. Using a sharp knife or dough cutter, cut the dough into long strips or fun shapes, as you prefer. Dust them lightly with flour to prevent sticking.
6. Heat your deep-frying oil until it reaches about 350°F. Carefully add the dough pieces, frying until they are golden brown and puffed up—about 2-3 minutes on each side.

Notes

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 stick
• Calories: 200
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 100 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg