Fried Dough Sticks (Youtiao)

Crispy, golden, and delightfully pillowy, Fried Dough Sticks (Youtiao) are a beloved breakfast staple in many Asian cuisines. This classic recipe yields light, airy strips of dough that are fried to perfection, making them irresistibly crisp on the outside and tender on the inside. Made with pantry staples like all-purpose flour, baking powder, and a hint of sugar, these savory treats are easy to prepare and deeply satisfying. The dough is carefully rolled, folded, and pressed before being deep-fried, ensuring signature puffiness with every bite. Perfect served warm alongside a comforting bowl of congee or a cup of soy milk, Youtiao offers a versatile snacking experience that’s equal parts nostalgic and delicious. This recipe is not just a culinary delight but also a cultural treasure—ideal for anyone looking to recreate street food magic at home.

Nutriscore Rating: 50/100

Prep Time:30 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 350 g all-purpose flour
• 10 g baking powder
• 2 g baking soda
• 5 g salt
• 15 g granulated sugar
• 250 ml water
• 30 ml vegetable oil
• 500 ml vegetable oil for frying

Directions

Step 1

In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and granulated sugar. Mix thoroughly to combine the dry ingredients.

Step 2

Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the water and 30 ml of vegetable oil.

Step 3

Use a spatula or your hands to mix the ingredients until a rough dough is formed.

Step 4

Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead it gently for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.

Step 5

Cover the kneaded dough with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and let it rest at room temperature for at least 2 hours, allowing the dough to relax and become more pliable.

Step 6

Once rested, split the dough into two equal portions. Roll each portion into a thin rectangle, approximately 10 cm wide and 1 cm thick.

Step 7

Cut each rectangle into long strips, about 2.5 cm wide. You should end up with multiple strips from each portion.

Step 8

Take two strips and lay one on top of the other. Use a chopstick or the back of a knife to press firmly lengthwise in the center to seal them together.

Step 9

Repeat the stacking and pressing process with the remaining strips.

Step 10

In a large wok or deep frying pan, heat 500 ml of vegetable oil to 180°C (350°F).

Step 11

Carefully stretch one end of a dough strip before lowering it gently into the hot oil.

Step 12

Fry the dough sticks one or two at a time, turning them occasionally with chopsticks, until they puff up and turn golden brown, approximately 2-3 minutes per side.

Step 13

Remove the fried dough sticks and let them drain on a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate.

Step 14

Repeat the frying process with the remaining dough strips.

Step 15

Serve the fried dough sticks warm, accompanied by congee or as a standalone snack.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1163.8 grams (1163.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	5852

Total Fat 529.70g	679%
Saturated Fat 75.70g	379%
Polyunsaturated Fat 17.00g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 3503mg	152%
Total Carbohydrate 286.70g	104%
Dietary Fiber 9.50g	34%
Total Sugars 15.80g
Protein 36.10g	72%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 63mg	5%
Iron 16mg	90%
Potassium 375mg	8%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 78.7%

Protein: 2.4%

Carbs: 18.9%