Gluten-Free Fried Dough Sticks (Youtiao)

Crispy, golden, and surprisingly light, these Gluten-Free Fried Dough Sticks (Youtiao) are a delightful twist on the beloved Chinese breakfast classic. Perfectly crafted with a blend of glutinous rice flour and tapioca starch, this recipe achieves that signature airy texture while remaining entirely gluten-free. Subtle hints of salt and sugar balance the flavors, while xanthan gum ensures the dough holds its shape during frying for that iconic puffiness. Ideal for pairing with warm soy milk or savory congee, these gluten-free youtiao are a must-try for anyone craving traditional Asian flavors with a modern, allergen-friendly spin. Whether you're recreating street food favorites or exploring new culinary horizons, this recipe will transport you straight to the heart of a bustling Chinese breakfast table!

Nutriscore Rating: 44/100

Prep Time:80 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:95 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 150 grams Glutinous rice flour
• 100 grams Tapioca starch
• 1 teaspoon Baking powder
• 1 teaspoon Xanthan gum
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 1 tablespoon Sugar
• 180 milliliters Warm water
• 2 tablespoons Vegetable oil (for dough)
• 500 milliliters Vegetable oil (for frying)

Directions

Step 1

In a large mixing bowl, combine the glutinous rice flour, tapioca starch, baking powder, xanthan gum, salt, and sugar.

Step 2

Gradually add the warm water to the dry ingredients, mixing continuously, until a dough starts to form. You may not need all the water, so add it slowly.

Step 3

Add the vegetable oil to the dough mixture and knead it in until the dough is smooth and no longer sticky.

Step 4

Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for 60 minutes to allow the baking powder to activate fully.

Step 5

After resting, turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface (use glutinous rice flour for dusting) and gently knead it again for 1-2 minutes.

Step 6

Roll the dough into a rectangle about 8 inches long and 4 inches wide. The thickness should be approximately 1/4 inch.

Step 7

Cut the dough into strips that are about 1 inch wide. Pair the strips, placing one on top of the other, and press a chopstick lengthwise down the center to bind them together.

Step 8

In a deep frying pan or wok, heat 500 milliliters of vegetable oil over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).

Step 9

Gently stretch each dough piece to about twice its original length and carefully place it into the hot oil.

Step 10

Fry the dough sticks in batches, turning them over occasionally until they are golden brown and puffed up on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per batch.

Step 11

Remove the fried dough sticks using a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.

Step 12

Serve the gluten-free youtiao warm, ideally with soy milk or congee for an authentic taste experience.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(985.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	5493.5

Total Fat 527.9g	0%
Saturated Fat 75.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 2840.1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 226.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 6.3g	0%
Total Sugars 15.9g
Protein 10.1g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 35.1mg	0%
Iron 2.2mg	0%
Potassium 63.8mg	0%

*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: 83.4%

Protein: 0.7%

Carbs: 15.9%