Gluten-Free You Tiao (Chinese Fried Dough Sticks)

Craving the crispy, fluffy texture of traditional you tiao but need a gluten-free option? This recipe for **Gluten-Free You Tiao (Chinese Fried Dough Sticks)** delivers all the nostalgic satisfaction of this classic breakfast treat without the gluten! Made using a combination of gluten-free all-purpose flour and tapioca starch, these fried dough sticks achieve that signature golden puff with just the right amount of chewiness. Perfectly airy and lightly savory with a subtle hint of sweetness, they’re an ideal companion to warm congee, soy milk, or your favorite dipping sauces. With thoughtful techniques like resting the dough for optimal hydration and using precise frying temperatures, this recipe ensures success every time. Whether you’re tackling a gluten-free diet or simply looking to expand your culinary repertoire, this is a must-try recipe for authentic homemade Chinese you tiao!

Nutriscore Rating: 42/100

Prep Time:90 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:105 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 260 grams Gluten-free all-purpose flour (with xanthan gum)
• 40 grams Tapioca starch
• 1.5 teaspoons Baking powder
• 0.5 teaspoons Baking soda
• 0.5 teaspoons Salt
• 1 tablespoon Sugar
• 1 large Egg
• 180 milliliters Warm water
• 2 tablespoons Neutral-flavored oil (e.g., vegetable or canola)
• 1000 milliliters Oil for frying

Directions

Step 1

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the gluten-free all-purpose flour, tapioca starch, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar until well combined.

Step 2

In a separate bowl, lightly beat the egg. Add the warm water and neutral-flavored oil to the egg and mix well.

Step 3

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients gradually, stirring with a wooden spoon or spatula until a sticky dough forms. Avoid overmixing.

Step 4

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let the dough rest at room temperature for 1 hour to hydrate and relax.

Step 5

Lightly dust a clean work surface with a bit of tapioca starch. Turn out the dough and gently shape it into a rectangle about 1 inch thick.

Step 6

Use a knife or bench scraper to cut the dough into strips approximately 6 inches long and 1 inch wide. Pair two strips together, one on top of the other, and press a chopstick lengthwise in the middle of the stacked strips to adhere them together.

Step 7

Heat the oil for frying in a deep pan or wok to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to ensure the oil stays at the correct temperature throughout the cooking process.

Step 8

Carefully stretch each dough piece slightly before lowering it into the oil. Fry 1-2 pieces at a time, turning occasionally, until golden brown and puffed, about 2-3 minutes per side.

Step 9

Remove the fried dough sticks from the oil using a slotted spoon and drain on a wire rack or paper towels. Repeat with the remaining dough.

Step 10

Serve the gluten-free you tiao warm with congee, soy milk, or dipping sauce of your choice.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1591.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	10067.5

Total Fat 1038.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 147.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.0g
Cholesterol 219.5mg	0%
Sodium 2603.5mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 242.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 6.9g	0%
Total Sugars 16.2g
Protein 19.7g	0%

Vitamin D 53.8IU	0%
Calcium 77.2mg	0%
Iron 4.8mg	0%
Potassium 183.5mg	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: 89.9%

Protein: 0.8%

Carbs: 9.3%