Low Fat You Tiao (Chinese Fried Dough Sticks)

Discover a lighter twist on a beloved classic with this recipe for Low Fat You Tiao (Chinese Fried Dough Sticks). Perfectly crisp on the outside and soft on the inside, these guilt-free dough sticks are baked or air-fried instead of deep-fried, making them a healthier alternative to traditional you tiao. Crafted from simple pantry staples like all-purpose flour, baking powder, and a touch of sugar, this recipe delivers all the flavor and puffiness you expect while slashing excess oil and calories. Ideal for dipping into soy milk or pairing with savory congee, these golden dough sticks are easy to prepare and ready in under an hour. Embrace the taste of authentic Chinese street food with this wholesome and satisfying recipe!

Nutriscore Rating: 68/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 250 grams All-purpose flour
• 1.5 teaspoons Baking powder
• 0.5 teaspoon Salt
• 10 grams Sugar
• 1 large Egg
• 120 milliliters Warm water
• 1 teaspoon Vegetable oil
• 0 as needed Cooking spray (for baking/air frying)

Directions

Step 1

In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. Stir well to evenly distribute the dry ingredients.

Step 2

In a separate small bowl, whisk together the egg, warm water, and vegetable oil.

Step 3

Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the wet mixture. Gradually stir to incorporate the wet into the dry, forming a rough dough.

Step 4

Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Step 5

Shape the dough into a ball and place it back in the mixing bowl. Cover the bowl with a damp cloth and let it rest for 1 hour to allow the dough to relax.

Step 6

After resting, transfer the dough back to the floured surface and roll it out into a rectangular sheet about 0.5 cm (¼ inch) thick.

Step 7

Cut the dough into strips about 3 cm (1 inch) wide and 10 cm (4 inches) long. Pair the strips together, stacking two at a time. Use a chopstick or the back of a knife to press a line lengthwise down the center of each pair to bind them together.

Step 8

Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F) or set your air fryer to 180°C (350°F). Lightly coat a baking sheet (or air fryer basket) with cooking spray.

Step 9

Carefully place the shaped dough pieces onto the prepared baking sheet or air fryer basket. For baking, brush or spray a little water over the dough to help with browning.

Step 10

Bake for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway, until the sticks are puffed and golden. If air frying, cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crisp.

Step 11

Remove from the oven or air fryer, and let them cool slightly before serving. Enjoy these low-fat You Tiao with a side of soy milk or congee.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(452.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1094.9

Total Fat 14.8g	0%
Saturated Fat 3.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.8g
Cholesterol 219.5mg	0%
Sodium 1966.7mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 204.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 6.8g	0%
Total Sugars 10.6g
Protein 32.4g	0%

Vitamin D 53.8IU	0%
Calcium 59.9mg	0%
Iron 12.5mg	0%
Potassium 338.8mg	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: 12.3%

Protein: 12.0%

Carbs: 75.7%