You Tiao (Chinese Fried Dough Sticks)

Crispy, airy, and delightfully chewy, You Tiao (Chinese Fried Dough Sticks) are a quintessential breakfast treat in Chinese cuisine. These golden-brown delights are made from a simple, yet perfectly balanced, dough enriched with eggs and a touch of sugar for subtle sweetness. Key techniques like kneading and resting the dough ensure its signature light and puffy texture, while a quick deep-fry gives it that irresistible crispiness. Often enjoyed warm alongside creamy soy milk or comforting congee, You Tiao is the perfect combination of hearty and satisfying. Whether you're crafting an authentic Chinese breakfast spread or looking for a snack with a nostalgic twist, this recipe delivers a deliciously traditional experience that’s sure to impress.

Nutriscore Rating: 41/100

Prep Time:90 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:110 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 250 g all-purpose flour
• 5 g baking powder
• 2 g baking soda
• 5 g salt
• 10 g sugar
• 1 medium egg
• 120 ml water
• 30 ml vegetable oil
• 1000 ml oil for frying

Directions

Step 1

In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar. Mix well to ensure even distribution of the dry ingredients.

Step 2

In a separate bowl, beat the egg, then add water and vegetable oil. Mix well.

Step 3

Slowly incorporate the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring with a spatula until a rough dough forms. If the dough feels too dry, add a small amount of water, one tablespoon at a time.

Step 4

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

Step 5

Cover the dough with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and let it rest at room temperature for at least 1 hour to allow the gluten to relax.

Step 6

After resting, roll the dough into a rectangle about 1/4-inch thick. Cut the dough into strips about 2 inches wide.

Step 7

Take two strips and stack them on top of each other. Using a chopstick, press down lengthwise along the center of the strips to adhere them together.

Step 8

Heat the oil for frying in a deep frying pan or pot to 180°C (350°F).

Step 9

Gently stretch each dough piece slightly and slowly drop it into the hot oil. Fry in batches, turning occasionally with chopsticks or a slotted spoon, until they are golden brown and puffy, about 3-4 minutes per batch.

Step 10

Remove the you tiao from the oil and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.

Step 11

Serve warm with soy milk or congee for a traditional Chinese breakfast experience.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1472.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	9845.3

Total Fat 1036.3g	0%
Saturated Fat 148.9g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 18.8g
Cholesterol 196mg	0%
Sodium 3107.3mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 203.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 6.8g	0%
Total Sugars 10.6g
Protein 31.7g	0%

Vitamin D 48IU	0%
Calcium 64.4mg	0%
Iron 12.4mg	0%
Potassium 331.2mg	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: 90.8%

Protein: 1.2%

Carbs: 7.9%