Roughly translated to “Oil Strips” in Mandarin, Youtiao is airy, golden fried sticks of dough that taste similar to savory donuts or churros. They are one of the most common breakfast recipes in China and a very desired breakfast item in various Asian countries.
This recipe was created by the people to curse Qin and his wife surnamed Wang in the Southern dynasty. It twists two pieces of dough joined in the middle and then deep-fried in hot to achieve a crunchy texture from the outside.
Effortless Breakfast Youtiao Recipe!
From region to region, you will see different types of breakfast recipes in China, but youtiao, a fried stick of dough, is one of the most versatile breakfast recipes in the country. These crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside fried sticks are tantalizing in taste.
It is commonly served with congee at breakfast. So, if you are bored of eating your cliched breakfast recipes and looking for something lighter, then you can give this recipe a chance. Dip them in soy milk, wrap youtiao in steamed rice noodles, or chop them and stir fry them – you can enjoy them as you want!
So, let’s see how you can make this delicious Chinese Youtiao recipe at home.
Quick Stats
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Servings: 10 pieces
Ingredients
- ½ cup filtered water
- 1 large egg
- 2 ¼ cups, all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons cold, unsalted butter
- 8 cups vegetable oil, for frying
Method to Prepare
- Take a medium bowl and add water and egg. Whisk them together until it is smooth and well combined.
- Add flour, baking powder, and salt to a stand mixer jar. Blend well until everything is thoroughly combined, for about half a minute.
- Now, add the butter and egg mixture and knead the dough using a dough hook in the stand mixer.
- Mix everything on a low speed until liquid is absorbed and there is no dry flour remaining in the jar, for about 3 minutes.
- Then, increase the speed to medium-low until the butter is fully incorporated and the dough starts to clear the sides of the bowl.
- Once done, transfer it to a dust-free work surface and knead for half a minute.
- Press the log flat into ¾ -inch thickness and plastic wrap it. Slide it into the refrigerator for about 12 hours.
- After 12 hours, remove the dough from the fridge and bring it to room temperature.
- Unwrap the dough and transfer it to a well-dusted work surface and roll it into a 10X6-inch rectangle.
- With the help of a pizza cutter, cut 10 6-inch strips and cover the dough loosely with a damp paper towel to prevent drying.
- Meanwhile, heat oil in a dutch oven over medium-high flame. Keep chopsticks and salt nearby.
- Cut one stripe half crosswise to create two stripes.
- Now, brush the unfloured top side lightly with water and then layer the second strip, directly on top of the brushed stripe.
- Seal the stripes with the help of chopsticks by pressing firmly.
- Repeat the same process for the remaining stripes. Once it is done, let the dough stripes rest for 8 minutes.
- Carefully, hold both ends of the stripe and stretch it. Lower the dough stripes into the heated oil. Cook for 10 minutes, until the sticks begin to float.
- Flip the dough sticks and cook for another 10 to 15 more seconds, until they are golden brown.
- Sprinkle with kosher salt and serve!
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Final Words
This quick youtiao recipe is effortless to make and delicious to make. This simple recipe will present you with a delectable dish to begin your morning with. So, if you want to freshen up your breakfast menu, then you can try this breakfast recipe.
