Homemade Chinese Donuts (Youtiao/油条）

Why you'll love this recipe

There is nothing like the smell of fresh, homemade You Tiao—they are infinitely better than frozen versions.
They are incredibly airy and light, with a distinct "double-tube" shape that is perfect for dipping into soy milk.
This recipe uses common pantry ingredients to create an authentic Chinese brunch experience at home.

Key Ingredients

High-Protein Flour: Provides the gluten structure needed to create those massive air pockets inside the donut.
Ammonium Bicarbonate (or extra Baking Powder): The traditional leavening agent that gives these their signature "crunchy-yet-airy" bite.
Oil: A high-smoke point oil is essential for the rapid expansion needed when the dough hits the pan.

✅Quick Tips: Press two strips of dough together with a dampened chopstick in the center; this bond is what allows them to puff up symmetrically.

Key Steps

#1: Let your dough rest overnight in the fridge; cold dough is easier to handle and develops better flavor.

#2: Fry in very hot oil, rotating the donuts constantly with chopsticks to ensure they expand evenly on all sides.

Cooking Method: Vegetables

Courses: Breakfast, Dumplings & Buns

Description

Golden and airy, these fried sticks deliver a satisfying crunch. A must-try traditional breakfast.

Ingredients

Instructions

1
Mix dough: Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda. Add egg, water, oil, sugar, and salt. Mix and combine until smooth. Surface should be rough
2
Rest: Cover and let the dough rest 30 minutes and perform stretch, repeat this process 3 times, and cover with lid and let it rest overnight or for 5+ hours.
3
Shape: Roll dough into a ½-inch thick rectangle. Cut into strips. Stack two strips and press a chopstick down the center to seal.
4
Heat oil: Preheat oil to 375°F (190°C).
5
Fry: Gently stretch each piece and fry 2–3 min until golden, turning constantly.
6
Serve: Enjoy warm with soy milk or congee.

Keywords: You Tiao, Chinese, Donuts, Fried