Youtiao (Chinese Fried Dough)
A recipe for Youtiao (Chinese Fried Dough)! Strips of dough are deep-fried until golden with a light and airy center.
Servings 12 Youtiao
Ingredients
- 4 cups (500 grams) all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon (scant) baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2/3 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 egg
- 1 1/8-1 1/4 cups (280-290 milliliters) ice-cold water
- Vegetable oil for oiling and frying
Instructions
- Mix the flour, baking powder, salt, and baking soda in a large bowl.
- In another bowl, whisk the egg and cold water together and gradually mix this into the dry ingredients until it comes together. Mix until a smooth dough is obtained, cover with plastic wrap, and leave in a humid place for 1 1/2 hours.
- Knead the dough until smooth, then let it rest again for an additional 45 minutes.
- In a pot, heat the frying oil to 350˚F (180˚C).
- Meanwhile, on an oiled work surface, roll out the dough to form a rectangle about 1/2 inch (1 centimeter) thick, then cut it into 1 1/4 x 3 1/2 inch (3 x 9 centimeter) strips.
- Stack two strips on top of each other and press down firmly all the way down the length using a chopstick.
- Holding both ends, carefully drop each youtiao into the hot oil.
- Turn constantly for 30 seconds so that they cook evenly on all sides, then remove and transfer to paper towels to drain excess oil.
- These are delicious served with hot or cold soy milk.