A 1000-Year-Old Chinese Breakfast! Easy Homemade Youtiao (No Yeast Needed)

all-purpose flour

🥗Healthier: whole wheat flour

💰Cheaper: bread flour

Whole wheat flour adds fiber and nutrients.

yeast

💰Cheaper: baking soda

Baking soda can be used for a quicker rise.

sugar

🥗Healthier: honey

💰Cheaper: brown sugar

Honey provides natural sweetness.

Pour 135ml water into a bowl.

Pour 135ml milk into the bowl.

Add 1 egg and mix well.

Add 500g all purpose flour, 5g salt, 12g white sugar, 5g baking powder, and 3g baking soda; mix well.

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until a rough dough forms.

Melt 3 tbsp unsalted butter in the microwave for 20-30 seconds and add it to the dough.

Use the press and fold method to form the dough until it feels smooth and springy.

Cover and rest for 15 minutes.

After 15 minutes, place the dough on a working surface and divide it in half.

Press, fold, and shape each piece into a log.

Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and let rest for at least 4 hours at room temperature.

After 4 hours, unwrap and stretch the dough gently.

Dust with flour and roll flat with a rolling pin.

Cut into 1.5cm strips.

Dip a bamboo skewer in water and draw a line on one strip.

Stack each second piece on top of a piece that has a water line.

Heat cooking oil over medium heat.

Press off the ends of the dough and use the bamboo skewer to press a line down the center.

Repeat with all pieces.

Use one of the dough ends to test the oil; bubbles mean it’s ready.

Gently stretch each piece and place it into the oil.

Flip continuously using chopsticks until golden and puffed.

Fry remaining pieces.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens