If you’ve ever had a warm, crispy stick of youtiao (油条) alongside congee or dipped into soy milk, you already know the magic of this beloved Chinese breakfast classic. Sometimes called Chinese crullers or Chinese donuts, these golden, airy dough sticks are deep-fried to puffy perfection. Crispy on the outside, light and chewy on the inside.
This recipe shows you how to make traditional youtiao at home, using simple ingredients and no yeast. Plus, it’s a great starting point for experimenting with both sweet and savory twists
🥖 What Is Youtiao?
Youtiao literally means “oil stick” in Chinese, and it’s been a staple of Chinese breakfast culture for centuries. Usually served with congee or soy milk, it’s crispy, airy, and slightly salty—a perfect contrast to milder dishes.
This type of fried dough also exists across many Asian cultures:
- In Thailand, it’s called Pa Thong Ko and often paired with pandan custard.
- In Malaysia, it’s known as You Char Kway and sometimes stuffed into savory sandwiches.
- In Vietnam, it’s Giò cháo quẩy—cut into pieces and dropped into pho.
Whether you call it youtiao, cruller, or fried dough stick, it’s a dish that bridges cultures and brings comfort in every bite.
🍽️ How to Serve Youtiao
One of youtiao’s best qualities is how versatile it is:
Savory Ideas
- Serve alongside congee or soy milk
- Slice and stuff into breakfast sandwiches or jianbing (savory Chinese crepes)
- Dip into hot pot broths or use as a crunchy topping for noodle soups like pho
Sweet Ideas
- Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with condensed milk
- Serve with Thai-style pandan coconut custard
- Dip in chocolate sauce or even ice cream!
💡 Tips for Success
- Rest time is key. Give the dough time to relax so it stretches easily and puffs up in oil.
- Press firmly. When stacking dough pieces, press hard with the chopstick to make sure they stick.
- Hot oil, constant motion. Keep the dough moving in the oil to help it expand and cook evenly.
How to Make a Chinese Donut (Youtiao / 油条)
Ingredients
- 250 g all-purpose flour
- 6 g baking powder
- 3 g baking soda
- 3 g salt
- 10 g vegetable oil
- 165 g water
- vegetable oil, for kneading and frying
Instructions
1. Make the Dough
In a large bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Mix the water and 10 g oil together, then pour into the dry ingredients.
Gently stir until no dry bits remain. Cover and let rest for 20 minutes.
⚠️ Don’t over-knead—this dough likes to stay relaxed for max puffiness.
2. Fold and Rest
Oil your hands and work surface.
Gently flatten the dough into a rectangle (~1 cm thick), then fold each side in thirds like a letter.
Repeat 2–3 times until smooth. Cover and rest the dough for 2–3 hours at room temp, or overnight in the fridge.
3. Shape the Dough
Lightly flour your surface. Stretch the dough into a long rectangle (about 50 cm x 8 cm).
Let rest for 10 minutes. Cut into 12 pieces, about 4 cm wide.
Use a wet chopstick to press a line down the center of 6 pieces. Stack them with the remaining 6 pieces and press down again to stick them together.
4. Fry the Youtiao
Heat neutral oil in a wide wok or pan to 400°F (200°C).
Stretch each piece to double its length and carefully drop into the hot oil.
Use chopsticks or tongs to rotate the stick constantly—it’ll help puff up beautifully. Fry until golden brown on all sides, then drain on paper towels.
Chinese Donuts (Youtiao / 油条)
🧡 Final Thoughts
Whether you’re craving a nostalgic breakfast from your childhood, or you’re curious to try a dish that’s loved across Asia, this homemade youtiao recipe delivers all the crispy, chewy satisfaction. Make a batch, serve it warm, and don’t be surprised when they disappear fast.
