| Prep: 2 hours | Cook: 15 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 365 | 24g | 3g | 33g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 1g | 2g | 6g | 0.3g |
About Youtiao
Touted as China’s beloved breakfast staple, the Youtiao, often known as Chinese crullers, is an inviting journey of taste and tradition. It has been comforting the Chinese morning routines since the Song Dynasty, uniting the country’s rich history with the palate’s craving for light, subtle crispness. Intriguingly simple in its essence, the Youtiao possesses the humble power to uplift the spirit, its golden strip playing the part of a delightful tease first thing in the morning.
You may get lured in by the benign charm of this elongated golden-brown treat, for Youtiao has an uncanny knack of forging an everlasting bond of endearment. It has also gained popularity in other South East Asian countries such as Vietnam, Indonesia and the Philippines, each of them imprinting their unique twist and interpretation on this classic snack.
Unraveling The Magic Of Youtiao’s Taste and Texture
To delve deeper into what makes Youtiao such a beloved snack, we must understand the beauty hidden in its simplicity. The allure of a perfectly hand-stretched, deep-fried dough strip, light as a feather, with a mild crunch on the outside and pillowy softness inside is just irresistible. It offers an almost blanket-like culinary comfort, evoking the charm of traditional Chinese kitchens and what they represent – an endemic culture of warmth, creativity, and love.
Tasting Youtiao: Complementary Dishes to Elevate Your Experience
A true gastronomic adventure with Youtiao lies in pairing this comfort food with other dishes that accentuate or complement its taste. One popular partner is Soy Milk, lending a contrasting silky texture and slightly sweet flavor that marries beautifully with the savory Youtiao. Having youtiao dipped into a heart-warming bowl of Congee (rice porridge) is another classic serving teammate you don’t want to miss out on. The mix of textures and flavors in this comforting bowl will make you yearn for more.
For a contemporary twist, try teaming it with some Coconut Jam (Kaya) for a unique blend of sweet and salty symphony. Even as a standalone snack or a side dish, Youtiao can bring charm and texture, effortlessly mingling with the flavors on your plate.
Embrace The Art, Perfect The Skill
The art of making Youtiao lies not only in its ingredients but also in the craftsmanship that honors centuries of culinary tradition. The meticulous process of making this bread, from mixing all ingredients to hand-stretching the dough and finally deep-frying, deserves admiration. Beyond just flavor, it is this human connection and culture you can taste in every bite of Youtiao.
Ultimately, Youtiao is more than just a bread. It’s an embodiment of cultural harmony that brings people together around the table – a delightful testament to the grandeur of simplicity and authenticity of taste. Embrace the art of Youtiao, and unravel a world of gastronomical delight and cultural understanding. Happy cooking!
What You’ll Need
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cups warm water
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon alcohol (rum or gin)
- 1/2 teaspoon alum powder
- 2 cups vegetable oil (for frying)
Method
Step One
Start by sifting together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt into a large bowl.
Step Two
In a separate bowl, combine the warm water, vinegar, alcohol and alum. Mix until the alum is completely dissolved.
Step Three
Gradually add the liquid mixture to the flour mixture while stirring. Knead until a smooth, tough dough forms. Drizzle the dough with the tablespoon of vegetable oil and knead again until the oil is fully incorporated.
Step Four
Cover the dough and let it rest for at least 4 hours or overnight in the refrigerator.
Step Five
After resting, turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Divide the dough in half and roll each part into a long, flat strip about 1/4 inch thick.
Step Six
Cut the dough strips into pieces that are about 4 inches long. Take one piece, lay it on top of another and press them together lightly with a chopstick in the middle.
Step Seven
Heat the 2 cups of vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large wok to 375°F (190°C). Hold the pressed dough pieces at both ends and stretch them to about twice their original length. Immediately drop them into the hot oil.
Step Eight
Fry until golden brown on both sides, turning once. The dough should puff up and split open at the chopstick mark, forming the characteristic “open-legged” shape of youtiao.
Step Nine
Remove the youtiao with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Serve hot and enjoy!
