Chinese Donut Stick Recipe

If you're looking for a delicious Chinese breakfast, these light, fluffy, and chewy Chinese donut sticks are perfect for you. I'll provide you with an easy-to-follow recipe and show you how to handle high-moisture dough so you can enjoy fresh Chinese donut sticks at home anytime.

Chinese donut sticks are a popular breakfast staple in China, often enjoyed with soy milk as the perfect pairing. With this recipe, you can learn to make golden, crispy Chinese donut sticks at home. We'll guide you through each step and technique to master this delicious treat.

1. What Are Chinese Donut Sticks?

Chinese donut sticks, also known as guozi, youtiao, or Chinese crullers, are a traditional Chinese pastry with a long history. These treats are long, hollow, and have a crispy exterior with a chewy texture. You can think of them as fried Chinese breadsticks.

Chinese donut sticks are often paired perfectly with soy milk. When dipped in soy milk, their soft texture absorbs the liquid, creating a delicious, juicy bite. Like many other traditional Chinese snacks, such as hulu and jianbing, Chinese donut sticks are a staple of Chinese street food and breakfast culture, commonly found in breakfast shops or sold by street vendors.

According to the History of Song, the origins of Chinese donut sticks date back to the Song Dynasty. At that time, people created a similar fried dough as a way to protest against Qin Hui’s persecution of General Yue Fei, calling it “fried Hui.” However, similar fried doughs existed long before the Tang Dynasty, though their exact origins remain uncertain.

2. Ingredients

To make Chinese donut sticks, you’ll need the following ingredients:

Flour: The main ingredient in Chinese donut sticks, flour provides the carbohydrates and gluten that give the donut sticks their chewy texture and satisfying mouthfeel.

Eggs: Eggs enhance the texture and nutritional value of the donut sticks. The fat and protein in the yolk add rich flavor and a tender crumb to the final product.

Warm Milk: Warm milk not only aids in the fermentation of the dough but also improves the overall smoothness and texture of the donut sticks.

Salt: Salt is used for seasoning and helps regulate the fermentation process, making the dough more elastic and ensuring the donut sticks have a good bite.

Baking Powder: Baking powder causes the dough to rise, making the donut sticks light, airy, and larger in volume.

3. Tips for Making Perfect Chinese Donut Sticks

Creating delicious Chinese donut sticks requires mastering some key techniques and paying attention to important details. Here are the secrets to successful homemade Chinese donut sticks:

Proper Ingredient Ratios: Ensure the correct proportions of flour, water, leavening agents, and other ingredients to achieve the desired dough texture and flavor.

Adequate Fermentation Time: Allow the dough to fully ferment, making the donut sticks light and fluffy. Keep an eye on room temperature and humidity, which can affect fermentation. The dough should ferment for at least 2 hours, but for the best results, refrigerate it overnight.

Correct Oil Temperature: When frying, maintain the oil temperature between 170-180°C (340-355°F). If the oil is too hot or too cold, it will affect the texture of the donut sticks. The right temperature will produce a golden, crispy exterior with a soft interior.

Proper Amount of Oil: Use an appropriate amount of oil in the pan—not too much and not too little—to ensure even frying and the best texture.

Thorough Kneading: Knead the dough until it’s smooth and elastic. This helps create a better texture in the final product.

Appropriate Size: Shape the dough sticks to a medium size to ensure even cooking during frying.

Consistent Frying: Continuously flip the donut sticks while frying to ensure even heating and avoid overcooking or undercooking.

Serve Fresh: Chinese donut sticks are best enjoyed fresh from the fryer when they are at their crispiest and most flavorful.

4. Why Do Chinese Donut Sticks Split Apart?

If the two halves of the Chinese donut sticks split apart during frying, it could be due to one of two reasons: over-frying or not pressing the dough halves together tightly enough. To avoid this, make sure to press the dough firmly when preparing the donut sticks. When frying, cook them just until both sides are golden brown, then remove them from the oil. Over-frying not only increases the likelihood of the donut sticks splitting but also affects their texture, making them less fluffy and crispy.

5. Key Indicators of Perfect Chinese Donut Sticks

You can determine the success of your Chinese donut sticks by assessing the following factors:

Expansion: During frying, each piece of dough should expand to four times its original size, creating large air pockets within its structure.

Texture: A perfect Chinese donut stick has a crispy exterior and a chewy interior, offering a rich and satisfying texture.

Structural Integrity: The donut sticks are formed by pressing two pieces of dough together. They should stick firmly during frying but easily separate when cooked. They make excellent breadsticks for dipping in soy milk or hotpot, as they absorb liquid without becoming soggy.

Flavor: The saltiness should be well-balanced, leaving a delicious taste that lingers without being overly greasy.

6. How to Store Chinese Donut Sticks

Storage: Freshly fried Chinese donut sticks taste the best, so it's recommended to enjoy them right away. If you have leftovers, place them in a sealed bag and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating: To enjoy them later, re-fry them over low heat or reheat them in the oven. Preheat the oven to 180°C (356°F) and heat the donut sticks for 4-5 minutes.

7. What to Pair with Chinese Donut Sticks

Freshly made Chinese donut sticks are delicious on their own with a crispy texture. In China, the best pairing is with soy milk. Dipping them into savory (or sweet) soy milk provides a satisfying and energizing start to your day. They also pair well with stir-fried noodles, rice rolls, or any type of noodles.

8. More Delicious Fried Recipes

Chinese Style Fried Chicken

Korean Fried Chicken

Fried Wontons

Sesame Balls

Now that you have a deeper understanding of Chinese donut sticks, if you enjoyed our recipe, be sure to follow us for more high-quality content. Let’s get started and make some delicious Chinese donut sticks together!