Chinese Sweet Doughnuts

Sometimes when dining at a Chinese restaurant, the staff might bring out some Chinese-style donuts. These donuts have a unique texture that often makes people want to try making them at home. Today’s recipe will guide you through the steps to create these delicious Chinese donuts.

9 Reviews
9 Comments
POSTED:09/05/2024
Level:Easy
Yield:3-4 servings
Total:1 hr 0 min
(includes chilling time)
Active:35 min

In Chinese restaurants across the U.S., Chinese donuts are often referred to as "crispy fried bread" or "fried dough." While the name may vary, the delicious taste remains the same. Many people think making Chinese donuts at home is challenging, but the process is actually quite simple. This recipe will provide you with practical tips and tricks for making these tasty Chinese donuts.

1. About Chinese Donuts

Chinese donuts are a traditional Chinese dessert typically made from dough consisting of flour, sugar, and yeast, shaped into rounds, and deep-fried until golden brown. Once fried, they are sometimes sprinkled with sugar or coated in syrup to enhance their sweet flavor. These donuts are commonly found at street food stalls and pastry shops across China, making them a beloved treat for many.

2. Why Are Chinese Donuts So Popular?

Chinese donuts are popular for several reasons:

Texture: They have a perfect balance of a crispy exterior and a soft, fluffy interior. The golden, crunchy shell combined with their sweet flavor makes them a favorite among many.

Affordability: Chinese donuts are typically inexpensive, making them an affordable and delicious snack accessible to everyone.

Convenience: Their round shape makes them easy to grab and eat on the go, making them an ideal snack for any time of day.

Cultural Tradition: As a traditional Chinese pastry, Chinese donuts carry rich cultural significance and a long history, which adds to their widespread appeal in China.

3. Why Share This Recipe?

Chinese donuts are a beloved traditional treat that captivates many food enthusiasts. By sharing this recipe, I aim to help people master the art of making Chinese donuts at home, allowing them to enjoy this delicious dessert. I am committed to providing diverse information to meet the needs and interests of different users.

Additionally, as a Chinese person, I hope to introduce and promote Chinese cuisine by sharing the method for making Chinese donuts, encouraging more people to discover and appreciate these traditional foods.

4. Ingredient Overview

To make Chinese donuts, you'll need the following ingredients:

High-gluten Flour: Contains more protein, which helps develop a strong dough, giving the donuts elasticity and chewiness.

Eggs: Add stickiness and elasticity to the dough, provide moisture, and enhance the richness of the donut's texture.

Yeast: A key ingredient for fermentation that causes the dough to rise and expand, resulting in soft and fluffy donuts.

Water: Provides the necessary moisture for the dough, helping to blend the other ingredients and form the dough.

Powdered Sugar: Used for sprinkling on the fried donuts, adding a decorative touch and enhancing the sweetness.

Low-gluten Flour: Contains less protein, making the dough softer and resulting in a finer, more delicate texture.

Salt: Balances the flavor of the dough, ensuring the donuts have a well-rounded taste.

Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness, giving the donuts their sugary flavor.

Butter: Adds fat to the dough, enriching the texture and making the donuts crispier and more flavorful.

5. How to Enjoy Chinese Donuts

There are several ways to enjoy Chinese donuts:

Plain: Eat them as a snack on their own, paired with a cup of hot tea or coffee—perfect for an afternoon treat.

With Dips: Enhance the flavor by dipping them in fruit jams, chocolate sauce, or specialty sweet sauces to create different taste experiences.

With Toppings: Cut the donuts open and add ice cream, fruit, or nuts for a richer dessert option.

Fried Sauce Donuts: Slice the donuts and spread a layer of fried sauce on top, then sprinkle with scallions or sesame seeds for a traditional and unique flavor.

Creative Combinations: Get inventive by cutting the donuts into smaller pieces and mixing them with other ingredients to make dishes like donut salad or other innovative creations based on your taste preferences.

6. How to Store and Reheat Chinese Donuts

Storage: Chinese donuts are best enjoyed fresh. If you need to store them for later, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 48 hours. Avoid refrigerating them, as this can alter their flavor and texture.

Reheating:

Air Fryer: Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for about 60 seconds.

Oven: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 6 to 8 minutes to restore their crispiness.

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If you enjoy our recipes, be sure to follow us! We’ll continue to share more delicious dishes. Now, let’s get started on making those tasty Chinese donuts!

INGREDIENTS

MAIN INGREDIENTS

  • 220g High-gluten Flour
  • 29g Egg
  • 30g Low-gluten Flour
  • 3g Salt
  • 38g Granulated Sugar

ACCESSORIES

  • 3g Yeast
  • 130g Water
  • Sugar Powder (for decoration)
  • 20g Butter
  • 500ml Cooking Oil

DIRECTIONS

STEP 1

Prepare all the ingredients.

Preparation of ingredients is essential.

STEP 2

Mix 220g high-gluten flour, 30g low-gluten flour, 29g egg, 3g salt, 3g yeast, 38g granulated sugar, and 130g water together, and begin kneading the dough.

Recipe for dough: Mix flours, egg, salt, yeast, sugar, and water. Knead the dough.

STEP 3

Knead the dough repeatedly until it can stretch into a thin membrane.

Knead dough until stretchy for thin membrane texture.

STEP 4

Seal the kneaded dough and let it ferment in a 28°C (82°F) environment for 30 minutes.

Ferment kneaded dough in a warm environment for 30 minutes.

STEP 5

After 30 minutes, the dough should have doubled in size, indicating it is properly fermented.

Dough should double in size after 30 minutes for proper fermentation.

STEP 6

Turn the dough out onto a work surface.

Instruction to transfer dough onto a work surface.

STEP 7

Continue kneading and pressing the dough to release any trapped air.

Knead and press dough to release trapped air bubbles.

STEP 8

Fold the dough and shape it into a round ball.

Shape dough into round ball after folding.

STEP 9

Divide the dough into 8 equal portions.

Divide dough into 8 portions for equal size.

STEP 10

Take one portion of the dough.

Take a portion of the dough.

STEP 11

Flatten the dough portion.

Flatten dough.

STEP 12

Roll it out into a long, strip-like shape, similar to a tongue.

Shape the rolled dough into a long, tongue-like strip.

STEP 13

Flip the dough so it lies horizontally.

Rotate the dough horizontally.

STEP 14

Fold the top and bottom edges inward.

Fold edges inward.

STEP 15

Fold the dough in half and pinch the seam to seal it.

Fold dough in half, pinch to seal.

STEP 16

Roll the dough into a long shape, with one end thicker than the other.

Shape dough into long with thicker end; to bake for specific recipes.

STEP 17

Flatten the thicker end.

Flatten thicker end.

STEP 18

Place the thinner end on top of the thicker end to form a ring shape.

Form a ring shape by placing thinner end on top of thicker end.

STEP 19

Pinch and seal the ring to ensure it stays closed.

Instructions to pinch and seal a ring to keep it closed.

STEP 20

Prepare the remaining 7 dough portions in the same way. Once all are shaped, place them on a baking sheet, cover with a damp cloth, and let them proof for 20 minutes at around 30°C (86°F).

Shape 7 dough portions, proof on baking sheet for 20 minutes at 30°C (86°F).

STEP 21

Once the dough has noticeably expanded, proceed to the next step.

Allow dough to expand before moving to the next step.

STEP 22

Heat enough oil in a pan. Fry the donuts one by one until golden brown on both sides, about 1 minute per side.

Fry donuts in hot oil until golden brown on each side.

STEP 23

Remove the fried donuts and let them drain on paper towels.

Remove fried donuts, drain on paper towels.

STEP 24

Finally, sift a layer of powdered sugar over the donuts.

Sprinkle powdered sugar over the donuts for final touch.

STEP 25

Your delicious Chinese donuts are ready to enjoy!

Delicious Chinese donuts ready to enjoy!

Recipe analyzer

  • Recipes: Chinese Sweet Doughnuts
  • Main Ingredients:5
  • Servings per recipe:1
  • Servings size:320 g
Nutritional Summary of Recipe
Amount per 320 g= 1 serving(s)
  • Energy (calories):1347 kcal
    62%
  • Protein:85.79 g
    157%
  • Fat:87.16 g Why gray?
    180%
  • Carbohydrates:78.24 g
    32%
Calorie breakdown
  • Protein: 22%
    301 kcal
  • Fat: 54%
    731 kcal
  • Carbohydrates: 23%
    314 kcal
The chart shows the percentage of calories intake (energy) coming from the respective macronutrients (fats, protein and carbohydrates).
Omega 6 : Omega 3
1:1
20:1
47:1
Both fatty acids are essential, but nowadays the majority of western diets include excessive amounts of Omega 6 acid.

The ratio shows whether the proportion of both fatty acids in your diet is optimal. Red color means too much of Omega 6 or too little of Omega 3. The data are rounded off and approximate.

9 REVIEWS

Review
Your rating:
SavorySavorStudioDecember 16, 2024

Added sesame seeds on top—such a nice touch!
SavorySnackSizzleDecember 01, 2024

My dough didn’t rise, what went wrong?
reply:
December 04, 2024
Check the yeast’s expiration and ensure the water wasn’t too hot.
SavorySensationHubNovember 21, 2024

Reminded me of the doughnuts I had in Chinatown. Amazing!
SavorySensationNovember 08, 2024

How do I store leftovers?
reply:
November 10, 2024
Keep them in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
GourmetGleeOctober 25, 2024

Great recipe! I added cinnamon sugar for extra flavor.
GourmetGaloreOctober 12, 2024

Thank you for this simple recipe. My kids devoured them!
FlavorFablesHubSeptember 28, 2024

Can I use all-purpose flour instead of high-gluten flour?
reply:
October 01, 2024
Yes, but the texture may be less chewy.
SpiceSizzleShowcaseSeptember 14, 2024

Loved the crispy outside and soft inside. Perfect with tea!
GourmetGustoGlimpseSeptember 06, 2024

These doughnuts were a hit with my family—so light and fluffy!
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