20 Best Chinese Crullers Recipe Unleash Your Inner Chef!
Published on: Mar 22, 2024
In recent years, Chinese crullers have become a popular breakfast item among foodies and culinary enthusiasts. These fried dough pastries, also known as youtiao, have a crispy exterior and a soft, fluffy interior that make them the perfect accompaniment to a hot cup of soy milk or congee. While there are many variations of this traditional Chinese dish, this recipe will guide you through the process of making the best Chinese crullers. So put on your apron and get ready to impress your friends and family with this delicious and easy-to-follow recipe!
Main Ingredients: Flour, Sugar, Lukewarm Water, Yeast, Water, Baking
Youtiao, also known as Chinese crullers, are a staple in Chinese cuisine. These deep-fried dough sticks are crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, making them the perfect accompaniment to a bowl of congee or soy milk.
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Chinese Beef Stir-Fry with YouTiao (Chinese Fried...
Main Ingredients: Flank Steak, Cornstarch, Baking Soda, Vegetable Oil
In this dish, the crispy youtiao adds a delicious crunch to the tender beef and vegetables. It's a popular street food in China and is often served on skewers for easy snacking.
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Chinese Crullers/You Tiao
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Water, Baking Powder, Baking Soda
These versatile fried dough sticks can also be eaten on their own as a snack. Dip them in soy sauce or sweet chili sauce for a tasty treat. They can also be used as a topping for noodle soups or chopped up and added to stir-fries.
This American-Chinese dish is a crowd-pleaser with its crispy fried chicken coated in a tangy orange sauce. Serve it with rice and steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
This classic Chinese dish is made with tender slices of beef and crisp broccoli in a savory brown sauce. It's a quick and easy stir-fry that can be on the table in under 30 minutes.
Fried rice is a staple in Chinese cuisine and is a great way to use up leftover rice and vegetables. This version is made with egg, peas, and carrots, but you can customize it with your favorite protein and veggies.
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Chinese Chicken Thighs
Main Ingredients: Chicken Thighs, Olive Oil, Minced Ginger, Minced
This recipe for Chinese chicken thighs is a healthier alternative to the classic takeout dish. The chicken is marinated in a flavorful sauce and then baked to crispy perfection in the oven.
If you love the classic Chinese takeout dish, you'll love this homemade version made with fresh broccoli and tender chicken in a savory sauce. Serve it over rice for a complete meal.
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Chinese Doughnut (Crisp Fried Breadstick) | 油條 Yóutiáo
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Vegetable Oil, Baking Powder, Cane
These crispy fried breadsticks are a popular breakfast food in China and are often eaten with congee or soy milk. They are also a favorite among children as a snack.
This comforting soup is made with a savory broth and delicate strands of egg. It's a quick and easy soup to make and is a great way to start a Chinese meal.
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Youtiao - Traditional Chinese Crullers
Main Ingredients: Flour, Sugar, Vegetable Oil, Instant Dry Yeast, Milk
This traditional recipe for youtiao is made with simple ingredients like flour, yeast, and water. The dough is fried to crispy perfection and is a popular street food in China.
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Classic Pork Fried Rice - A Chinese Takeout favorite
Main Ingredients: Hot Water, Honey, Sesame Oil, Shaoxing Wine, Soy Sauce
If you're a fan of pork fried rice, you'll love this homemade version. It's made with tender pieces of pork, rice, and a variety of vegetables for a well-rounded and delicious meal.
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Egg Fried Rice - An Easy Chinese
Main Ingredients: Cooked Rice, Large Eggs, Paprika, Turmeric, Oil, Medium
This classic Chinese dish is a staple on many takeout menus. It's made with fluffy scrambled eggs, rice, and a variety of vegetables, making it a great dish to use up leftovers.
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Fried Chicken Wings, Chinese Takeout Style
Main Ingredients: Chicken Wings, Black Pepper, White Pepper, Garlic
These crispy fried chicken wings are coated in a sweet and savory sauce that's reminiscent of the famous Chinese takeout dish. They make a great appetizer or snack.
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Chinese Broccoli Beef
Main Ingredients: Sirloin Steak, Soy Sauce, Cornstarch, Freshly Ground
This stir-fry dish is made with tender slices of beef and crisp broccoli in a flavorful sauce. It's a quick and easy meal that's perfect for busy weeknights.
These homemade egg rolls are filled with a savory mixture of pork, cabbage, and carrots and are fried to crispy perfection. They make a great appetizer or snack.
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Classic Beef Fried Rice - A Chinese Takeout
Main Ingredients: Flank Steak, Salt, Water, Baking Soda, Dark Soy Sauce
This classic dish is a staple on many Chinese takeout menus. It's made with tender slices of beef, rice, and a variety of vegetables, making it a well-rounded and satisfying meal.
This Chinese-style BBQ pork is made with tender slices of pork marinated in a sweet and savory sauce. It's a delicious addition to stir-fries, fried rice, or noodle dishes.
This stir-fry dish is made with tender pieces of chicken and a variety of vegetables in a flavorful sauce. It's a quick and easy meal that's perfect for busy weeknights.
This classic Chinese dish is made with tender pieces of chicken coated in a sweet and sour sauce. Serve it with steamed rice and vegetables for a complete meal.
The Secret to Perfect Chinese Crullers: The Dough
Understanding the Ingredients
Making the best Chinese crullers starts with the dough. The ingredients needed to make the dough are simple and can be found at any grocery store. All you need is all-purpose flour, water, yeast, baking powder, and salt.
Yeast is an essential ingredient as it helps the dough rise and gives the crullers a light and airy texture. Baking powder is also necessary for achieving a crispy exterior. Salt and water are added for flavor and to help activate the yeast.
Kneading the Dough
Once you have gathered all the ingredients, it's time to start making the dough. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, yeast, baking powder, and salt. Slowly add in the water while mixing until a smooth dough forms.
Tip: If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour. If it's too dry, add a splash of water.
Next, turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. This step is crucial as it helps develop the gluten in the dough, giving the crullers a chewy texture.
Resting the Dough
Once the dough is kneaded, place it back in the mixing bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel. Let it rest for at least 30 minutes to an hour. This resting time allows the dough to rise and develop more flavor.
Tip: For an even tastier dough, let it rest in the fridge overnight.
Frying the Crullers: The Key to a Perfect Crunch
Preparing the Oil
While the dough is resting, start heating up your oil in a deep pot or wok. The ideal temperature for frying the crullers is between 350-375°F (175-190°C). To test the temperature of the oil, drop a small piece of dough into the oil. If it sizzles and turns golden brown within a minute, the oil is ready.
Tip: Use a thermometer to ensure the oil stays at the right temperature throughout the frying process.
Shaping and Frying the Crullers
Once the dough has rested, it's time to shape the crullers. Roll out the dough into a rectangle and cut it into smaller rectangles or strips. Then, using a chopstick or skewer, poke a hole through the center of each strip. This helps the crullers cook evenly and prevents them from becoming too puffy.
Carefully place the shaped crullers into the hot oil and fry for about 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
Tip: Don't overcrowd the pot with too many crullers at once as it will lower the temperature of the oil and affect the frying process.
Serving and Enjoying Your Perfect Chinese Crullers
Once the crullers are fried to perfection, remove them from the oil and place them on a paper towel to drain off any excess oil. Serve them hot with your choice of dipping sauce or enjoy them on their own. These crullers can also be frozen and reheated in the oven for a quick and easy breakfast option.
With this foolproof recipe, you'll be able to make the best Chinese crullers in no time. So give it a try and impress your loved ones with your newfound cooking skills!