oil spinning recipe

How to Make Youxuan: A Step-by-Step Guide

Youxuan, a golden, spiral-shaped delicacy from Jinan, China, is beloved for its flaky layers and savory aroma. Mastering this snack requires precision in dough preparation and shaping. Here’s a comprehensive guide to making authentic youxuan.

Ingredients: For the dough, mix 500g all-purpose flour, 3g yeast, 5g salt, and 250ml warm water. Knead into a smooth, elastic dough, then let it rest for 1 hour. For the filling, blend 50g lard, 10g cooking oil, 5g salt, 2g five-spice powder, and chopped scallions.

Steps:

1. Prepare the dough: Divide the rested dough into 8 equal portions. Roll each into a thin rectangle, brush with lard mixture, and sprinkle scallions.

2. Shape the youxuan: Fold the rectangle lengthwise, stretch it slightly, then roll it into a spiral. Tuck the end underneath to seal.

3. Proof and flatten: Let the shaped youxuan rest for 15 minutes, then gently flatten with a rolling pin into a disk, about 1.5cm thick.

4. Cook: Preheat a pan over medium-low heat. Add 1 tbsp oil, pan-fry the youxuan for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Alternatively, bake at 200°C for 20 minutes for a healthier version.

Tips: For extra flakiness, repeat the lard brushing and folding step twice. Serve warm with soybean milk or porridge. Enjoy the crispy, layered perfection of homemade youxuan!

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