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Crisp and Airy Chinese Doughnuts

These Crisp and Airy Chinese Doughnuts (Pa Tong Ko) are light, fluffy, and perfect for breakfast or as a snack. Paired with sweetened condensed milk, they are a nostalgic treat you can't resist!
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 12 pieces
Course: Breakfast, Snack
Cuisine: Chinese
Calories: 120
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Dough Ingredients
  • 250 g all-purpose flour Use high-quality, unbleached flour for the best result.
  • 50 g cornstarch Adds a wonderful lightness to the dough.
  • 2 tsp vegetable oil Canola or sunflower oil is recommended for their neutral flavor.
  • 1 tsp LorAnn baker’s ammonia Essential for achieving that airy texture. Can substitute with baking powder if unavailable.
  • 1 tsp fine table salt Balances the sweetness.
  • 1 Tbsp sugar Enhances the dough’s flavor.
  • 200 ml water Use lukewarm water to help dissolve the salt and sugar.
For Serving
  • Sweetened condensed milk
  • coconut pandan custard
  • hot fresh soy milk

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Sift flour and cornstarch together into a mixing bowl to ensure a smooth dough and remove any lumps.
  2. In a small bowl, dissolve salt and sugar in lukewarm water until fully dissolved.
  3. Add baker’s ammonia to the water and stir until dissolved. Bubbles should form.
  4. Stir in oil into the water mixture, pour this mixture into the flour mixture, and mix by hand just until combined. Avoid overworking the dough.
  5. Cover the dough and let it rest for 2.5 to 3 hours at room temperature.
Cooking
  1. Preheat frying oil to 375°F (190°C) until a small piece of dough sizzles immediately when dropped in.
  2. Dust a board with flour and shape the dough into a 1/4-inch thick rectangle. Cut into 3 strips, then each strip into 1-inch pieces.
  3. Paint a 1-inch vertical strip of water on every other piece, stack them, and gently stretch each piece before frying.
  4. Fry pieces in hot oil for at least 5 minutes until golden brown, maintaining the oil temperature around 375°F.
  5. Drain on paper towels and serve warm.

Notes

These doughnuts are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 1 day. For best results, reheat in the oven for extra crisp!