Shao Bing You Tiao (Crispy Flatbread with Fried Dough)

Step 1

Mix 1.5 cups flour with 0.5 tsp salt in a bowl.

Step 2

Add 0.75 cup water gradually, stirring until a shaggy dough forms.

Step 3

Knead dough on a floured surface 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Step 4

Let dough rest 15 minutes under a damp cloth while you prep other components.

Step 5

Roll dough thin, cut into 4×1-inch strips, then stretch each strip to 5-6 inches.

Step 6

Heat 3 cups oil in a deep pot or wok to 350°F — oil sizzles when a strip is dropped in.

Step 7

Fry dough strips 2-3 at a time for 2-3 minutes until golden brown and puffy.

Step 8

Transfer fried dough to a paper towel-lined plate. Set aside to cool.

Step 9

Mix 2 cups flour with 1 cup hot water, stirring until a rough dough forms.

Step 10

Knead dough 3-4 minutes until smooth, then divide into 4 balls.

Step 11

Brown ground pork in a skillet over medium-high, breaking it up, ~6 minutes.

Step 12

Stir soy sauce and scallions into the meat, cooking 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 13

Remove meat from heat and let cool slightly while you flatten the dough.

Step 14

Roll each dough ball into a thin 6-inch circle on a floured surface.

Step 15

Spread 2 tbsp meat mixture and 1 fried dough stick on each flatbread circle.

Step 16

Roll or fold flatbread into a package, sealing the edges by pressing gently.

Step 17

Pan-fry each shao bing over medium-high in a dry skillet 3 minutes per side until crispy and golden.

Step 18

Serve hot with optional soy sauce or chili oil for dipping.