Savory Soybean Milk with Fried Dough
A comforting traditional breakfast from Youbu, Zhejiang province—velvety hot soybean milk crowned with crispy fried dough sticks and tangy pickled vegetables. This savory rendition transforms everyday豆浆 into a satisfying morning bowl.
Story
Youbu, a charming town along the Qiantang River, is famous for this hearty take on soybean milk. Unlike its sweet counterpart, this version embraces savory flavors with crunchy accompaniments that create wonderful texture in every spoonful.
Ingredients
Fresh soybean milk
4 cups
Fried dough sticks (youtiao)
2 whole sticks
Pickled mustard greens
3 tablespoons, finely chopped
Green onions
2 stalks, sliced
Light soy sauce
1 tablespoon
Sesame oil
1 teaspoon
White pepper
a pinch
Rice vinegar
1 teaspoon (optional)
Instructions
1
Prep your toppings
Cut the fried dough sticks into bite-sized pieces, about 1 inch long. Finely dice the pickled mustard greens. Slice the green onions thinly. Have all toppings ready by the stove.
2
Heat the soybean milk
Pour the fresh soybean milk into a pot and warm over medium heat. Stir occasionally and heat until it just begins to steam and tiny bubbles form around the edges—do not let it boil or it will foam over.
3
Season and assemble
Remove the milk from heat. Stir in the light soy sauce, sesame oil, and white pepper. Divide between two bowls. While still piping hot, scatter the fried dough pieces and pickled vegetables over the surface. Sprinkle with green onions and serve immediately.
