Twisted Doughnuts (Shakoy) – Filipino Sweet Fried Dough

Twisted Doughnuts (Shakoy) – Filipino Sweet Fried Dough is a medium Filipino recipe that serves 30. 120 calories per serving. Recipe by Taste Of Pinas on YouTube.

Prep: 1 hr 40 min | Cook: 25 min | Total: 2 hrs 20 min

Cost: $2.11 total, $0.07 per serving

Ingredients

  • 1.5 cup Warm Milk (heated to about 110°F (43°C), not boiling)
  • 1 tablespoon Instant Dry Yeast (use instant dry; can substitute active dry yeast (increase proof time))
  • 0.25 cup Vegetable Oil (for the dough; can use melted butter or margarine)
  • 4 cup All-Purpose Flour (sifted, room temperature)
  • 0.5 cup White Sugar (adjust to taste; also used for coating)
  • 0.5 teaspoon Salt
  • 2 cup Vegetable Oil for Frying (use a neutral oil with high smoke point)
  • 0.25 cup Additional Sugar for Coating (fine granulated sugar)

Instructions

  1. Warm the Milk and Activate Yeast

    Measure 1½ cups of milk and warm it to about 110°F (43°C). Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of instant dry yeast over the warm milk and let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: 110°F

  2. Combine Dry Ingredients

    In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 4 cups of all‑purpose flour, ½ cup white sugar, and ½ teaspoon salt.

    Time: PT3M

  3. Add Wet Ingredients and Knead

    Create a well in the dry mixture, add the foamy yeast milk, ¼ cup vegetable oil, and mix. Knead with the stand mixer on low speed for 9‑10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. If kneading by hand, work for 20‑25 minutes.

    Time: PT10M

  4. First Proof

    Lightly oil the mixing bowl, place the dough inside, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

    Time: PT1H

  5. Divide and Shape Twists

    Turn the risen dough onto a lightly oiled surface, dust with flour, and divide into equal portions (about 30 pieces). Roll each piece into a rope, then twist the rope into a knot or figure‑eight shape.

    Time: PT15M

  6. Second Proof

    Place the twisted pieces on a lightly floured tray, cover loosely with a towel, and let rest for 15 minutes.

    Time: PT15M

  7. Heat Oil for Frying

    Pour about 2 cups of vegetable oil into a frying pan and heat over medium‑low heat until the oil reaches a gentle shimmer (around 300‑320°F / 150‑160°C).

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: 300‑320°F

  8. Fry the Twisted Doughnuts

    Carefully lower a few twists into the oil. Fry until the underside turns light brown (about 1‑2 minutes), flip, and fry the other side until golden. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.

    Time: PT20M

    Temperature: 300‑320°F

  9. Coat with Sugar

    While still warm, roll each fried doughnut in a shallow dish of granulated sugar until fully coated.

    Time: PT5M

  10. Cool and Serve

    Transfer the coated Shakoy to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve fresh or store as indicated.

    Time: PT5M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
120
Protein
2 g
Carbohydrates
15 g
Fat
5 g
Fiber
0.5 g

Dietary info: Vegetarian, Can be made vegan by using plant‑based milk

Allergens: Milk, Wheat

Last updated: April 7, 2026

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Twisted Doughnuts (Shakoy) – Filipino Sweet Fried Dough

Recipe by Taste Of Pinas

A budget‑friendly Filipino snack, Shakoy (twisted doughnuts) are soft, slightly sweet fried dough rings perfect for home sales or a tasty treat. This recipe walks you through mixing, proofing, shaping, and frying the dough to achieve a light, airy texture that stays soft even when cooled.

MediumFilipinoServes 30

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
1h 58m
Prep
25m
Cook
17m
Cleanup
2h 40m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$2.11
Total cost
$0.07
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Ensuring the milk is warm (110°F) but not hot before adding yeast.
  • Kneading until the dough is smooth and elastic.
  • First proof until the dough doubles in size.
  • Maintaining medium‑low oil temperature while frying.

Safety Warnings

  • Hot oil can cause severe burns; keep children away from the stove.
  • Do not leave the oil unattended; overheating can lead to fire.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Shakoy in Filipino cuisine?

A

Shakoy, also known as twisted doughnuts, originated from Spanish churros introduced during the colonial era and has become a beloved street‑food snack throughout the Philippines, especially in the Visayas and Luzon regions.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of Shakoy in Filipino cuisine?

A

In the Visayas, Shakoy is often larger and coated with coarse sugar, while in some Luzon towns it is smaller, sometimes glazed with honey or flavored with ube (purple yam) for a colorful twist.

cultural
Q

How is Shakoy traditionally served in the Philippines?

A

Shakoy is typically served warm, dusted with granulated sugar, and enjoyed as a snack with coffee or tea. It is also sold at festivals, markets, and roadside stalls, often packaged in paper bags.

cultural
Q

During which occasions or celebrations is Shakoy commonly eaten in Filipino culture?

A

Shakoy is a popular treat during fiestas, town fairs, and family gatherings, and it is also sold as a low‑cost snack for schoolchildren and commuters.

cultural
Q

How does Shakoy fit into the broader Filipino snack (merienda) tradition?

A

Shakoy is part of the merienda culture, offering a sweet, fried option alongside other favorites like bibingka, puto, and turon, reflecting the Filipino love for portable, comforting snacks.

cultural
Q

What are the authentic traditional ingredients for Shakoy versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Traditional Shakoy uses all‑purpose flour, white sugar, yeast, warm milk, and vegetable oil. Substitutes such as plant‑based milk, melted butter, or alternative sweeteners can be used without drastically changing the texture.

cultural
Q

What other Filipino dishes pair well with Shakoy?

A

Shakoy pairs nicely with a cup of barako coffee, hot chocolate, or a glass of fresh buko juice, and it complements savory snacks like lumpia or kikiam for a balanced merienda.

cultural
Q

What makes Shakoy special or unique in Filipino cuisine?

A

Its distinctive twisted shape, soft interior, and lightly sweet coating set Shakoy apart from other fried dough snacks, offering a melt‑in‑the‑mouth texture that stays tender even after cooling.

cultural
Q

How has Shakoy evolved over time in the Philippines?

A

While the classic recipe remains, modern versions incorporate flavors like cheese, ube, or pandan, and some vendors bake the dough instead of deep‑frying for a healthier twist.

cultural
Q

What are common misconceptions about Shakoy?

A

Many think Shakoy is the same as churros, but unlike churros it is yeast‑leavened, softer, and typically coated only with sugar rather than cinnamon‑sugar.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Shakoy at home?

A

Common errors include using milk that is too hot (killing the yeast), under‑kneading the dough, insufficient proofing, and frying at too high a temperature, which leads to greasy or burnt doughnuts.

technical
Q

Why does this Shakoy recipe use medium‑low heat for frying instead of high heat?

A

Medium‑low heat (300‑320°F) allows the interior to cook fully while the exterior turns a gentle golden brown, preventing the dough from becoming overly oily or burnt, which is essential for the signature soft texture.

technical
Q

Can I make Shakoy ahead of time and how should I store them?

A

Yes. After frying, let them cool completely, then store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 24 hours, or refrigerate for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze and reheat in a 350°F oven.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when making Shakoy?

A

The dough should be smooth and elastic before proofing. After frying, each piece should be lightly golden, slightly puffed, and coated with a fine layer of sugar, remaining soft to the bite.

technical
Q

How do I know when Shakoy is done cooking?

A

When the underside turns a light golden brown (about 1‑2 minutes) and the dough feels firm yet bounces back slightly when pressed, the Shakoy is done. A quick taste should reveal a soft interior with no raw flour taste.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Taste Of Pinas specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Taste Of Pinas, hosted by Irene, specializes in Filipino home‑cooking tutorials, budget‑friendly recipes, and small‑business food ideas that showcase traditional flavors with modern twists.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Taste Of Pinas' approach to Filipino cooking differ from other Filipino cooking channels?

A

Taste Of Pinas focuses on low‑cost, scalable recipes ideal for home‑based businesses, emphasizing practical tips, ingredient cost breakdowns, and clear step‑by‑step demonstrations, whereas many other channels prioritize gourmet or festive dishes.

channel

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