Kyrgyz Boorsok
Boorsok are small, deep-fried dough pieces, a staple in Kyrgyz cuisine. They are slightly sweet and can be served as a bread, a snack, or a dessert, often prepared for guests and during festive occasions. These golden, airy bites are perfect for dipping or enjoying on their own.

๐ง Ingredients
- 500 g All-purpose flour(Plus extra for dusting the work surface.)
- 200 ml Yogurt (plain, full-fat)(Can substitute with whole milk. Ensure it's at room temperature for better dough consistency.)
- 1 large Egg(Room temperature.)
- 2 tbsp Granulated sugar
- 1 tsp Salt
- 0.5 tsp Baking soda(Ensure it is fresh for optimal leavening.)
- approximately 1 liter Vegetable oil(For deep frying. A neutral oil like canola, sunflower, or vegetable oil is recommended. You'll need enough to submerge the boorsok.)
๐จโ๐ณ Instructions
- 1
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, salt, and baking soda. Ensure there are no clumps and the ingredients are evenly distributed.
๐ก Tip: Using a whisk helps aerate the flour and ensures the leavening agents are well dispersed, leading to lighter boorsok. - 2
In a separate medium bowl, whisk the room temperature egg until lightly beaten. Add the room temperature yogurt (or milk) and whisk until well combined.
- 3
Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Mix with a spoon or your hands until a shaggy dough begins to form. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, or until it becomes smooth, elastic, and pliable. The dough should be soft but not overly sticky.
๐ก Tip: If the dough is too sticky, add a tablespoon of flour at a time. If it feels too dry, add a teaspoon of yogurt or milk. Avoid over-kneading, which can make the boorsok tough. - 4
Shape the dough into a ball, place it back into the mixing bowl, and cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let the dough rest at room temperature for 15-20 minutes. This resting period allows the gluten to relax, making the dough easier to roll and shape.
๐ก Tip: The dough will become slightly puffier and more relaxed after resting. - 5
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the rested dough to an even thickness of about 1 cm (approximately 0.4 inches). Using a knife or a pizza cutter, cut the dough into small, uniform pieces. Traditional shapes include diamonds or squares, about 2-3 cm (1 inch) in size.
๐ก Tip: Cutting the dough into uniform sizes is crucial for ensuring they all cook evenly and achieve the same golden-brown color. - 6
Pour the vegetable oil into a deep, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, ensuring it's at least 5-7 cm (2-3 inches) deep. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches approximately 175ยฐC (350ยฐF). You can test the oil temperature by dropping a small piece of dough into it; it should sizzle immediately and float to the surface.
๐ก Tip: Using a thermometer is the most accurate way to ensure the oil is at the correct temperature. Too cool, and the boorsok will absorb too much oil; too hot, and they will burn before cooking through. - 7
Carefully slide 5-7 pieces of boorsok into the hot oil using a slotted spoon or spider strainer. Do not overcrowd the pot, as this will lower the oil temperature and cause the boorsok to cook unevenly and become greasy. Fry for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are puffed up and a deep golden brown color. Turn them occasionally to ensure even browning.
๐ก Tip: Listen for a consistent, lively sizzle. Adjust the heat as needed to maintain the oil temperature. The boorsok will puff up significantly as they fry. - 8
Using a slotted spoon or spider strainer, remove the fried boorsok from the oil and transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. Repeat the frying process with the remaining dough pieces, ensuring the oil returns to the correct temperature between batches.
๐ก Tip: Allowing them to drain on paper towels helps keep them crisp. If you notice they are browning too quickly, reduce the heat slightly.
๐ก Pro Tips
- โBoorsok are best enjoyed fresh and warm, but they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. Reheat briefly in a low oven or air fryer to restore crispness.
- โServe plain as a delightful accompaniment to meals, or dress them up by dusting with powdered sugar, drizzling with honey or syrup, or serving with jam.
- โFor a truly authentic experience, serve boorsok with traditional Kyrgyz tea (chai).
โจ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- For an aromatic twist, add 1/2 teaspoon of ground cardamom or cinnamon to the dry ingredients in Step 1.
- Create a savory version by omitting the sugar and adding 1-2 tablespoons of finely chopped fresh dill or parsley to the dough during kneading.
- For a slightly richer dough, use all milk instead of yogurt.