Tanghulu Recipe (Chinese Candied Fruit)
Tanghulu is a popular traditional Chinese snack that brings together the sweetness of fruit and the crispiness of a sugar coating. Often enjoyed during festivals and street fairs, this delightful treat has gained popularity around the world for its unique appearance and delicious flavor. It consists of fresh fruit skewered and coated with a hard candy shell, making it both visually appealing and fun to eat.
Why Make This Recipe
Making Tanghulu is a rewarding culinary experience that allows you to showcase fresh fruit in a delightful way. Not only does it satisfy your sweet tooth, but it also provides an opportunity to enjoy seasonal fruits in a new form. The contrast between the crunchy, sugary shell and the juicy fruit inside creates a delightful texture that is hard to resist. Plus, it’s an engaging activity for both children and adults, perfect for gatherings or as a creative project.
How to Make Tanghulu
Ingredients:
- 1 lb strawberries, grapes, or other fruit of choice (~30 pieces)
- 2 cups white sugar
- 1 cup water
Directions:
- Wash the fruit thoroughly and pat it dry. Make sure to remove any leaves, stems, or inedible parts.
- Place the fruit onto skewers. It’s best to use 3 pieces or less per skewer to make handling easier.
- In a small pot over low to medium heat, add the sugar and water. Avoid stirring the mixture at this stage.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then let it simmer until it becomes thick like syrup and reaches an amber color (approximately 300°F). This process usually takes about 10-20 minutes.
- To test the syrup’s readiness, drizzle a spoonful into an ice water bath. If it hardens within seconds and cracks when bent, it is ready for use.
- Quickly dip each fruit skewer into the syrup, swirling it to ensure an even coating. Immediately dip the skewer into an ice water bath to cool and harden the sugar coating.
- Place the finished skewer on a plate and repeat this process with the remaining fruit. It’s important to work fast to prevent the sugar from burning.
- Enjoy your delicious Tanghulu!
How to Serve Tanghulu
Tanghulu is best served immediately after preparation while the sugar coating is still crispy. You can present it on a decorative plate, making it an eye-catching centerpiece for gatherings or parties. It can also be served as a delightful snack for kids and adults alike. If you want to get creative, consider drizzling some chocolate on top or sprinkling crushed nuts for an added texture.
How to Store Tanghulu
For optimal taste and texture, Tanghulu is best enjoyed fresh. However, if you need to store any leftover skewers, place them in an airtight container at room temperature. It’s important to keep them away from humidity, as the coating can become sticky. They are best eaten within a day or two to maintain their crispy exterior.
Tips to Make Tanghulu
- Make sure your fruit is completely dry before dipping it into the syrup. Any moisture can cause the sugar coating to become sticky.
- Use a candy thermometer for accurate temperature readings when cooking the syrup.
- Experiment with different types of fruit for varied flavors and presentations. Small fruits like cherries or slices of kiwi make great options.
- If you’re worried about the syrup burning, keep the heat low and monitor it closely during the cooking process.
Variation
While traditional Tanghulu is made with fruits like strawberries and grapes, you can experiment with other fruits like small apples, pineapple, or even slices of citrus. Additionally, for a twist on the classic recipe, consider adding a dusting of edible glitter or using flavored syrups to infuse different tastes into your Tanghulu creations.