Tanghulu Recipe ๐ (Chinese Candied Fruit)
Make your own Tanghulu, the classic Chinese candied fruit snack, with just 3 simple ingredients! ๐ก Crunchy, sweet, and beautifully glossy, this delightful asian.candy is perfect for parties, gatherings, or just a fun treat at home. Customize it with your favorite fruits like strawberries, grapes, or even kiwi for a colorful, tasty twist!
Print Share on Twitter Share on FacebookServings: 10 skewers
Calories: 120kcal
Equipment
- Small saucepan
- Candy thermometer (optional)
- Large bowl (for ice water bath)
- Baking sheet or plate for cooling
Ingredients
- 1 lb strawberries grapes, or other fruits of choice (~30 pieces) ๐๐
- 2 cups white sugar ๐ฅ
- 1 cup water ๐ง
Instructions
- Prepare the Fruit:
- Wash the fruit thoroughly and pat it completely dry to ensure the sugar coating sticks. Remove any leaves, stems, or inedible parts. Skewer up to 3 pieces per stick to make handling easier.
- Make the Syrup:
- In a saucepan over low to medium heat, add sugar and water without stirring. Let the mixture come to a boil and simmer until it thickens into a golden, syrupy consistency (around 300ยฐF/150ยฐC). This takes about 10-20 minutes.
- Test the Syrup:
- Drop a spoonful of syrup into a bowl of ice water. If it hardens instantly and cracks when bent, the syrup is ready.
- Coat the Fruit:
- Dip the fruit skewers quickly into the syrup, swirling to coat evenly with a thin layer. Immediately submerge the skewer into the ice water bath to harden the sugar shell.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Place the skewers on a plate to set. Repeat with the remaining fruit, working quickly to avoid burning the sugar. Serve and enjoy the crunchy goodness! ๐กโจ
Video
Notes
Tips for the Perfect Tanghulu ๐ก
- ๐ฅถ Keep it cool: Ensure the fruit is fully dry before coating to prevent the sugar from sliding off.
- ๐ฏ Perfect syrup: Avoid stirring the sugar mixture to prevent crystallization.
- ๐ Best fruits: Strawberries, grapes, and mandarin slices work best for Tanghulu, but you can also try kiwi and pineapple.
- โ๏ธ Quick setting: Always have your ice water bath ready to ensure the candy coating hardens properly.
Variations & Add-ons ๐ฌ
- ๐ Colorful Twist: Add a few drops of food coloring to the syrup for a fun, colorful finish.
- ๐ถ๏ธ Spicy Kick: Sprinkle some chili flakes on the freshly dipped Tanghulu for a sweet and spicy fusion.
- ๐ Citrus Flavor: Add a bit of lemon zest to the syrup for a refreshing twist.
- ๐ซ Chocolate Drizzle: Once cooled, drizzle with melted chocolate for an indulgent treat.
Notes ๐
- ๐ฅ Be cautious when working with hot sugar, as it can burn quickly.
- ๐ฅถ Tanghulu is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to a day.
- ๐ญ If the syrup starts to harden in the pot, reheat gently to bring it back to liquid form.
Nutrition
Serving: 1Skewer | Calories: 120kcal | Carbohydrates: 30g | Protein: 0.5g | Sodium: 1mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 28g
Nutrition Disclaimer
The Chef Marcy is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.