All Recipes

Classic Tanghulu

25 min 4 servings Medium
Tanghulu is a traditional Chinese snack that has captured the hearts of many with its simple yet delightful combination of fruits and a hard candy coating. Known for its stunning, glossy appearance and satisfying crunch, Tanghulu is a street food favourite in China, often made with hawthorn berries. This version uses strawberries, a widely available alternative that perfectly balances the sweet and sour flavours. Making Tanghulu at home is a fun and rewarding activity, especially for those who love experimenting with traditional recipes. The process involves skewering fruit and dipping it into a hot sugar syrup, which hardens to form a transparent, candy-like shell. It's a treat that's as pleasing to the eye as it is to the taste buds.

Instructions

1

Prepare the skewers

Thread 2 strawberries onto each bamboo skewer, ensuring they are securely placed.

2

Prepare the sugar syrup

In a medium saucepan, combine 2 cups of granulated sugar and 1 cup of water. Stir over medium heat until the sugar dissolves.

Pro tip: Avoid stirring once the sugar has dissolved to prevent crystallization.

3

Boil the syrup

Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the sugar mixture to a boil. Use a candy thermometer to cook until it reaches 150°C (302°F).

Pro tip: This is the hard crack stage, crucial for a brittle candy coating.

4

Coat the strawberries

Remove the saucepan from heat. Quickly dip each skewer of strawberries into the syrup, ensuring they are evenly coated.

Pro tip: Work quickly as the syrup hardens fast.

5

Cool the coated strawberries

Place the coated skewers on a parchment-lined baking sheet and allow them to cool completely.

Pro tip: Cooling helps the coating harden and become crunchy.

6

Serve the Tanghulu

Once fully cooled and set, serve the Tanghulu immediately for the best texture.

Pro tip: Enjoy with a cup of tea for a traditional pairing.

💡

Tips & Tricks

  • Use a candy thermometer for precise sugar syrup temperature.
  • Work quickly to coat the fruit before the syrup hardens.
  • Serve immediately for the best crunch.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Tanghulu?

Tanghulu is a traditional Chinese snack made by coating fruits like hawthorn berries or strawberries in a hard candy shell.

How do you make Tanghulu at home?

Skewer fruits, make a sugar syrup, dip fruit in syrup, let it harden, and enjoy.

What fruits can be used for Tanghulu?

Common fruits include strawberries, grapes, and hawthorn berries.

What's the ideal sugar syrup temperature for Tanghulu?

Heat the sugar syrup to 150°C (302°F) for the perfect hard candy coating.

How many calories are in Tanghulu?

Each serving of Tanghulu contains approximately 200 calories.

Can Tanghulu be stored for later?

Tanghulu is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to a day.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your Tanghulu immediately after preparation to enjoy the full crunch and sweetness. For a creative twist, try using different fruits like grapes or kiwis. If you wish to prepare ahead, you can keep the coated fruit at room temperature for a few hours, but be aware that the candy coating may lose its crispness over time. Tanghulu pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of green tea or jasmine tea, offering a delightful contrast between the sweet, crunchy treat and the soothing, warm beverage. If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a day, though they are best consumed fresh.

Nutrition per serving

200

Calories

0g

Protein

0g

Fat

51g

Carbs