Enjoy this traditional Chinese treat with a sweet, crunchy glaze.
Prep
15 min
Cook
10 min
Total
25 min
Servings
4
Difficulty
Medium
Instructions
Prepare the skewers
Thread 2 strawberries onto each bamboo skewer, ensuring they are securely placed.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Nutrition per serving
200
Calories
0g
Protein
0g
Fat
51g
Carbs
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