Step right up to experience the delightful world of tanghulu, a traditional Chinese treat that turns ordinary fruit into a dazzling display of sweetness and crunch. This candy-coated fruit skewer is not only a feast for the eyes but also a carnival of flavors, blending the natural sweetness of fresh fruit with the crispy, sugary shell of the candy coating. Join us on a journey as we uncover the secrets behind making this irresistible delicacy at home.
Tanghulu Recipe
Equipment
- Wooden Skewers
- Saucepan
- Candy Thermometer
- Parchment paper
- Baking sheet
Ingredients
- 1 small kiwi sliced
- 9 green grapes
- 9 red grapes
- 1/4 cup raspberries
- 10-12 Strawberries
- 2 cups sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/4 cup corn syrup
- 2 tablespoons honey
Instructions
- Clean the fruit and pat it dry. Take off any leaves, stems, or other parts that you can’t eat. Stick fruit on sticks.
- Put sugar and water in a small pot and set it over low to medium heat. Don’t stir. At about 300°F, bring it to a boil and then let it cook until it is thick like syrup and a golden color. The whole thing takes 10 to 20 minutes.
- Drop a spoonful of the sauce into a bowl of ice water to see how hot it is. If it hardens in seconds and breaks when you bend it, it’s ready.
- To make a thin layer on all the fruit sticks, quickly dip them in the syrup and then swirl them around. Put the skewer right away into a bath of ice water to cool it down and make the sugar covering hard.
- Place stick on a plate, do it again with the rest, and enjoy!
Notes
- Choose Your Fruit: Select firm and fresh fruits such as strawberries, grapes, or apples for the best results.
- Prepare the Skewers: Use wooden skewers and thread the fruit onto them, leaving enough space between each piece for the candy coating.
- Make the Candy Coating: In a saucepan, combine sugar, water, and corn syrup. Cook over medium heat until the mixture reaches 300°F (150°C) on a candy thermometer.
- Coat the Fruit: Carefully dip each skewered fruit into the hot candy mixture, coating it evenly. Allow any excess candy to drip off before placing the skewers on a parchment-lined baking sheet to cool and harden.
- Enjoy Your Tanghulu: Once the candy coating has hardened, your Tanghulu is ready to enjoy! Serve as a sweet and crunchy snack or a festive dessert.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrition | Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | 171kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 44g |
| Protein | 0.3g |
| Fat | 0.3g |
| Saturated Fat | 0.01mg |
| Sodium | 2mg |
| Iron | 4mg |
| Calcium | 8mg |
| Vitamin A | 5IU |
| Potassium | 70mg |
Why Is My Tanghulu Not Hardening?
Your tanghulu may not be hardening due to insufficient cooking of the sugar mixture. Ensure that the candy reaches the correct temperature (300°F or 150°C) to achieve the desired hard texture. Additionally, make sure to allow enough time for the coated fruit to cool and harden properly before serving.
Can I Store Tanghulu in The Fridge?
Yes, you can store tanghulu in the fridge. Place them in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap to prevent them from absorbing moisture and becoming sticky. They should last for several days in the fridge.
