Tanghulu Recipe
Tanghulu is a popular Chinese street food that features skewered fruit coated in a shiny, crispy shell of hardened sugar. This delightful treat is as fun to make as it is to eat, and it's a perfect way to add a touch of sweetness and whimsy to any occasion. Whether you're using apples, strawberries, or other fruits, Tanghulu is sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike. Follow our simple recipe to create your own batch of these charming, candied fruit skewers and enjoy a taste of tradition with every crunchy, juicy bite.
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.