Tanghulu Recipe (Chinese Candied Fruit)
Tanghulu is a delightful Chinese treat that combines the natural sweetness of fresh fruit with a crunchy, sugary coating. This recipe is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make, making it a perfect choice for parties, gatherings, or simply as a sweet snack.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- The combination of juicy fruit and a crispy sugar shell creates a perfect balance of flavors and textures.
- With minimal ingredients and quick prep time, this tanghulu recipe is ideal for those looking for a simple yet impressive dessert option.
- Tanghulu is versatile and can be made with a variety of fruits, allowing you to customize it to suit your preferences.
Ingredient Notes:
- Fresh strawberries, grapes, or any other fruit of your choice can be used for this recipe.
- Granulated white sugar is essential for creating the crunchy coating.
- Water is needed to dissolve the sugar and create the syrup for coating the fruit.
Step-By-Step Instructions:
- Wash and dry the fruit thoroughly before skewering them onto wooden sticks.
- In a saucepan, combine equal parts sugar and water, and heat until the sugar is completely dissolved.
- Dip each fruit skewer into the sugar syrup, making sure to coat them evenly.
- Allow the tanghulu to cool and harden before serving.
Helpful Tips:
- For a more colorful tanghulu, consider using a variety of fruits in different hues.
- To prevent the sugar syrup from crystallizing, avoid stirring it while cooking.
- Store leftover tanghulu in an airtight container to maintain its crispiness.
Expert Tips for the Best Results:
- To achieve a glossy finish on your tanghulu, add a small amount of corn syrup to the sugar mixture.
- Experiment with different fruit combinations to create unique and flavorful tanghulu variations.
Serving Suggestions:
Tanghulu pairs perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert option. For a refreshing twist, serve it alongside a glass of sparkling lemonade.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
To keep tanghulu fresh and crispy, store it in a cool, dry place away from moisture. If needed, reheat tanghulu in a low oven for a few minutes to restore its crunchiness.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use frozen fruit for this recipe?
- Fresh fruit is recommended for the best results, but you can use thawed frozen fruit if necessary.
- How long will tanghulu stay fresh?
- Tanghulu is best enjoyed immediately but can be stored for up to 2 days in an airtight container.
- Can I use brown sugar instead of white sugar?
- While white sugar is traditionally used for tanghulu, you can experiment with brown sugar for a richer flavor.
- Can I make tanghulu without wooden sticks?
- Wooden skewers are ideal for creating the classic tanghulu look, but you can improvise with toothpicks or cocktail sticks.
Conclusion:
Indulge in the sweet and crunchy goodness of tanghulu with this easy-to-follow recipe. Whether you’re looking for a fun party treat or a simple snack, tanghulu is sure to impress with its vibrant colors and delicious flavors. Give it a try and share your feedback with us!
PrintTanghulu Recipe (Chinese Candied Fruit)
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: 30 pieces 1x
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Chinese
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Tanghulu is a traditional Chinese street snack made by coating fruit with a hard, sugary shell. This recipe uses strawberries, grapes, or your favorite fruit, dipped in a sweet syrup for a crunchy and delightful treat.
Ingredients
Fruit of choice:
- 1 lb strawberries, grapes, or other fruit (~30 pieces)
Sugar Syrup:
- 2 cups white sugar
Water:
- 1 cup
Instructions
- Prepare the Fruit: Wash and dry the fruit thoroughly.
- Make the Sugar Syrup: In a saucepan, combine sugar and water. Bring to a boil, stirring until sugar is dissolved.
- Coat the Fruit: Skewer each piece of fruit with a stick, then dip into the hot sugar syrup, coating evenly.
- Set and Enjoy: Place the coated fruit on a parchment-lined tray to cool and harden. Serve and enjoy your Tanghulu!
Notes
- You can customize the Tanghulu by using different fruits like kiwi, pineapple, or even cherry tomatoes for a unique twist.
- Be careful when working with hot sugar syrup to avoid burns.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 60 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 0 mg
- Fat: 0 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg