Description
Tanghulu is a popular Chinese treat made by dipping fresh fruits like strawberries or grapes into a crackly sugar coating. It’s simple, striking, and perfect for celebrations, parties, or just a fun snack at home.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 10–12 fresh strawberries (or grapes, cherry tomatoes, mandarin slices, etc.)
- Bamboo skewers or wooden sticks
- Ice water (for testing sugar stage)
Instructions
- Prepare the Fruit:
- Wash and thoroughly dry the fruit (any moisture will prevent the sugar from sticking).
- Skewer 2–3 pieces of fruit on each stick. Set aside on a tray lined with parchment.
- Make the Sugar Syrup:
- In a saucepan, combine sugar and water. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat without stirring.
- Cook until the syrup reaches 300°F (150°C) – the hard crack stage. This takes about 10–15 minutes.
- Test by dropping a bit of syrup into cold water — it should harden immediately and crack when touched.
- Dip the Skewers:
- Working quickly, tilt the pan and roll each fruit skewer in the syrup to coat evenly.
- Let excess drip off, then place on parchment paper to harden.
- The sugar shell will set within minutes.
Notes
- Dry fruit is crucial — moisture causes bubbling or sticky shells.
- You can flavor the syrup with ginger or cinnamon for a twist.
- Best enjoyed fresh the same day.
- Details
Nutrition
- Calories: ~110 kcal
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
