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Tanghulu

Tanghulu
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Tanghulu is a traditional Chinese sweet treat featuring fresh, firm fruit skewered and coated with a thin, crunchy sugar shell. This snack offers a delightful contrast between the juicy fruit and the crisp, glass-like candy coating, making it visually stunning and irresistibly tasty. Perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying as a festive treat, Tanghulu is simple to make and can be customized with different fruits and toppings.

Ingredients

Scale

Fruit

  • 3 to 5 firm, juicy fruits per skewer (examples: hawthorn berries, strawberries, grapes)

Sugar Syrup

  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional)

Tools

  • Wooden skewers

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Fruit: Wash and thoroughly dry your chosen fruit to ensure the syrup adheres properly. Remove any stems or pits, then carefully thread 3 to 5 pieces onto wooden skewers.
  2. Make the Sugar Syrup: In a saucepan, combine granulated sugar and water. Heat over medium heat without stirring, allowing the sugar to dissolve fully and reach a hard crack temperature around 150°C (300°F). Add lemon juice to keep the syrup smooth and prevent crystallization.
  3. Coat the Fruit: Once the syrup reaches the right consistency, quickly dip each fruit skewer into the syrup, fully covering the pieces. Let excess syrup drip off to avoid a clumpy coating.
  4. Cool and Set: Place the coated skewers on parchment paper or a silicone mat and allow the sugar shell to harden rapidly at room temperature, forming a shiny and crackly surface.
  5. Enjoy Your Tanghulu: Once cooled and crunchy, your Tanghulu is ready to be savored, combining crisp sweetness with juicy fruit.

Notes

  • Use dry fruit to ensure the syrup sticks properly.
  • Use a candy thermometer to reach the hard crack stage (~150°C/300°F) for the best texture.
  • Work quickly as the syrup hardens fast to avoid lumps.
  • Keep the syrup warm on low heat if coating multiple skewers.
  • Store Tanghulu in a cool, dry place to maintain crispness and avoid humidity.

Nutrition

Keywords: Tanghulu, Chinese snack, candied fruit, sugar coated fruit, hawthorn berries, sweet treat, street food, crunchy dessert

Find it online: https://ninagourmet.com/tanghulu/