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Tanghulu

Tanghulu
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Tanghulu is a traditional Chinese snack featuring fresh fruit skewered and coated with a crisp, shiny sugar shell that cracks delightfully with every bite. This recipe delivers a perfect balance of juicy, tart fruit wrapped in a sweet, crunchy glaze, making it a refreshing and addictive treat that’s simple to prepare at home with everyday ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale

Fruit

  • Fresh fruit such as strawberries, hawthorns, grapes, or kiwi (amount as desired)

Sugar Syrup

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

Tools

  • Bamboo skewers

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Fruit: Wash and thoroughly dry your chosen fruits completely. Thread them onto bamboo skewers in an appealing pattern, making sure the fruit fits securely without gaps.
  2. Make the Sugar Syrup: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine sugar, water, and lemon juice if using. Stir gently until the sugar dissolves. Then bring the mixture to a boil without stirring, cooking until it reaches a deep amber color (about 300°F/Hard Crack stage), indicating it’s ready to harden crisply.
  3. Dip the Fruit Skewers: Carefully dip each fruit skewer into the hot syrup, swirling to coat evenly. Lift out and let excess syrup drip back into the pot.
  4. Cool and Harden: Place the coated skewers on a parchment-lined surface or rack to cool completely. Within minutes, the sugar shell will harden into the iconic glossy crunch.

Notes

  • Use a candy thermometer to reach about 300°F (hard crack stage) for ideal crunch.
  • Ensure fruit is completely dry before dipping to prevent syrup from sliding off.
  • Work quickly as the syrup hardens fast; dip all skewers promptly.
  • Handle hot sugar syrup with care to avoid burns.
  • Choose ripe but firm fruits for best texture and flavor retention.

Nutrition

Keywords: Tanghulu, Chinese dessert, candied fruit, fruit skewers, sugar syrup, traditional snack, crunchy candy

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