Sweet and Tangy Tanghulu (Candied Fruit) Recipe
Have you ever craved a unique treat that combines sweetness with a delightful crunch? That’s exactly what Tanghulu, or candied fruit, offers. Traditionally enjoyed at festivals, this simple recipe lets you create your own colorful candied fruit at home, perfect for impressing your friends or just indulging in a sweet bite
Preparing Your Ingredients
To create Tanghulu, start with selecting high-quality, fresh fruits. Strawberries and grapes are popular choices due to their size and flavor, but feel free to explore other fruits as well.
Proper preparation is key; wash and dry the fruits thoroughly to ensure the sugar syrup adheres well. If using larger fruits, cutting them into manageable pieces can enhance the visual appeal and ease of eating.
The Art of Sugar Syrup
The magic of Tanghulu lies in the sugar syrup that transforms simple fruits into a glossy treat. Combine granulated sugar with water in a saucepan and heat the mixture over medium-high heat.
Stir until the sugar dissolves, then allow it to boil undisturbed until it reaches the hard crack stage. This process requires careful attention, as the syrup can go from perfect to burnt quickly. Once ready, the syrup should glisten like liquid glass.
Coating the Fruits
With the syrup prepared, it’s time to coat the fruit. Let the syrup cool slightly before dipping each skewer of fruit into it.
Allow any excess syrup to drip off before placing the coated fruits on a greased surface to cool. Watching the syrup harden into a shiny shell is a satisfying part of the process, marking the transformation of your fruits into Tanghulu.
Serving and Enjoying Tanghulu
Once the candy coating has set, Tanghulu is ready to be enjoyed! These skewers make for a playful and inviting dessert option, perfect for sharing at parties or casual gatherings.
Serving them immediately ensures the crisp texture of the sugar shell, which contrasts beautifully with the soft fruit inside. Tanghulu captures the essence of celebration, bringing a burst of joy and vibrant flavor to every bite.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you’re celebrating a festival or simply treating yourself, Tanghulu serves as a delightful addition to your dessert repertoire. The ease of preparation and the visual appeal make it an excellent option for entertaining guests or enjoying a sweet treat at home.
Gather your favorite fruits and get started on this colorful creation that embodies a joyful spirit. The experience of crafting and savoring Tanghulu is sure to delight anyone lucky enough to indulge in this sweet treat.
How to Make Perfect Tanghulu at Home
Tanghulu is made by skewer fruit pieces and dipping them into a hot sugar syrup, transforming them into a glossy, candied treat. Ideal for a festive atmosphere, these sweet treats are as fun to make as they are to eat.
The taste profile of Tanghulu pairs the natural tartness of the fruit with the sugary coating, creating a balanced dessert that is both refreshing and indulgent.
Ingredients
- Fresh fruit (strawberries, grapes, hawthorn berries, or a mix)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup water
- Skewers or bamboo sticks
- Cooking oil for greasing
Instructions
- Prepare the Fruit: Wash and dry the fruit thoroughly. If using larger fruits like strawberries, consider cutting them in half. Skewer each piece onto a stick.
- Make the Sugar Syrup: In a saucepan, combine the sugar and water. Heat over medium-high heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Allow it to boil without stirring until it reaches the hard crack stage (300°F or 150°C).
- Coat the Fruit: Once the syrup is ready, remove it from heat and let it cool for a minute. Carefully dip each skewer of fruit into the syrup, letting the excess drip off. Place on a greased surface to cool and harden.
- Serve: Once the candy coating has hardened, your Tanghulu is ready to enjoy! Serve immediately for the best texture.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories: 150kcal (varies by fruit)
- Fat: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
Sweet And Tangy Tanghulu
Ingredients
- Fresh fruit strawberries, grapes, hawthorn berries, or a mix
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup water
- Skewers or bamboo sticks
- Cooking oil for greasing
Instructions
- Prepare the Fruit: Wash and dry the fruit thoroughly. If using larger fruits like strawberries, consider cutting them in half. Skewer each piece onto a stick.
- Make the Sugar Syrup: In a saucepan, combine the sugar and water. Heat over medium-high heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Allow it to boil without stirring until it reaches the hard crack stage (300°F or 150°C).
- Coat the Fruit: Once the syrup is ready, remove it from heat and let it cool for a minute. Carefully dip each skewer of fruit into the syrup, letting the excess drip off. Place on a greased surface to cool and harden.
- Serve: Once the candy coating has hardened, your Tanghulu is ready to enjoy! Serve immediately for the best texture.
