Tanghulu, a delightful treat of candied fruits, is gaining popularity beyond its roots in traditional Chinese snacks. It gives you a sweet, crunchy experience that is hard to resist. This recipe introduces a fruity twist to the classic tanghulu, using strawberries for a vibrant and delicious result.
Table of Contents
Why make this recipe
Making tanghulu at home is fun and easy. It allows you to enjoy a sweet treat that’s not only satisfying but also visually beautiful. The shiny candy coating gives strawberries a new life, and you can customize the sweetness to suit your taste. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to impress friends and family or to treat yourself on a special occasion.
How to make Tanghulu
Ingredients:
- Strawberries
- Sugar
- Water
Directions:
- Rinse the strawberries and let them dry completely.
- In a saucepan, combine sugar and water and bring to a boil to create a syrup.
- Once the syrup reaches a hard crack stage (around 300°F or 150°C), remove from heat.
- Skewer the strawberries on sticks.
- Dip the skewered strawberries into the syrup, allowing excess syrup to drip off.
- Place the dipped strawberries on a parchment-lined tray to cool and harden before serving.
Tanghulu (Candied Strawberries)
A delightful treat of candied strawberries, giving a sweet and crunchy experience that’s visually beautiful.
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 pound strawberries
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup water
Instructions
- Rinse the strawberries and let them dry completely.
- In a saucepan, combine sugar and water and bring to a boil to create a syrup.
- Once the syrup reaches a hard crack stage (around 300°F or 150°C), remove from heat.
- Skewer the strawberries on sticks.
- Dip the skewered strawberries into the syrup, allowing excess syrup to drip off.
- Place the dipped strawberries on a parchment-lined tray to cool and harden before serving.
Notes
Make sure the strawberries are completely dry before dipping to help the syrup stick better. Use a candy thermometer for perfect results.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: Chinese
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
How to serve Tanghulu
Tanghulu can be served as a fun snack on sticks, perfect for parties or a sweet treat after meals. They can be arranged on a plate or displayed in a cup for a lovely presentation. Enjoy them fresh and crunchy!
How to store
For best results, tanghulu is best eaten the same day they are made. However, if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Keep away from humidity to prevent the candy from becoming sticky.
Tips
- Make sure the strawberries are completely dry before dipping to help the syrup stick better.
- Use a candy thermometer to check the syrup temperature for perfect results.
- For added flavor, you can add a splash of lemon juice to the syrup.
Variations
Though this tanghulu recipe focuses on strawberries, you can use other fruits like apples, grapes, or even mandarin slices. The process remains the same, but you might adjust the size of the fruit and the skewer length accordingly.
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen strawberries?
A: Fresh strawberries work best for tanghulu since frozen ones may become mushy during the candying process.
Q: Can I make tanghulu with other types of sugar?
A: Yes, you can experiment with brown sugar or coconut sugar for a different flavor, though the texture might vary.
Q: How do I know if the syrup is ready?
A: The syrup should reach the hard crack stage at 300°F (150°C). You can test it by dropping a small amount into cold water; it should harden immediately into a brittle shape.
Conclusion
Tanghulu is an easy and fun way to enjoy a tasty treat made at home. With a simple recipe and a few ingredients, you can create a beautiful dessert that is satisfying and delicious. Get creative with your favorite fruits, and enjoy this delightful candy for yourself or to share with others!
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