What is Tanghulu?
Tanghulu is a traditional Chinese candied fruit snack where fresh fruits are coated with a hardened sugar shell. It is not only visually appealing but also offers a delightful crunch with a sweet and tangy taste. Often found at Chinese street markets during festivals, this treat can easily be made at home.
Ingredients Needed to Make Tanghulu
If you want to learn how to make Tanghulu, you will need the following ingredients:
- 10-12 wooden skewers
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup corn syrup (optional, for extra shine and hardness)
- Fresh fruits (strawberries, grapes, hawthorn berries, or tangerine slices)
Step-by-Step Instructions on How to Make Tanghulu
Follow these steps to make your perfect homemade Tanghulu:
1. Prepare the Fruits
- Wash the fruits thoroughly and dry them completely. Moisture can prevent the sugar coating from sticking properly.
- Skewer 2-3 fruits onto each wooden stick, depending on their size.
2. Prepare the Sugar Coating
- In a saucepan, mix sugar, water, and corn syrup.
- Heat over medium-high heat without stirring, allowing the sugar to dissolve completely.
- Let the mixture reach 300°F (150°C), also known as the hard-crack stage. If you don’t have a thermometer, you can test it by dropping a small amount into cold water—it should harden immediately.
3. Coat the Fruits in Sugar
- Once the sugar syrup is ready, dip each fruit skewer into the mixture, ensuring an even coating.
- Let any excess syrup drip off before placing the skewers on a parchment-lined surface.
4. Let the Tanghulu Cool and Harden
- Allow the coated fruit skewers to cool at room temperature for 10-15 minutes until the sugar shell hardens.
- Once completely hardened, your crispy and delicious Tanghulu is ready to enjoy!
Important Tips for the Best Tanghulu
- Avoid stirring the sugar mixture while heating, as it may crystallize.
- Ensure the sugar syrup reaches the correct temperature for a perfect crunchy texture.
- How to make Tanghulu in humid weather? It’s best to prepare it on dry days as humidity can soften the sugar shell.
- Use parchment paper to prevent the skewers from sticking to the surface.
Conclusion
Now that you know how to make Tanghulu, you can enjoy this crunchy and sweet treat at home. The combination of fresh fruit and a hardened sugar coating makes it a delightful snack for any occasion. Follow the steps carefully and impress your friends and family with this traditional Chinese delicacy!