Description
Tanghulu is a popular Chinese street food that transforms simple fruits like strawberries, grapes, and kumquats into dazzling candy-coated treats. The shiny, crisp sugar coating contrasts beautifully with the natural juiciness of the fruit, creating a fun, visually striking dessert.
Ingredients
6–8 small fruits (strawberries, blueberries, kumquats, or grapes)
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup water
1 tablespoon corn syrup (optional, for shine)
Wooden skewers or lollipop sticks
Optional: edible glitter or shredded coconut for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Fruits: Rinse the fruits well and dry them completely with a clean towel. Any moisture will prevent the sugar from adhering properly. If using strawberries, remove the green tops. For kumquats, leave them whole.
- Skewering the Fruits: Insert a wooden skewer or lollipop stick into each piece of fruit. Make sure the fruit is stable on the stick.
- Make the Sugar Syrup: In a small saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, water, and corn syrup (if using). Stir over medium heat until the sugar dissolves completely. Increase the heat and allow the mixture to boil without stirring for about 5-7 minutes, or until it reaches a temperature of 300°F (149°C) on a candy thermometer.
- Coating the Fruits: Once the syrup has reached the correct temperature, remove it from the heat. Let it cool for a minute until it thickens slightly. Quickly dip each fruit skewer into the syrup, ensuring the fruit is fully coated. Rotate the skewer to ensure an even coating.
- Cooling the Coated Fruits: Place the coated fruits on a sheet of parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Let them cool and harden for 10-15 minutes until the candy coating sets completely.
- Optional Garnish: Sprinkle edible glitter or shredded coconut over the tanghulu while the sugar coating is still slightly tacky.
Notes
Try experimenting with other fruits like tangerines, kiwi, or pineapple chunks.
If you like a spicy kick, sprinkle chili powder on the fruit after dipping it in the sugar syrup.
Colorful sugar coatings can be made by adding food coloring to the syrup.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
