Tanghulu (Candied Fruit on a Stick)
Tanghulu is a delicious and exciting treat enjoyed by many, especially in China. This classic street food features fresh fruits coated in a hard candy shell. The sweet crunch combined with the juicy fruit inside makes it a perfect snack for any occasion. Plus, it’s fun to make!
Why Make This Recipe
Making Tanghulu at home allows you to enjoy a traditional snack with your favorite fruits. It’s simple to prepare and offers a sweet yet healthy alternative to other candies. Also, it’s a great way to impress your friends and family with a fun dessert. Plus, you can customize it with different fruits to suit your taste!
How to Make Tanghulu
Ingredients:
- 1 cup green grapes (rinsed and patted dry very well)
- 10-12 small strawberries (approximately 1 ½ inch in size)
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
- 2 tablespoons light, clear corn syrup
Directions:
- Line a medium-sized baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside.
- Rinse the green grapes under cool running water and pat them dry thoroughly with a paper towel. Place them onto a plate and set aside.
- Rinse the strawberries under cool water and pat them dry. Using a small sharp paring knife, hull the strawberries by removing the stem and leaves. Be careful not to create large holes. Place the hulled strawberries onto a plate.
- Take a 7-8 inch wooden skewer and thread 2-3 pieces of fruit onto the tips. You can either keep the grapes and strawberries separate or mix them together. Set all the fruit skewers aside while preparing the sugar mixture.
- In a 3-quart heavy-duty saucepan, add the granulated sugar, water, and light corn syrup. Do not stir to avoid crystallizing the sugar.
- Attach a candy thermometer to the side of the saucepan and heat on medium-low.
- Allow the mixture to come to a boil, cooking until it turns a light golden brown (amber color) and the candy thermometer reads 300°F (hard crack stage). This can take about 20-30 minutes. Do not rush; if the mixture burns, you’ll need to start over.
- Working quickly, dip a fruit skewer into the hot syrup, letting any excess syrup drip back into the saucepan. Place the candy-coated skewer onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Repeat until all fruit skewers are coated and on the baking sheet. Work quickly, as the syrup will start to harden as it cools.
- Allow the candy-coated fruit skewers to cool completely to harden before serving.
How to Serve Tanghulu
Serve Tanghulu as a fun snack at parties or gatherings. You can display them on a tray or put them in a cup for easy grabbing. Enjoy them fresh for the best taste!
How to Store Tanghulu
Tanghulu is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a day. Avoid refrigeration as the candy can become sticky.
Tips to Make Tanghulu
- Make sure the fruits are completely dry before dipping to ensure proper coating.
- Work quickly with the syrup as it hardens fast.
- Use a candy thermometer for precise temperature control to avoid burning the sugar.
Variation
Feel free to experiment with other fruits like apple slices, kiwi, or even marshmallows. You can also try adding colors by using food dye in your syrup for a fun twist!
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen fruit for Tanghulu?
No, it’s best to use fresh fruit. Frozen fruit may not hold up well when coated in sugar syrup.
2. What if I don’t have a candy thermometer?
You can try the “cold water test.” Drop a little syrup into cold water; if it forms a hard ball, it’s ready.
3. Can I make Tanghulu ahead of time?
While Tanghulu tastes best fresh, you can prepare the fruit skewers in advance. Just coat them in syrup right before serving.
Enjoy making your Tanghulu and delight in its crunchy sweetness!
