Description
Tanghulu, also known as Chinese candied fruit, is a popular street snack in China, made by skewering fruit (like hawthorn berries, strawberries, or grapes) and coating it with a crisp, sugary syrup. The result is a crunchy, sweet treat with a perfect balance of tart fruit and sugary glaze.
Ingredients
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tablespoon corn syrup (optional, helps prevent crystallization)
- Fresh fruit (grapes, strawberries, hawthorn berries, or your choice)
- Wooden skewers or sticks
Instructions
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Prepare the Fruit: Wash the fruit thoroughly and dry it completely with a towel. Remove any stems or leaves. If using grapes or strawberries, skewer them onto wooden sticks or bamboo skewers.
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Make the Sugar Syrup: In a saucepan, combine the sugar, water, and corn syrup (if using). Heat over medium-high heat and stir constantly until the sugar dissolves.
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Cook the Syrup: Let the syrup come to a gentle boil, and then allow it to cook for about 5-10 minutes until it reaches 300°F (150°C) on a candy thermometer. You can test the syrup by dropping a small amount into cold water — it should form a hard, brittle ball.
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Dip the Fruit: Once the syrup is ready, quickly dip each skewer of fruit into the syrup, swirling to coat the fruit evenly. Be careful not to burn yourself as the syrup is extremely hot!
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Cool: Lay the dipped fruit on a piece of parchment paper or a silicone mat. Let the candy coating harden as it cools, about 10-15 minutes.
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Serve and Enjoy: Once the candy coating has hardened, your Tanghulu is ready to enjoy!
Notes
- You can use any fruit of your choice, but traditionally, hawthorn berries are used for this treat in China.
- Be sure to let the syrup cool slightly before dipping, as it will be very hot.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: Candying
- Cuisine: Chinese
Keywords: Tanghulu, Chinese candied fruit, candied strawberries, hawthorn berries, street food