Tanghulu Recipe: A Delicious Chinese Fruit Skewer Treat
This Tanghulu recipe is a delightful treat that brings a touch of whimsy and crunch to any gathering. These candied fruit skewers, popular in Chinese street food culture, are as fun to make as they are to eat. Whether you're using strawberries, grapes, or a mix of your favourite fruits, Tanghulu offers a burst of flavour encased in a shiny, sweet shell that will surely impress your friends and family.
History
Tanghulu has a rich history dating back to the Song Dynasty (960-1279 AD) in China. Originally made with hawthorn berries, this treat was believed to have medicinal properties, helping with digestion and appetite. Over the centuries, Tanghulu evolved, and now a variety of fruits are used, making it a versatile and beloved snack.
Serving Suggestions
Tanghulu is best enjoyed fresh, with its characteristic crunch and glossy appearance. For an extra special presentation, arrange the skewers in a decorative vase or stand, allowing the colourful fruits to shine. Pair these skewers with a warm cup of green tea or jasmine tea to balance the sweetness. Additionally, serving them alongside a platter of savoury snacks can create a delightful contrast for your taste buds.
Storing Instructions
To store Tanghulu, place the skewers in an airtight container. They can be kept at room temperature for up to 24 hours. If you need to store them for longer, refrigerate the skewers, but be aware that the sugar coating may lose some of its crunch over time. It's best to enjoy Tanghulu the same day you make it for the best texture and flavour.
Conclusion
We hope you enjoy making and savouring these delightful Tanghulu skewers! They are a wonderful way to bring a bit of traditional Chinese street food into your home. Don't forget to share your creations and any unique fruit combinations you tried in the comments below. If you loved this recipe, be sure to subscribe to our newsletter for more delicious ideas.
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How to Make Tanghulu Recipe
Tanghulu, a traditional Chinese street food, features fruit skewers coated in a hard, crunchy sugar shell. This recipe combines strawberries, grapes, kiwi, and pineapple, creating a delightful treat that's both fun to make and delicious to eat. Perfect for parties or a unique homemade snack, Tanghulu offers a burst of fruity flavour encased in a shiny, sweet coating that will captivate your taste buds.
- 500 grams strawberries (or a mix of fruits like grapes, kiwi, and pineapple)
- 400 grams granulated sugar
- 200 milliliters water
- Ice water bath
- Wash and thoroughly dry the fruit. Any moisture can cause the sugar syrup to crystallize.
- Skewer the fruit, placing 1-3 pieces per skewer.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar and water.
- Heat over medium-high heat without stirring until the mixture reaches 150°C (300°F) on a candy thermometer. This is known as the "hard crack" stage.
- If you don't have a thermometer, you can test the syrup by dropping a small amount into ice water. If it hardens immediately and cracks, it's ready.
- Once the syrup reaches the desired temperature, reduce the heat to low to keep the syrup from hardening too quickly.
- Quickly dip each fruit skewer into the syrup, ensuring it is fully coated. Allow excess syrup to drip off.
- Immediately plunge the coated skewer into the ice water bath for a few seconds to harden the sugar shell.
- Place the skewers on the parchment-lined baking sheet to cool completely.
- Serve immediately for the best texture and crunch.
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 200kcal
- Calories from Fat 0.9kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 0.1g1%
- Sodium 2mg1%
- Potassium 105mg3%
- Total Carbohydrate 50g17%
- Dietary Fiber 1g4%
- Sugars 45g
- Protein 0.5g1%
- Vitamin A 1 IU
- Vitamin C 30 mg
- Calcium 10 mg
- Iron 0.2 mg
- Vitamin E 0.02 IU
- Vitamin K 1 mcg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
- Ensure the fruit is thoroughly dry before dipping it into the syrup to prevent crystallization.
- Use a candy thermometer to accurately measure the temperature of the sugar syrup.
- Work quickly when coating the fruit skewers to prevent the syrup from hardening in the saucepan.
- Tanghulu is best enjoyed fresh, but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 24 hours.
- Experiment with different fruits to find your favourite combinations.
- Be cautious when handling hot sugar syrup as it can cause severe burns.
Fiona O'Sullivan is the passionate editor of Great Food Ireland, a popular blog dedicated to celebrating traditional Irish cuisine and culinary heritage. With a rich background in food writing and a deep love for Ireland's gastronomic culture, Fiona brings a wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm to her role. She curates authentic recipes, shares culinary stories, and explores the vibrant food scene across Ireland. Fiona's dedication to promoting Irish food traditions has made Great Food Ireland a beloved resource for food enthusiasts around the world.
