Tanghulu Recipe – A Sweet and Crunchy Treat

Introduction

Tanghulu is more than just a snack; it’s a delightful piece of edible art with a rich history. Originating from northern China, Tanghulu recipe has been a favorite street food for centuries, captivating locals and tourists alike with its glossy, hardened sugar shell. Traditionally made with hawthorn berries, this treat has evolved to include a wide variety of fruits, offering a balance of sweetness, tanginess, and crunch.

This recipe brings the authentic flavors of Tanghulu right into your kitchen. With just three main ingredients and a few simple steps, you can recreate this iconic snack and enjoy it fresh. Whether you’re introducing it to friends and family or reliving nostalgic memories, Tanghulu recipe is guaranteed to impress.

Let’s dive into the world of Tanghulu and learn how to create this irresistible treat at home!

Why Make This Tanghulu Recipe?

Tanghulu is more than just candied fruit—it’s a sensory experience. Here’s what makes this recipe worth trying out:

1. Stunning Presentation

Each skewer of Tanghulu is a showstopper, with its glossy, glass-like coating that sparkles under the light. Whether you’re hosting a party or preparing a festive treat, Tanghulu will leave your guests in awe.

2. Simple Ingredients, Big Impact

Who knew that sugar, water, and fruit could create something so extraordinary? Tanghulu is proof that simplicity can lead to brilliance.

3. Highly Customizable

From strawberries and grapes to kiwi slices and blueberries, Tanghulu allows you to experiment with your favorite fruits. You can even mix and match fruits on a single skewer for variety.

4. Fun to Make

Making Tanghulu is a rewarding and engaging experience. It’s perfect for involving kids in the kitchen or trying your hand at sugar work.

For more creative treats, check out our Olympics Chocolate Muffins or the indulgent Brownie Bread Recipe.

What Is Tanghulu?

Tanghulu, or bingtanghulu, is a classic Chinese treat with origins tracing back to the Song Dynasty. Typically made by coating hawthorn berries with a hardened sugar syrup, this treat combines the natural tartness of fruit with the sweetness of sugar. Over time, Tanghulu has expanded beyond hawthorn berries to include modern favorites like strawberries, grapes, and even orange slices.

The key to Tanghulu’s appeal lies in its texture—a satisfying crunch that gives way to juicy, flavorful fruit. Its name, which translates to “sugar-coated gourd,” reflects its original appearance of skewered berries stacked like a gourd.

How to Make Tanghulu

Creating Tanghulu at home requires attention to detail, especially when working with sugar syrup. This step-by-step guide will ensure your Tanghulu turns out perfect every time.

Ingredients for Tanghulu Recipe

Main Ingredients

• 1 pound (450g) fresh fruit (e.g., strawberries, grapes, blueberries, or hawthorn berries)
• 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
• 1 cup (240ml) water

Optional Ingredients

• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (to flavor the syrup)
• Edible glitter or gold flakes (for decoration)

Directions

1: Prepare the Fruit

1. Wash the fruit thoroughly and dry it completely. Any moisture on the fruit can cause the sugar coating to slide off.
2. Remove stems or pits as needed, and thread the fruit onto skewers, leaving a small gap between each piece for even coating.

2: Make the Sugar Syrup

3. Mix the sugar and water together in a medium-sized saucepan. Gently stir until the sugar dissolves, avoiding splashes on the pan’s sides.
4. Heat the mixture over medium heat without stirring. Allow it to boil until it reaches 300°F (150°C) on a candy thermometer, the “hard crack” stage. This ensures the sugar coating will harden properly.

3: Coat the Fruit

5. Remove the syrup from heat and work quickly. Dip each skewer into the hot syrup, rotating to coat the fruit evenly.
6. Place the coated skewers on a parchment-lined baking sheet to cool.

4: Cool and Serve

7. Let the Tanghulu cool completely at room temperature until the sugar shell hardens.
8. Serve immediately for the best crunch and flavor.

How to Serve Tanghulu

Tanghulu is as versatile as it is delicious. Here are some serving suggestions:

• As a Snack: Serve freshly made Tanghulu on its own for a crunchy, tangy treat.
• As a Dessert: Pair it with a scoop of ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for added decadence.
• At Parties: Display the skewers in a decorative stand for a stunning centerpiece.

How to Store Tanghulu

Tanghulu is best enjoyed fresh, but if you need to store it, here’s how:

• Short-Term Storage: Keep Tanghulu at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 hours.
• Avoid Refrigeration: The sugar coating can soften in the fridge due to moisture, so store it in a cool, dry place.

Variations of Tanghulu

1. Mixed Fruit Skewers: Combine fruits like strawberries, blueberries, and kiwi slices on a single skewer for variety.
2. Flavored Syrup: Add a few drops of natural extracts, like lemon or almond, to the sugar syrup for a unique twist.
3. Decorative Coating: Sprinkle the sugar coating with edible glitter or crushed nuts for extra texture and flair.
4. Mini Tanghulu: Use small fruits like blueberries for bite-sized treats that are perfect for kids.
5. Citrus Tanghulu: Try orange wedges or mandarin segments for a tangy twist.

FAQs

Q: Why is my sugar syrup crystallizing?
A: Ensure the saucepan is clean and avoid stirring the syrup once it starts boiling. Adding a small amount of corn syrup can also prevent crystallization.

Q: Can I make Tanghulu without a candy thermometer?
A: While a thermometer is ideal for accuracy, you can test the syrup by dropping a bit into cold water. It should harden instantly into brittle threads.

Q: What fruits work best for Tanghulu?
A: Strawberries, grapes, blueberries, and hawthorn berries are popular choices. Avoid overly juicy fruits like watermelon, as they may not hold the sugar coating well.

Conclusion

This Tanghulu recipe is a delightful way to bring a taste of traditional Chinese street food into your home. Its combination of glossy appearance, sweet crunch, and customizable fruit options makes it a treat that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.

For more on working with sugar and candy, check out this comprehensive guide on sugar techniques by King Arthur Baking, a trusted resource for bakers.

Happy candied fruit making, and enjoy every crunchy bite!