Get ready to fall in love with the delightful crunch and jewel-bright sparkle of Strawberry Tanghulu! This beloved Chinese street snack transforms fresh strawberries into dazzling, candied masterpieces, each bite offering the perfect contrast of shattering sugar shell and juicy fruit inside. Whether you’re looking to impress at parties, treat your family, or just add some whimsical nostalgia to your dessert table, Strawberry Tanghulu is guaranteed to steal the show and win hearts with its simple magic.
Ingredients You’ll Need
-
Ingredients:
- 1 pound fresh strawberries (washed and dried thoroughly)
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- ½ cup water
- wooden skewers
How to Make Strawberry Tanghulu
Step 1: Skewer the Strawberries
Start by gently sliding the clean, dry strawberries onto your wooden skewers, threading two or three berries per stick depending on their size. Arranging them in advance on parchment paper gets you prepped for quick candy-coating action later on.
Step 2: Prepare the Candy Coating
Combine the granulated sugar and water in a small, heavy saucepan. Set the mixture over medium heat, letting it gently simmer. Whatever you do, resist the urge to stir—just swirl the pan carefully if needed. You’re aiming for a syrup that cooks until it reaches the hard crack stage (300°F), which will take about 10 to 15 minutes. A candy thermometer makes this step a total breeze and ensures you get that snappy, translucent finish.
Step 3: Dip and Swirl
Now, things start to get exciting! As soon as your syrup hits 300°F, remove it from the heat immediately to prevent overcooking. Working as quickly (and safely) as possible, dip each strawberry skewer into the molten syrup, swirling until the fruit is coated on all sides. Let any excess drip off before placing the skewers back on your parchment-lined tray.
Step 4: Let Them Set
Patience is a virtue here! Allow the candy-coated strawberries to cool completely on the tray. In just a few minutes, you’ll see the glistening shell harden into a perfectly clear, crunchy layer. Once set, your Strawberry Tanghulu is ready to enjoy.
How to Serve Strawberry Tanghulu
Garnishes
While Strawberry Tanghulu shines on its own, a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or a dusting of powdered sugar can add an extra playful touch and a hint of contrast. A drizzle of melted dark chocolate makes for an even more luxurious treat.
Side Dishes
Pair your Strawberry Tanghulu with bowls of fresh fruit like grapes, kiwi, or pineapple for a vibrant dessert platter. Lightly salted popcorn or crispy rice cakes also make wonderfully crunchy companions, letting the sweet-tart strawberries really pop.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, stand the skewers upright in a vase or glass, bouquet-style, to create an eye-catching display. Or lay them out on a platter lined with edible flowers and fresh mint. Kids love seeing Strawberry Tanghulu bundled in candy “bouquets” tied with ribbons or twine for party favors!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any Strawberry Tanghulu left, store them loosely covered at room temperature for up to one day. They’re most crunchy and fresh right after making, as the sugar shell will begin to absorb moisture from the fruit and environment, softening the coating.
Freezing
Freezing Strawberry Tanghulu isn’t recommended. The condensation from thawing will melt and damage the delicate candy shell, leading to a sticky mess rather than the iconic glassy snap.
Reheating
These treats are best enjoyed at room temperature and shouldn’t be reheated, as the sugar coating will melt and lose its crispy charm. Simply let any stored skewers return to room temp if you’ve chilled them briefly.
FAQs
Can I use fruits other than strawberries for tanghulu?
Absolutely! While Strawberry Tanghulu is a classic, you can experiment with grapes, pineapple chunks, mandarin orange segments, or even blueberries. Just make sure the fruit is firm and completely dry for best results.
Why did my sugar coating turn sticky instead of hard?
If your coating is sticky, the syrup may not have reached the hard crack stage (300°F). Always use a candy thermometer, and avoid making tanghulu on humid days, as moisture can soften the candy shell.
Do I need to wash and dry the strawberries beforehand?
Yes! Washing removes dirt and residue, but it’s absolutely crucial to dry the strawberries thoroughly. Even a drop of water can cause the sugar syrup to seize or keep the coating from sticking.
Is Strawberry Tanghulu gluten-free and vegan?
Yes, it’s naturally gluten-free and vegan, using only fruit, sugar, and water. It’s a safe choice for sharing with a crowd, including those with dietary restrictions.
How do I prevent burns when dipping the fruit?
Always be careful with hot sugar syrup—it’s extremely hot and sticky. Use long skewers and keep your fingers well away from the syrup. Working quickly and confidently will also reduce the risk of accidents.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never tried making Strawberry Tanghulu at home, now’s your chance to bring a touch of street market magic right into your kitchen! It’s a brilliant way to showcase the simple beauty of strawberries and a treat that delights all ages. Give it a try—you’ll fall in love with the sweet snap and bright, juicy flavors!
Print
Strawberry Tanghulu Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 5 skewers 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Learn how to make delicious Strawberry Tanghulu at home with this easy recipe. Fresh strawberries coated in a crunchy sugar shell, perfect for a sweet treat!
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 pound fresh strawberries (washed and dried thoroughly)
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- ½ cup water
- wooden skewers
Instructions
- Prepare the Strawberries: Insert wooden skewers into the tops of the strawberries.
- Make the Sugar Syrup: In a saucepan, heat sugar and water until it reaches 300°F.
- Coat the Strawberries: Dip each strawberry skewer into the syrup, then allow to harden.
- Serve: Let the coated strawberries cool completely before enjoying.
Notes
- Ensure the strawberries are completely dry before dipping to prevent the sugar from seizing.
- Tanghulu is best enjoyed fresh as the sugar coating will soften over time.
- Feel free to use other fruits like grapes or mandarin slices for variety.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 26g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
