Best Easy Tanghulu Recipe

Glistening tanghulu skewers of sugar-coated fruit are an iconic Chinese street food treat. A fresh, fun family snack with sweet, crunchy contrast.

Cook 30 min Difficulty NORMAL 150 kcal
#vegetarian #diabetic friendly
Image coming soon
Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • strawberries 12 pieces
  • grapes 24 pieces
  • bamboo skewers 6 pieces
Seasonings/Sauce
  • granulated sugar 1 cup
  • water 1 cup
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 35 g 93%
Protein 1 g 3%
Fat 0.2 g 4%
Serving size 80g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Thread alternating pieces of strawberries and grapes tightly onto bamboo skewers, 3–4 fruits per skewer, making sure fruit is firmly secured.

  2. 2

    Pat the fruit completely dry with paper towels to ensure the sugar syrup will adhere and prevent the coating from slipping, then set aside on a parchment-lined tray.

  3. 3

    In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, combine granulated sugar and water; stir gently until the sugar dissolves, then stop stirring and bring to a rapid boil.

  4. 4

    Cook the syrup until it reaches the hard crack stage (300°F/150°C) on a candy thermometer or until a drop of syrup instantly hardens in cold water (about 10–15 minutes) without stirring.

  5. 5

    Working quickly, dip each skewer of fruit into the hot syrup, turning to fully coat, and place immediately on the prepared tray; let cool and harden at room temperature for at least 10 minutes before enjoying.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What's the key ingredient in this Tanghulu recipe?
The key ingredient is fresh fruit—typically strawberries and grapes. Their juicy texture is essential, as it contrasts with the hard, glossy sugar shell that defines authentic Tanghulu.
Q. What is the most critical step for a successful sugar coating?
Boiling the sugar and water syrup to the hard crack stage (about 300°F) is crucial. This temperature ensures the coating hardens instantly and becomes perfectly crunchy when cooled.
Q. How can I keep the sugar shell crisp without melting or sticking?
To prevent a sticky coating and maintain crunch, make sure all fruits are fully dried before dipping and allow the coated skewers to set at room temperature on parchment paper.
Q. What is the nutrition profile per serving for this recipe?
Each serving (about 80g) contains roughly 150 kcal, 35g carbohydrates (93% of calories), 1g protein (3%), and 0.2g fat (4%), making Tanghulu a mostly carbohydrate-based treat—ideal for a sweet snack in moderation.
AI 채팅 아이콘