Tanghulu Recipe

A traditional Chinese snack featuring candied fruit on a stick.

Tanghulu, also known as Bing Tanghulu, is a favorite Chinese street food that many recognize by its signature glossy, crackly sugar coating. These candied fruit skewers are typically made using Chinese hawthorn berries, although modern variations incorporate various fruits like strawberries, grapes, and even cherry tomatoes. Tanghulu's origins can be traced back to the Song Dynasty when it was initially used as a remedy for concubines in the imperial palace. Today, it is a ubiquitous treat enjoyed by all ages at festivals and markets across China.

The charm of Tanghulu lies in its delightful combination of tart, fruity freshness with a sweet and crunchy outer shell. The process of making these candied skewers is relatively straightforward but requires precision to achieve the perfect hard crack stage of the sugar. Be ready to take a culinary journey to the bustling streets of Beijing with this detailed recipe for making authentic Tanghulu at home.

Ingredients

• 20 fresh hawthorn berries or other small fruits (strawberries, grapes, etc.)
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup water
• 1 tablespoon light corn syrup (optional for extra shine)
• Wooden skewers
• Vegetable oil (for coating)

Nutrition

Calories: ~150 calories

Instructions

1. Prepare the Fruit: Begin by washing the fruit thoroughly under cold running water. If using strawberries, remove the stems. For larger fruits, you might want to cut them into bite-sized pieces. Dry the fruits completely on a paper towel to ensure the sugar coating adheres properly.
2. Skewer the Fruit: Carefully skewer about three to five pieces of fruit onto each wooden skewer, making sure to leave enough room at the bottom for holding.
3. Prepare Your Workstation: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly coat it with vegetable oil. This will prevent the candied fruit from sticking once they are coated.
4. Make the Sugar Syrup: In a medium saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, water, and light corn syrup. Stir until the sugar has dissolved. Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a boil without stirring. Use a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature; you are aiming for the hard crack stage, which is around 300°F to 310°F (149°C to 154°C). This will take approximately 10-15 minutes.
5. Dip the Fruit in Sugar: Once the sugar syrup reaches the desired temperature, remove it from the heat. Working quickly and carefully, dip each skewer of fruit into the hot sugar syrup, ensuring each piece of fruit is fully coated in the sugar. Allow any excess syrup to drip off before placing the skewers onto the prepared baking sheet.
6. Let Cool and Harden: Allow the candied fruit skewers to cool and harden completely at room temperature. This should take about 15-20 minutes. Do not refrigerate as this can cause the sugar coating to become sticky.

Congratulations, you have successfully made Tanghulu, a treat that encapsulates the sweet essence of traditional Chinese street food! As you bite into each piece, enjoy the satisfying crunch of the sugar shell followed by the burst of juicy, tart fruit. Tanghulu is best enjoyed fresh, as the sugar coating can begin to soften over time. If you need to store them, lightly oil a piece of parchment paper and wrap each skewer individually.

For an extra touch, consider experimenting with different types of fruits to discover new flavor combinations. Pineapple, apples, and even citrus segments can make delightful variations. Just remember to maintain uniform sizes for an even coating.

One tip for ensuring a smooth, glossy sugar coating is to work in a dry environment. High humidity can affect the sugar's ability to harden properly. Also, if you find the syrup is hardening too quickly as you work, you can gently reheat it, but be cautious not to burn the sugar.

Creating Tanghulu can become a fun and engaging activity, especially with children. Just be sure to supervise closely when handling the hot sugar syrup. Enjoy this delightful snack that carries a piece of Chinese culinary heritage, and perhaps make it a part of your own family's tradition!