Tanghulu
Tanghulu is a simple, crunchy treat that pairs bright, tart fruit with a glassy, crunchy sugar shell, making it a delightful snack or dessert.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup Sugar Granulated white sugar gives the clear, glassy shell.
- 1/2 cup Water Plain water is all you need.
- 2 cups Fruit (strawberries or other berries) Use firm, ripe fruit for the best texture.
Instructions
Preparation
- Wash the strawberries or berries gently and dry them completely with paper towels or a clean kitchen towel.
- Remove stems if using strawberries; leave a small stem or use skewers for berries.
- Ensure the fruit is bone-dry before dipping.
Making the syrup
- In a small to medium pot, combine equal parts sugar and water over medium heat.
- Stir until the sugar dissolves, then bring the mixture to a boil.
- Allow the syrup to simmer until it reaches the desired thickness for coating.
Coating the fruit
- Dip each piece of fruit into the hot syrup so it’s well-coated.
- Place the coated fruit on a parchment-lined tray to cool and harden.
Serving
- Let the tanghulu cool for several minutes until the shell snaps and hardens.
- Serve immediately for best crunch and fresh fruit texture.
Notes
For best results, use a candy thermometer to hit the hard crack stage. Work in small batches and keep fruit dry to prevent syrup sputtering.