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Tanghulu (Candied Strawberries) Recipe

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4.1 from 8 reviews

Tanghulu is a traditional Chinese snack featuring fresh strawberries coated in a crunchy, sweet candy shell made from caramelized sugar. This recipe guides you through creating the perfect crispy sugar coating that contrasts delightfully with the juicy strawberries, making a beautiful and delicious treat that’s perfect for parties or a fun homemade snack.

Ingredients

For the Candy Coating

  • ½ cup water (120ml)
  • 1 cup white sugar (200g)

For the Fruit

  • 12 small strawberries

For Preparation

  • Parchment paper or oil for lightly greasing the plate

Instructions

  1. Dry the Strawberries: Thoroughly pat the strawberries dry with a paper towel to remove any moisture. This is crucial to helping the sugar candy stick properly to the fruit. Skewer each strawberry individually on a stick or skewer.
  2. Prepare Cooling Surface: Lay out parchment paper on a flat surface or lightly grease a plate with oil to prevent the sticky sugar coating from adhering when the strawberries are placed down to cool.
  3. Begin Sugar Syrup: In a pot, combine the sugar and water. Gently simmer over low heat until the sugar is about halfway dissolved. Avoid stirring after this point to reduce crystallization.
  4. Cook Sugar to Hard Crack Stage: Increase the heat to medium or medium-high and allow the sugar mixture to bubble vigorously. Start testing after about 5 minutes by dipping a wooden chopstick into the syrup then into a glass of ice water. If the syrup hardens into a crunchy thread when bitten, it is ready. The syrup should turn a light golden brown but be careful not to burn it—cooking times vary between 12–22 minutes depending on heat level.
  5. Final Strawberry Prep: Pat the strawberries dry once more to ensure no moisture remains on the surface, which could prevent proper candy adhesion.
  6. Coat the Strawberries: Remove the pot from heat and quickly dip each strawberry into the hot sugar syrup, submerging for only a few seconds. Immediately twist the stick as you lift it to allow excess sugar to drip off. Work fast since the syrup hardens quickly — within 2-3 minutes.
  7. Cool and Harden: Place each coated strawberry on the prepared parchment paper or greased plate. The candy shell will harden almost immediately, creating a shiny, crisp coating. Enjoy your Tanghulu!

Notes

  • Ensure strawberries are completely dry before dipping to help the sugar stick better.
  • Use a wooden chopstick or similar utensil for the ice water test to check the candy’s hardness.
  • Avoid using maximum heat to prevent burning the sugar syrup.
  • Work quickly when dipping as the sugar cools and hardens fast.
  • If the sugar crystallizes or hardens too soon, reheat carefully to restart.

Find it online: https://marthatasty.com/tanghulu-candied-strawberries-recipe/