Have been trying to make a Trending Tanghulu? I got you!
Well, what is Tanghulu? It is also called Bingtang Hulu,
a skewered candied fruit dessert which is the most popular street food
in China and other Asian countries like Japan and South Korea.
This recipe is trending on social media and most are trying it at home.
However, some comments I read failed to make a crunchy
and crystal-look-like coat. Don't worry, follow this instruction it is easy
and simple, you don't need corn syrup and a food thermometer.
All you need is patience, this is super fun, and yes! We can make it.
Well, what is Tanghulu? It is also called Bingtang Hulu,
a skewered candied fruit dessert which is the most popular street food
in China and other Asian countries like Japan and South Korea.
This recipe is trending on social media and most are trying it at home.
However, some comments I read failed to make a crunchy
and crystal-look-like coat. Don't worry, follow this instruction it is easy
and simple, you don't need corn syrup and a food thermometer.
All you need is patience, this is super fun, and yes! We can make it.
Main Ingredients:
Fruits of choice
2 cups of white sugar
1 cup of water
Wooden skewers
Ice-cold water
Special instruction:
It is so much fun to explore and choose the type of fruit you want to make a Tanghulu. But I will tell you, not all fruits are best to make a Tanghulu. To choose the right fruits kindly, avoid watery or juicy fruits like Kiwi, dragon fruits, and watermelon. These fruits provide so much natural juices that make you struggle to coat a sugar syrup. However, if you want to try those, make sure you completely dry it with paper tissue.
The best choice is berries like strawberries, blueberries, cranberries or oranges, and grapes that are dry on the outside and juicy inside. You may also try green apples and green mango.
Sugar — you know we have different types of sugar in the supermarket. Choosing a quality white sugar can make you a perfect Tanghulu. The best option is quality granulated sugar. If you choose refined white sugar is okay, however, it takes time to melt to make syrup.
Directions:
- Wash the fruits and make sure to pat them dry. You can use a napkin or paper tissue.
- Skewer the fruit without twisting the pieces. Go and skew assorted fruits you like.
- In a pan, prepare 2 cups of white sugar and 1 cup of water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Do not stir, allow the sugar and water to combine until the sugar melts and evaporates some water. The purpose of water is to not burn sugar easily.
- Check from time to time the syrup. How? Dip the spoon in the sugar mixture if you still see some water the syrup is not yet ready. How to make sure it's ready? If you dip a spoon, and the syrup is thick and sticky like no water at all and the color is white to golden white means the syrup is ready. How do I make sure it is crunchy? Let's make a test, in a bowl of ice-cold water test the syrup with a spoon if it hardens it's ready.
- Once the syrup is ready, bring the pan to a heatproof surface. Dip the fruits carefully and rotate in the syrup until completely coated make sure to shake the skewer over the pan to remove any excess syrup.
- Place the skewer on the prepared baking sheet and set them for about 10 minutes.
- OR you can quickly dip the skewer into a bowl of ice water to easily harden. Note: just a QUICK DIP like 1 to 2 sec.
OPTIONAL:
I don't want to get you bored. This is optional but you can try it. It is best to partner with Tanghulu. I'll make sure of that! If you, like me, hate or have a lower liking for sweet things, this is for you. Let's try to make it spicy or nutty Tanghulu.
In a small bowl just combine iodized salt and chili powder. Dip it in Tanghulu and squeeze it with lemon juice.
Or you can melt chocolate, I chose cacao as this has a tart taste perfectly to combine with sweet Tanghulu.