Easy tanghulu recipe at home 

Tanghulu (bing tang hu lu recipe) , a delightful traditional Chinese street snack recipe , has been enchanting taste buds for generations. This unique treat consists of fresh fruits skewered on bamboo sticks, coated in a glossy, hard candy shell made from a perfect syrup blend. 

Tanghulu recipe is a beloved treat in northern China, where it is commonly sold on the streets. This delightful snack is made by skewering fruit on bamboo sticks, dipping them in a hot sugar syrup, and quickly chilling them in an ice bath to form a crispy, glossy candy coating. 

The contrast between the crunchy exterior and the soft, juicy interior makes tanghulu recipe an irresistible dessert. Made primarily with three simple ingredients—sugar, water, and fruit—it's easy to replicate at home, providing a burst of flavors and textures that delight both the young and the young at heart.

Ingredients required for bing tang hu lu recipe

Try this Tanghulu recipe, a traditional Chinese candied snack where fresh fruit is coated in melted sugar. With just three basic ingredients, you'll create a crunchy and delectable treat that everyone will

love.

• 1 pound fruit, (I used a combination of strawberries, mandarin slices and grapes).
• 3 cups granulated white sugar
• 1 1/2 cups water

With just these few ingredients, you can easily whip up a batch of delightful recipe for tanghulu.

Equipment needed for tanghulu recipe

Here’s what you’ll need:

• Bamboo skewers: Remember to use only 1-3 pieces per skewer.
• Medium-sized pot: Essential for boiling the sugar and water mixture.
• Candy thermometer (optional): While you can assess the syrup's readiness /
• Ice bath: A bowl of ice water will help cool and harden the sugar coating.

By assembling these ingredients and equipment, you’re ready to embark on your tanghulu-making journey!

Step-by-Step Recipe for tanghulu

The first step in creating the perfect tanghulu  recipe is preparing your fruits. Start by selecting fresh fruit, your options are endless but some popular choices are strawberries, grapes, and pineapples.  Rinse each piece gently under cold water to remove any dirt or pesticide residue.

Pat dry: Using a clean towel, carefully dry the fruits. This ensures that the sugar syrup will stick well. Skewer the fruits: Insert 1 to 3 pieces of fruit onto bamboo skewers. This makes them easier to handle while dipping!

 In a medium-sized pot, mix equal parts granulated sugar and water.

Heat the mixture: Bring it to a boil over medium heat. Be patient—this will take about 10-20 minutes.When the syrup reaches around 300°F, it should thicken to an amber color. A simple test is to drizzle a spoonful into an ice bath; if it hardens immediately, it’s ready!

The final step is to coat your prepared fruits in the glossy syrup, creating a delectable candy shell.Dip and swirl: Quickly dip each fruit skewer into the hot sugar syrup, swirling it to ensure an even coating.Shake off excess: Tap the skewer gently to remove any extra syrup.

Immediately immerse the coated fruits into your bowl of ice water for about 2-4 seconds to harden the coating. Finally, place them on parchment paper, let them cool further, and enjoy your homemade tanghulu! 

This step-by-step process not only delivers a delicious treat but also makes for a fun kitchen experience. You can use other fruits .

Storing Tanghulu recipe

Tanghulu recipe is best enjoyed shortly after it’s made to savor that crunchy exterior. However, if you need to store it, consider these tips:

• Store in an airtight container: Place the tanghulu in a sealed container in the fridge. This helps to preserve the candy coating for about 1 day.
• Avoid moisture: Keep your container in a dry area to prevent humidity from compromising the crunchiness of the candy shell.

If you follow these guidelines, you’ll be able to enjoy your sweet creations for a little longer without losing that delightful texture!

What are the best fruits for Tanghulu recipe?

When selecting the best fruits for tanghulu, the traditional choice in China is hawthorn, which is typically available in the fall.  These fruits resemble small, dark cherry tomatoes, are mildly sweet, and have a crisp texture similar to apples. 

This discovery recipe has made me eager to visit a Chinese grocery store to see if I can find them. For making tanghulu recipe at home, it's important to choose fruits that hold their shape well and aren't overly soft. 

Strawberries are a classic option, but other fruits like grapes, blueberries, pineapple chunks, kiwi slices. Or even orange wedges can also work beautifully for this treat. The key is to use fruits that easily adhere to the skewers and can withstand the candy coating process.

Recipe Tip 

Make sure to prepare all your ingredients and equipment before starting, as this recipe moves quickly and can easily turn out dry if not handled properly. Be sure to dry your fruit thoroughly. It’s important to get the fruit as dry as possible because moisture can prevent the melted sugar from properly adhering.

Opt for a stainless steel pan. I tried using an enamel-coated pan once, but it tends to retain too much heat, making the process tricky. To clean the pan after the sugar has hardened, fill it with water and set it on the stove over medium-low heat.

This will soften the sugar and help dilute it. Once the sugar is loosened, pour the liquid down the drain. If there are any remaining bits of sugar, repeat the process until the pan is clean.

Recipe FAQs

Why isn’t my tanghulu hardening? If your tanghulu recipe isn’t hardening, the melted sugar likely didn’t reach the required temperature of 300°F. This is the critical "hard crack" stage in candy-making, and the sugar must reach this temperature to form a hard shell around the fruit.

Why did my sugar crystallize? Sometimes, even when following the steps perfectly, sugar can crystallize. This happened to me once when I used an enamel-coated pan, which I don’t recommend. It tends to retain too much heat and can cause issues with the sugar.

What can I do with leftover fruit? If you have leftover fruit, like strawberries, consider using them in other recipes, such as my creamsicle cake for any extra oranges. There are plenty of delicious ways to use up the surplus!