If you have a sweet tooth and love a bit of crunch in your treats, you are going to adore this delightful Tanghulu (Chinese Candied Strawberry Skewers) Recipe. This classic Chinese street food transforms fresh, juicy strawberries into shiny, crunchy gems coated in a crackling hard candy shell. Not only is it a feast for your taste buds with that perfect balance of tart berries and sugary gloss, but it’s also visually stunning, making it a fantastic treat for gatherings or a fun activity to do with family and friends. The process is straightforward, requiring just a few simple ingredients, but the result is pure magic that’s as much fun to eat as it is to make.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is key to mastering the Tanghulu (Chinese Candied Strawberry Skewers) Recipe. Each component plays a unique role, from the freshness of the strawberries to the perfect sugar syrup that creates that iconic glossy, crunchy coating.
- 16 fresh firm strawberries: Choose strawberries that are ripe but firm to withstand the candy coating and keep their shape.
- 2 cups sugar: This is the star that forms the sweet, crackly candy shell; purity and granulated texture work best.
- 1 cup water: Used to dissolve the sugar and help bring the syrup to the perfect hard-crack stage for coating.
You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.
How to Make Tanghulu (Chinese Candied Strawberry Skewers) Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Strawberries
Start by removing the stems from your strawberries, then wash them gently. It is essential to let them dry completely because any moisture will prevent the sugar syrup from sticking properly and forming that perfect crisp shell. Once dry, carefully thread each strawberry onto a wooden skewer, pushing the berry close to the tip so it’s secure and easy to dip.
Step 2: Create the Candy Syrup
In a heavy saucepan, combine sugar and water. Heat gently until the sugar dissolves, then bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat. Avoid stirring during this time to prevent crystallization. Use a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature closely and remove the pan from heat as soon as it reaches between 300° and 310°, which is known as the hard-crack stage — this is what gives the coating its brilliant shine and crisp texture.
Step 3: Dip and Coat Your Strawberries
Working quickly (because that syrup hardens fast), dip each skewered strawberry into the hot sugar syrup, making sure to coat it evenly. Hold it over the pot to let excess syrup drip off before placing the coated skewer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Let them sit undisturbed for two to three minutes until the candy shell hardens completely.
Step 4: Ready to Enjoy
Once your Tanghulu are hardened, they’re ready to be devoured. The sugary shell snaps satisfyingly with each bite, giving way to the juicy strawberry underneath. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor experience.
How to Serve Tanghulu (Chinese Candied Strawberry Skewers) Recipe
Garnishes
If you want to add a little flair, consider rolling the freshly dipped strawberries in finely crushed nuts or colorful edible glitter before the syrup sets. This can add an extra crunch or a bit of sparkle, turning each skewer into a mini work of art. Fresh mint leaves or a light dusting of powdered sugar right before serving can also add a refreshing contrast.
Side Dishes
Tanghulu pairs wonderfully with simple sides like jasmine tea or light green tea to balance the sweetness. For a more substantial spread, serving alongside fresh fruit salads or light yogurt dips can complement the dessert’s sweet-and-crispy vibe without overwhelming your palate.
Creative Ways to Present
Presentation is half the fun with Tanghulu! Arrange the skewers upright in a decorated jar or vase for an eye-catching display, perfect for parties or festive occasions. You can also line them up on a beautiful wooden board or a shimmering platter, adding extra color and festivity by mixing in candied grapes or cherries.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
While Tanghulu is best enjoyed fresh for optimal crunch, you can store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for a few hours only. Avoid refrigeration because moisture will soften the candy shell and make it sticky.
Freezing
Freezing Tanghulu is not recommended as the condensation that forms during thawing will ruin the crisp candy coating, leading to soggy berries and a dull finish.
Reheating
Unfortunately, once the candy shell hardens, reheating is not practical. The candy coating will melt and harden unevenly if reheated, so it’s best to enjoy them fresh or prepare a new batch whenever the craving hits!
FAQs
Can I use fruits other than strawberries for Tanghulu?
Absolutely! While strawberries are classic and beautiful, firm fruits like grapes, cherries, and even small apples work wonderfully. Just make sure the fruit is completely dry before dipping.
What if my sugar syrup crystallizes?
If you notice crystallization, avoid stirring and clean down the sides of your pan with a wet pastry brush during cooking. This prevents sugar crystals from forming and ensures a smooth syrup.
How can I tell if the syrup is at the hard-crack stage?
The hard-crack stage occurs between 300° and 310°F on a candy thermometer. If you don’t have one, test by dropping a small amount of syrup into cold water—it should harden immediately into brittle threads that snap easily.
Why do the strawberries need to be completely dry?
Any moisture on the fruit’s surface will prevent the syrup from sticking properly and cause the candy shell to become sticky or uneven instead of smooth and crisp.
Can I use wooden or metal skewers?
Wooden skewers are preferred because they provide a better grip and are food safe when exposed to hot syrup. Metal skewers can get very hot and may pose a burn risk.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend trying this Tanghulu (Chinese Candied Strawberry Skewers) Recipe enough. It’s such a joyful cooking adventure and a treat that bursts with flavor and texture in every bite. Whether you want to impress guests or enjoy a nostalgic taste of Chinese street food from your own kitchen, these candied strawberries deliver both beauty and deliciousness. So grab your ingredients, invite a friend, and dive into the sweet, shiny world of Tanghulu!
PrintTanghulu (Chinese Candied Strawberry Skewers) Recipe
Learn how to make Tanghulu, a classic Chinese street food featuring strawberries coated in a crunchy, glossy sugar candy shell. This simple recipe uses a hard-crack sugar syrup to perfectly candy fresh strawberries on skewers, creating a beautiful and delicious treat that can be enjoyed immediately. This traditional dessert also works wonderfully with other firm fruits such as grapes and cherries.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 16 strawberries
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Fruit
- 16 fresh firm strawberries
Syrup
- 2 cups sugar
- 1 cup water
Instructions
- Prepare Strawberries: Remove the stems from the strawberries, then wash them thoroughly. Allow the strawberries to dry completely, making sure no moisture remains as this will affect the candy coating. Thread each strawberry onto a wooden skewer, positioning the berries towards the tip of the skewer for easier dipping.
- Make Sugar Syrup: In a large heavy saucepan, combine the sugar and water. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat without stirring. Continue boiling and cooking the syrup until a candy thermometer reads between 300° and 310°F (the hard-crack stage), indicating the syrup is ready for candying. Remove the pan from heat promptly to avoid burning.
- Dip Strawberries in Syrup: Working quickly to prevent the sugar from hardening, dip each skewered strawberry into the hot syrup, ensuring it is fully coated with the candy mixture. Lift the skewer out carefully and let any excess syrup drip off.
- Cool and Harden: Place the coated strawberries on a parchment-lined baking sheet to cool. Allow the sugar coating to harden and set for 2 to 3 minutes, forming a crisp, transparent shell over the fruit.
- Serve Immediately: Once the candy coating is hardened, serve the Tanghulu skewers immediately to enjoy the perfect combination of sweet, crunchy exterior and fresh fruit interior.
Notes
- Ensure strawberries are completely dry before dipping; moisture will prevent the syrup from adhering and hardening properly.
- Use a candy thermometer for precise temperature control and to achieve the perfect hard-crack sugar stage.
- You can substitute strawberries with other firm fruits such as grapes, cherries, or hawthorn berries for traditional variations.
- Work quickly when dipping as the syrup hardens fast once off the heat.
- Serving immediately is best as the candy shell can become sticky over time due to humidity.
