Glazed Strawberry Tanghulu Recipe: Sweet, Fruity Joy on a Stick

Sweet, glossy strawberry tanghulu has taken social media by storm with its crystal-clear candy coating.

Delicate fresh strawberries tucked inside a glass-like sugar shell create a mesmerizing street food treat.

Street vendors in China have long crafted this traditional candied snack that now captivates food lovers worldwide.

Each strawberry transforms into a glistening gem when dipped in molten sugar syrup.

The process looks complex but requires just a few simple ingredients and some careful technique.

Crisp, sweet, and utterly Instagram-worthy, this tanghulu recipe promises a delightful culinary adventure.

Prepare to dazzle your taste buds with this stunning Chinese street food sensation.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 240 kcal

Servings: 5

All You Need For Strawberry Tanghulu Recipe

• Strawberries: Vibrant, ripe berries create the perfect sweet base for this classic Chinese street treat, choose plump, deep red fruits without blemishes or soft spots for the best results.

• Bamboo Skewers: Long, sturdy wooden sticks provide the perfect handle for creating tanghulu, ensuring clean and even coating of sugar syrup.

• Granulated Sugar: Creates the signature glossy, crystal-like shell that makes tanghulu irresistibly crunchy and transforms simple strawberries into a stunning street food delicacy.
• Water: Essential for dissolving sugar and creating the smooth, transparent syrup that will coat the fruits perfectly.

Tools To Make Strawberry Tanghulu Recipe

• Bamboo skewers: Essential for holding and dipping strawberries.
• Paper towels: Crucial for drying strawberries completely.
• Large pot or saucepan: For creating the sugar syrup.
• Candy thermometer: Helps monitor sugar temperature precisely.
• Baking sheet or parchment paper: Provides a surface for cooling tanghulu.
• Wooden spoon or heat-resistant spatula: Perfect for stirring sugar mixture.
• Sharp knife: Optional for removing strawberry stems if desired.

How To Prepare Strawberry Tanghulu Recipe

• Prep Strawberries

Wash and pat dry strawberries completely, ensuring no water remains on their surface. Choose plump, firm berries for the best tanghulu experience.

• Thread Berries

Pierce strawberries onto wooden skewers, carefully arranging 2-3 berries per stick. Aim for a balanced and visually appealing arrangement.

• Create Sugar Coating

In a heavy-bottomed pan, heat sugar over medium heat until it transforms into a clear, golden liquid. Watch carefully to prevent burning – this is where magic happens.

• Dip and Swirl

Quickly dip each skewered strawberry into the molten sugar, twirling to create an even, glossy shell. Allow excess sugar to drip off for a delicate, glass-like finish.

• Cool and Set

Place sugar-coated strawberries on a parchment-lined surface. Let them rest for a few minutes until the sugar hardens into a crisp, transparent candy coating.

• Serve and Enjoy

Display your tanghulu immediately, letting the sunlight catch the shimmering sugar shell. Best enjoyed fresh for maximum crunch and sweetness.

Tips To Get Strawberry Tanghulu Recipe Just Right

• Sugar Coating Perfection: Ensure strawberries are completely dry before dipping to achieve a crisp, glossy candy shell that won't become sticky or runny.
• Temperature Precision: Use a candy thermometer to hit the exact 300°F (hard crack stage) for a glass-like sugar coating that shatters beautifully when bitten.
• Alternative Fruit Options: Swap strawberries with other firm fruits like mandarin oranges, grapes, or blackberries for exciting flavor variations and colorful presentation.
• Dietary Modifications: Create a sugar-free version using monk fruit sweetener or make a vegan-friendly option by using plant-based sugar alternatives for those with specific dietary needs.
• Storage Secrets: Enjoy tanghulu immediately after cooling, or store briefly in a cool, dry place with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking and maintain the crisp sugar coating.

Serving Strawberry Tanghulu Recipe Easily

• Festive Party Platter: Arrange tanghulu sticks on a decorative tray with fresh mint leaves for a stunning dessert centerpiece that will wow guests at celebrations.
• Breakfast Companion: Pair these crispy sugar-coated strawberries with morning yogurt, granola, or as a sweet side to pancakes for a delightful breakfast twist.
• Picnic Perfect Snack: Pack these portable treats in a cooler for outdoor adventures, beach trips, or park gatherings – they're easy to carry and create instant smiles.
• Gift-Worthy Treat: Wrap individual tanghulu sticks in clear cellophane with a ribbon for a charming homemade gift that looks professionally crafted and tastes amazing.

Store Strawberry Tanghulu Recipe For Later

• Fridge Freshness Strategy: Store tanghulu in an airtight container lined with parchment paper, separating each layer to prevent sticking. Keep refrigerated for up to 2 days, understanding the sugar coating might slightly soften.
• Quick Serving Recommendation: Remove tanghulu from refrigerator 15-20 minutes before serving to allow sugar coating to regain initial crispness and glossy appearance.
• Moisture Management: Avoid storing in humid environments, as excess moisture will cause sugar coating to become sticky and lose its signature crunch.
• Temperature Control Technique: If preparing in advance, create tanghulu just a few hours before serving to maintain optimal texture and visual appeal, ensuring maximum crispness and shine of the caramelized sugar shell.

Crispy Strawberry Tanghulu Recipe

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4.6 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Luscious strawberry tanghulu blends Chinese street treat magic with sweet, glossy candied fruit. Crisp caramel shells encase fresh strawberries, offering a delightful crunch that transports you to bustling markets of China.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar
• ½ cup (120 ml) water
• ¼ cup (60 ml) light corn syrup (optional, for extra shine and stability)
• 1 pint (16 oz / 450 g) fresh strawberries, washed and thoroughly dried
• Bamboo skewers or toothpicks

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Carefully remove strawberry stems, preserving their pristine appearance and selecting uniform, ripe fruits.
2. Skewering: Thread 2-3 strawberries onto bamboo skewers, positioning them with balanced spacing to ensure even caramelization.
3. Sugar Transformation: In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, heat granulated sugar until it melts into a golden, translucent liquid, watching temperature vigilantly to prevent burning.
4. Coating Process: Dip each skewered strawberry into the molten sugar, rotating swiftly to achieve complete, uniform coverage with a glossy, glass-like shell.
5. Cooling and Setting: Suspend coated strawberries over a silicone mat, allowing excess sugar to drip and the coating to harden into a delicate, crisp exterior.
6. Serving: Present tanghulu immediately to maintain the optimal texture, creating a stunning and delectable treat that shatters delicately upon first bite.

Notes

• Select Ripe Strawberries: Choose firm, bright red strawberries without blemishes for the best flavor and texture.
• Dry Thoroughly: Ensure strawberries are completely moisture-free to prevent sugar syrup from splattering or becoming cloudy.
• Temperature Control: Watch sugar carefully, aiming for 300-310°F (hard crack stage) to achieve that perfect glass-like shell without burning.
• Quick Dipping Technique: Work swiftly when coating strawberries to prevent sugar from crystallizing or becoming grainy, maintaining a smooth, glossy finish.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 240
• Sugar: 40 g
• Sodium: 0 mg
• Fat: 0 g
• Saturated Fat: 0 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 60 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg