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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- Preparation: Carefully remove strawberry stems, preserving their pristine appearance and selecting uniform, ripe fruits.
- Skewering: Thread 2-3 strawberries onto bamboo skewers, positioning them with balanced spacing to ensure even caramelization.
- Sugar Transformation: In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, heat granulated sugar until it melts into a golden, translucent liquid, watching temperature vigilantly to prevent burning.
- Coating Process: Dip each skewered strawberry into the molten sugar, rotating swiftly to achieve complete, uniform coverage with a glossy, glass-like shell.
- 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.
- 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