Why Make This Recipe

Strawberry Tanghulu is a delightful treat that combines the natural sweetness of strawberries with a crisp candy coating. This snack is not only fun to make but also offers a burst of flavor in every bite. It is a popular street food in China, and making it at home gives you the chance to savor this delicious offering whenever you like. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a fun and impressive dessert for parties or a sweet snack for yourself!

How to Make Strawberry Tanghulu

Ingredients:

1 cup sugar
1/3 cup water
1/4 cup corn syrup
10-12 Strawberries

Directions:

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the sugar, water, and corn syrup.
Stir a few times until the sugar dissolves, then turn the heat up to medium-high and stop stirring.
Let the mixture simmer until it reaches about 300 degrees, then remove it from the heat.
Skewer each strawberry on a wooden skewer and carefully dip each one into the hot sugar, tilting the pan and twirling the strawberries to completely coat them.
Lay the coated strawberries on a sheet of parchment and leave them to cool and harden.
Best eaten on the day they’re made.

How to Serve Strawberry Tanghulu

Strawberry Tanghulu is best enjoyed fresh. You can serve it as a fun dessert at a party or a sweet snack during the day. For an extra touch, you might want to pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or serve it on a colorful platter for a festive look.

How to Store Strawberry Tanghulu

It is best to eat Strawberry Tanghulu on the same day you make it, as the candy coating can begin to soften and lose its crunch over time. If you have leftovers, try to store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Avoid refrigerating them, as this can make the candy sticky.

Tips to Make Strawberry Tanghulu

Make sure your strawberries are completely dry before dipping; any moisture can prevent the candy from sticking properly.
Use a candy thermometer for precise temperature control.
Be careful when handling hot sugar syrup, as it can cause burns. Safety first!

Variations

You can try making Tanghulu with other fruits like grapes, apples, or even pieces of pineapple. Each fruit brings its own unique flavor and texture!

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen strawberries for Tanghulu?
It’s best to use fresh strawberries, as frozen ones will not hold their shape well during dipping.

2. What if I don’t have a candy thermometer?
You can try the cold water test. Drop a bit of the sugar mixture into cold water; if it forms a hard ball, it’s ready!

3. Can I make the sugar coating flavored?
Yes! You can add a few drops of flavored extracts or food coloring to the sugar mixture for a fun twist. Just be cautious not to overload it, as this can affect the hardening process.

Enjoy making and sharing your Strawberry Tanghulu!