Tanghulu is a delightful Chinese street snack that features fresh fruit coated in a hard candy shell. This treat is both visually appealing and delicious, making it a perfect choice for parties or a fun family activity. The combination of the juicy fruit and the crunchy candy coating creates a unique texture that is sure to please everyone.
The ingredients for Tanghulu are quite simple and likely to be found in most kitchens. However, if you don't have fresh strawberries on hand, you can use any fruit of your choice. The key ingredient here is the sugar, which is essential for creating the hard candy coating. Make sure to use granulated sugar for the best results.

Ingredients for Tanghulu Recipe
Strawberries: Fresh strawberries are the primary fruit used in this recipe, but you can substitute with other fruits like grapes, kiwi, or pineapple.
Sugar: Granulated sugar is used to create the hard candy coating that gives Tanghulu its signature crunch.
Water: Water is combined with sugar to create the syrup that will coat the fruit.
Technique Tip for Tanghulu
To achieve the perfect crunch on your tanghulu, make sure the sugar mixture reaches exactly 150°C (300°F) using a candy thermometer. This ensures that the sugar hardens properly and gives that signature crisp coating.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
strawberries - Substitute with grapes: Grapes have a similar size and sweetness, making them a great alternative for tanghulu.
strawberries - Substitute with pineapple chunks: Pineapple chunks offer a juicy and tangy flavor that complements the hard candy coating.
strawberries - Substitute with kiwi slices: Kiwi slices provide a unique tartness and vibrant color, adding variety to the tanghulu.
sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey can be used to create a similar hard candy coating, though it may have a slightly different flavor profile.
sugar - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup can be boiled to a hard crack stage to create a candy coating, adding a rich, caramel-like flavor.
water - Substitute with fruit juice: Using fruit juice instead of water can add extra flavor to the candy coating, enhancing the overall taste of the tanghulu.
water - Substitute with coconut water: Coconut water can add a subtle, tropical flavor to the candy coating, making the tanghulu more refreshing.
Alternative Recipes Similar to Tanghulu
How to Store or Freeze Tanghulu
- To keep your tanghulu fresh and crispy, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Avoid refrigerating as the moisture can make the sugar coating sticky.
- If you need to store them for a longer period, place the tanghulu in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container.
- When ready to enjoy, let the tanghulu sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes to regain some of their crunchiness.
- For best results, consume the tanghulu within a week if stored at room temperature, or within a month if frozen.
- Avoid stacking the tanghulu in storage to prevent the sugar coating from sticking together and breaking.
- If the tanghulu becomes sticky, you can lightly dust them with a bit of cornstarch before serving to help absorb any excess moisture.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). Place the Tanghulu on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Heat for about 5-7 minutes until the sugar coating starts to soften. Be careful not to overheat, as the sugar can melt and lose its crunch.
Microwave Method: Place the Tanghulu on a microwave-safe plate. Heat on low power for 10-15 seconds. Check the texture and repeat if necessary. This method is quick but can sometimes make the sugar coating a bit sticky.
Room Temperature Method: If you prefer not to use heat, simply let the Tanghulu sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes. This will soften the sugar coating slightly, making it easier to bite into.
Steam Method: Place the Tanghulu on a plate and set it over a pot of simmering water. Cover and steam for about 1-2 minutes. This method gently warms the Tanghulu without melting the sugar coating too much.
Air Fryer Method: Preheat your air fryer to 250°F (120°C). Place the Tanghulu in the basket and heat for 3-5 minutes. This method helps maintain the crunchiness of the sugar coating while warming the fruit inside.
Best Tools for Making Tanghulu
Skewers: Used to hold the strawberries for easy dipping into the sugar mixture.
Saucepan: Necessary for heating and combining the sugar and water to create the candy coating.
Candy thermometer: Essential for ensuring the sugar mixture reaches the precise temperature of 150°C (300°F).
Baking sheet: Provides a flat surface for the coated strawberries to cool and harden.
Parchment paper: Prevents the coated strawberries from sticking to the baking sheet.
Measuring cups: Used to accurately measure the sugar and water.
Mixing spoon: Helps in stirring the sugar and water mixture while it heats.
Colander: Useful for washing the strawberries thoroughly.
Paper towels: Used to dry the strawberries completely before skewering.
Tongs: Can be used to handle the hot skewers safely after dipping.
How to Save Time on Making Tanghulu
Prepare ingredients in advance: Wash and dry the strawberries ahead of time to streamline the process.
Use a candy thermometer: This ensures the sugar mixture reaches the correct temperature quickly and accurately.
Line baking sheet early: Prepare your baking sheet with parchment paper before starting to save time during the coating process.
Batch dipping: Skewer multiple strawberries on each stick to coat several at once, speeding up the process.
Quick cooling: Place the coated strawberries in the fridge to harden faster.

Tanghulu Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 20 pieces Strawberries or any fruit of choice
- 2 cups Sugar
- 1 cup Water
Instructions
- 1. Wash and dry the strawberries. Skewer them.
- 2. In a saucepan, combine sugar and water. Heat until the mixture reaches 150°C (300°F).
- 3. Dip the skewered strawberries into the sugar mixture, ensuring they are fully coated.
- 4. Place the coated strawberries on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to cool and harden.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
Suggested Appetizers and Main Courses for Tanghulu
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