ice sugar gourd recipe

How to Make Traditional Chinese Tanghulu: A Step-by-Step Guide

Tanghulu, a beloved Chinese street food, consists of crisp fruits coated in a shiny, hard sugar glaze. Making it at home is simple and fun. Here’s a detailed guide.

Ingredients:

- 500g fresh fruits (strawberries, hawthorns, grapes, or kiwi work best)

- 300g granulated sugar

- 10ml white vinegar or lemon juice

- 1 cup water

- Skewers (bamboo or metal)

Steps:

1. Prepare the Fruits: Wash and dry fruits thoroughly. For hawthorns, remove the cores; for strawberries, hull them. Pierce each fruit with a skewer, leaving a small gap between pieces.

2. Make the Sugar Syrup: In a saucepan, mix sugar, water, and vinegar/vitamin C powder (this prevents crystallization). Heat over medium-low heat, stirring gently until the sugar dissolves.

3. Cook the Syrup: Once boiling, reduce heat and simmer for 5-7 minutes without stirring. Use a candy thermometer: the syrup is ready at 150°C (300°F) when it bubbles thickly and turns slightly golden.

4. Coat the Fruits: Dip each skewer quickly into the syrup, twirling to cover evenly. Let excess drip off.

5. Set and Harden: Place the coated skewers on a greased tray or parchment paper. Let them cool for 3-5 minutes until the glaze hardens into a crisp shell.

Tips: Work fast—the syrup sets quickly! For extra flavor, add a pinch of sesame seeds or crushed nuts before the glaze hardens. Enjoy Tanghulu as a sweet, tangy treat that’s perfect for sharing!