Oh my goodness, let me tell you about strawberry tanghulu! This delightful Chinese snack is not just any dessert; it’s a sweet, crunchy, and utterly irresistible treat that’s perfect for any occasion. I first tried it at a local street fair, and wow, the combination of juicy strawberries with that glossy, crackling sugar coating blew my mind! It’s such a simple recipe for making strawberry tanghulu at home, and trust me, nothing feels quite as satisfying as dipping those fresh strawberries into that shimmering syrup. Plus, it’s a fun activity to do with family or friends. So, let’s dive into this sugary adventure and bring some sweetness to your day!
Ingredients for Strawberry Tanghulu Recipe
- Fresh strawberries, washed and dried – 10
- Granulated sugar – 1 cup
- Water – 1/2 cup
- Lollipop sticks – 10
How to Prepare Strawberry Tanghulu
Making strawberry tanghulu is such a fun process, and I can’t wait to share it with you! Just follow these straightforward steps, and you’ll have a batch of these sweet snacks ready in no time. Let’s get started!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, wash your fresh strawberries thoroughly and pat them dry with a clean towel. This is super important because any moisture will prevent the sugar from sticking!
- Next, carefully insert a lollipop stick into the stem of each strawberry. Make sure it goes in deep enough to hold the strawberry securely while you dip it later.
- Now, grab a medium saucepan and combine the granulated sugar and water. Place it over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Stir it just until the sugar has completely dissolved.
- Once it’s boiling, stop stirring! Let it bubble away until it reaches the hard crack stage, which is around 300°F (150°C). This usually takes about 10-15 minutes, so keep an eye on it. You’ll know it’s ready when it turns a lovely golden color!
- After reaching that magical temperature, remove the saucepan from heat and let it cool for about a minute. Be careful, as the syrup will be extremely hot!
- Now comes the fun part! Dip each strawberry into the syrup, swirling it around to coat it evenly. Let any excess syrup drip off before placing the coated strawberries on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Finally, let the tanghulu set at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes until the sugar coating hardens, and then they’re ready to enjoy!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to strawberry tanghulu, it’s always good to know what you’re indulging in! Keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients you use, but here’s a general breakdown for a serving size of one strawberry:
- Calories: 60
- Sugar: 12g
- Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 0g
These delightful treats are mostly sugar and fruit, making them a sweet addition to your snack lineup! Just remember, moderation is key to enjoying these crispy, sugary delights without the guilt!
Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Tanghulu Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for a last-minute treat!
- Deliciously sweet with a satisfying crunchy texture that kids and adults adore.
- Visually stunning with that shiny, glass-like coating, making it a showstopper for gatherings.
- A fun activity to make with friends or family—everyone can join in on the dipping!
- Fresh strawberries make it a slightly healthier indulgence.
Tips for Success with Strawberry Tanghulu
Making strawberry tanghulu can be a breeze if you keep a few key tips in mind! First off, make sure your strawberries are completely dry before dipping them into the sugar syrup—this helps the coating stick perfectly! If you notice any moisture, just pat them gently with a paper towel.
Also, be super careful when handling the hot sugar syrup; it can reach really high temperatures and can cause burns. A good tip is to use a deep saucepan to avoid splatters as it bubbles. Lastly, don’t rush the cooling process—let the coated strawberries sit until the sugar hardens fully, which usually takes about 10-15 minutes. Trust me, the wait is worth it for that delightful crunch!
Serving Suggestions for Strawberry Tanghulu
These beautiful strawberry tanghulu treats are perfect for all sorts of occasions! Serve them at birthday parties, holiday gatherings, or simply as a fun snack during movie nights. They also make a delightful addition to a picnic spread or a charming dessert table. Pair them with a refreshing fruit punch or some whipped cream for dipping to elevate the experience. Enjoy the sweetness with friends and family!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you happen to have any leftover strawberry tanghulu (which is rare, trust me!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’re best enjoyed fresh, but you can keep them for up to two days. Just avoid refrigerating them, as the moisture can make the coating sticky. Reheating isn’t necessary; simply enjoy them as they are for that perfect crunchy bite!
Frequently Asked Questions about Strawberry Tanghulu
Can I use other fruits for tanghulu? Absolutely! While strawberries are classic, you can try other fruits like grapes, pineapple, or even apple slices. Just ensure they’re firm and fresh for the best results.
What’s the best way to store tanghulu? Store your strawberry tanghulu in an airtight container at room temperature. They’re best enjoyed fresh within a couple of days, as refrigeration can lead to a sticky coating.
How do I know when the sugar syrup is ready? You want to reach the hard crack stage, which is around 300°F (150°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, drop a small amount of syrup in cold water; it should form hard, brittle threads.
Can I make tanghulu in advance? It’s best to make strawberry tanghulu just before serving for that perfect crunch. If you prepare them too far ahead, the coating may lose its crispiness.
Is tanghulu safe for kids? Yes, but supervision is key! Ensure they’re careful with the hot syrup and enjoy the treats once they’ve cooled down.
For more information on the health benefits of strawberries, check out this article.
If you’re interested in other delicious recipes, you might enjoy this berrylicious cheesecake or this strawberry shortcake recipe.
Print
Strawberry Tanghulu Recipe: 7 Irresistible Sweet Delights
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple recipe for making strawberry tanghulu, a popular Chinese snack.
Ingredients
- Fresh strawberries – 10
- Granulated sugar – 1 cup
- Water – 1/2 cup
- Lollipop sticks – 10
Instructions
- Wash and dry the strawberries.
- Insert lollipop sticks into the stems of the strawberries.
- In a saucepan, combine sugar and water, and bring to a boil.
- Stir until the sugar dissolves completely.
- Continue boiling without stirring until the mixture reaches a hard crack stage (300°F or 150°C).
- Remove from heat and let it cool for a minute.
- Dip each strawberry in the sugar syrup, coating it evenly.
- Place the coated strawberries on a parchment-lined baking sheet to harden.
Notes
- Ensure strawberries are dry for better coating.
- Be careful with hot sugar syrup.
- Store in a cool, dry place.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Candying
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 strawberry
- Calories: 60
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: strawberry tanghulu recipe
