Vegan Tanghulu – A Traditional Northern Chinese Snack Made Of Sugar-Coated Fruits

Tanghulu is a beloved traditional snack from Northern China, known for its vibrant fruits encased in a glossy, hard candy shell. This guide will walk you through the process of making vegan Tanghulu, showcasing the beauty of fresh fruit with a sweet twist.

What You’ll Need

Ingredients

• Fruits:
• 1 pound of your choice (strawberries, grapes, cherry tomatoes, or kiwi are great options)
• Sugar Syrup:
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup water
• Optional:
• Food coloring for a fun twist
• Sesame seeds or crushed nuts for garnish

Equipment

• Bamboo skewers (6-8 inches long)
• Medium saucepan
• Candy thermometer
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
• Ice water bath (a bowl filled with ice and water)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Fruits

1. Select Your Fruits: Choose firm fruits that can hold their shape when skewered. Wash them thoroughly and dry them completely with a paper towel.
2. Skewer the Fruits: Insert bamboo skewers into your fruits, leaving some space at the bottom for easy handling. For larger fruits like strawberries or kiwi slices, one or two pieces per skewer works well.

Step 2: Make the Sugar Syrup

1. Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, mix 2 cups of sugar with 1 cup of water.
2. Heat the Mixture: Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir gently until the sugar dissolves. Avoid stirring once it starts boiling to prevent crystallization.
3. Monitor Temperature: Use a candy thermometer to keep an eye on the temperature. You want it to reach the hard crack stage, between 300°F to 315°F (150°C to 157°C). This usually takes about 10-15 minutes.

Step 3: Test the Syrup

1. Perform a Hard Crack Test: To check if your syrup is ready, drop a small amount into an ice water bath. If it hardens immediately and breaks when bent, it’s ready for dipping.

Step 4: Coat the Fruits

1. Dip Quickly: Carefully dip each fruit skewer into the hot syrup, ensuring it’s fully coated. Allow excess syrup to drip back into the pan.
2. Cool in Ice Water: Immediately place the coated skewers in the ice water bath for a few seconds to set the candy coating.
3. Rest on Parchment Paper: Transfer the cooled skewers to a parchment-lined baking sheet or silicone mat to cool completely.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

• Once cooled, your vegan Tanghulu is ready to enjoy! These treats are best eaten fresh but can be stored in an airtight container in a cool place for up to a week.

Tips for Perfect Tanghulu

• Fruit Selection: Firm fruits work best; avoid overly ripe or soft fruits that may not hold up during dipping.
• Temperature Control: Keep an eye on your syrup temperature; if it gets too hot, it may burn or become too dark.
• Flavor Variations: Add food coloring to your syrup for colorful coatings or sprinkle sesame seeds or crushed nuts on top for added texture.

Making vegan Tanghulu is not only simple but also incredibly rewarding! This delightful treat brings together the natural sweetness of fruit with a satisfying crunch that’s perfect for gatherings or as an indulgent snack. Enjoy experimenting with different fruits and coatings, and share this beautiful snack with friends and family!