I absolutely adore Tanghulu. This traditional Chinese snack is a delightful combination of sweet and sour, with a crisp coating of hardened sugar encasing fresh fruits. The vibrant colors and irresistible flavors make it a perfect treat for any occasion. Today, I am going to share with you a quick and easy recipe on how to make Tanghulu in the microwave, so you can indulge in this delicious snack whenever you crave it.
Gathering the Ingredients
Fruit
The first thing you need for Tanghulu is some fresh fruit. Traditional Tanghulu uses hawthorn berries, also known as haws, but you can experiment with other fruits as well. Strawberries, grapes, and oranges work wonderfully too. Make sure the fruit you choose is firm and ripe.
Sugar Syrup
Next, you will need a sugar syrup to coat the fruit. To make the syrup, you will need sugar and water. The ratio should be 1:2, meaning one part sugar to two parts water.
Skewers
Lastly, you will need skewers to pierce the fruit. You can use bamboo skewers or toothpicks, whichever is available to you. Soak the skewers in water for about 10 minutes before using to prevent them from burning in the microwave.
Preparing the Tanghulu
Step 1: Washing and Prepping the Fruit
Start by washing and drying the fruit thoroughly. If you’re using hawthorn berries, remove the stems and any leaves. For strawberries, remove the green tops and slice them in half. Grapes can be used whole, but it’s a good idea to remove any stems. If you’re using oranges, peel them and cut them into bite-sized pieces. Ensure the fruit is ready to be skewered.
Step 2: Making the Sugar Syrup
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine one part sugar and two parts water. Mix well until the sugar is dissolved. Place the bowl in the microwave and heat it on high for about 1 minute. Stir the mixture and then heat it for another minute. Repeat this process until the syrup becomes thick and syrupy. Be careful while handling the hot syrup, as it can cause burns.
Step 3: Skewering the Fruit
Take your soaked skewers and carefully pierce one piece of fruit at a time. Make sure the piece sits securely on the skewer. Continue skewering the rest of the fruit until you have as many Tanghulu sticks as you desire.
Step 4: Coating the Fruit
Working quickly, dip each skewered fruit into the sugar syrup, ensuring it is thoroughly coated. Place the coated fruit onto a plate lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
Step 5: Microwaving the Tanghulu
Now it’s time to microwave the Tanghulu. Place the plate of coated fruit into the microwave and heat it on high for 1 minute. Take the plate out and carefully flip each Tanghulu stick. Return the plate to the microwave and heat for an additional minute. Repeat this process until the sugar coating on the fruit hardens and becomes glossy.
Step 6: Cooling and Enjoying
After removing the plate from the microwave, allow the Tanghulu to cool for a few minutes. The sugar coating will become even crunchier as it cools. Once cooled, you can serve the Tanghulu immediately or store them in an airtight container for later.
Conclusion
Making Tanghulu in the microwave is a quick and easy way to enjoy this delightful Chinese treat. With just a few simple ingredients and some careful microwave cooking, you can savor the sweet and sour flavors of this beloved snack in no time. So why not give this recipe a try and share a batch of homemade Tanghulu with your friends and family? Trust me, they’ll thank you for it!