How To Make Strawberry Tanghulu
How To Make Strawberry TANGHULU 🍓🍭 is a easy American recipe that serves 12. 130 calories per serving. Recipe by Ong Squad on YouTube.
Prep: 12 min | Cook: 15 min | Total: 37 min
Cost: $4.70 total, $0.39 per serving
Ingredients
- 12 pieces Strawberries (fresh, washed, stems removed, patted dry)
- 12 pieces Bamboo Skewers (12‑inch wooden skewers, soaked in water for 10 minutes to prevent burning)
- 2 cups Granulated Sugar (white granulated sugar, preferably fine grain)
- 1 cup Water (room‑temperature tap water)
- 2 cups Ice (crushed ice for the ice bath)
Instructions
Prepare Strawberries and Skewers
Wash the strawberries, remove the stems, and pat them completely dry. Thread each strawberry onto a bamboo skewer, placing the largest strawberry at the bottom and the smaller ones on top.
Time: PT10M
Prepare Ice Bath
Fill a large bowl with 2 cups of ice and enough cold water to fully submerge the skewers. Set aside.
Time: PT2M
Make Sugar Syrup
Combine 2 cups of granulated sugar and 1 cup of water in a medium saucepan. Heat over medium heat, stirring gently until the sugar dissolves. Continue cooking; the mixture will bubble and turn a light amber color (about 300°F / 150°C). Remove from heat as soon as the amber hue appears.
Time: PT10M
Temperature: Medium heat
Dip Strawberries in Syrup and Ice Bath
Using tongs, dip each strawberry‑skewer into the hot sugar syrup, coating it completely. Immediately transfer the coated skewer into the ice bath for a few seconds until the sugar hardens into a glossy shell.
Time: PT5M
Set and Serve
Place the finished skewers on a cooling rack or parchment‑lined plate. Allow the candy shell to set completely (about 5 minutes) before serving.
Time: PT5M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 130
- Protein
- 0g
- Carbohydrates
- 34g
- Fat
- 0g
- Fiber
- 0.5g
Dietary info: Vegetarian, Vegan (if using vegan‑certified sugar)
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Strawberries: Raspberries, Blueberries, Blackberries
- Instead of Bamboo Skewers: Metal skewers, Wooden cocktail sticks
- Instead of Granulated Sugar: Superfine sugar, Caster sugar
- Instead of Ice: Very cold water (will not set as hard)
Equipment Needed
- Medium Saucepan
- Candy Thermometer (optional)
- Large Bowl
- Tongs
- Cooling Rack or Plate
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Dry strawberries thoroughly before dipping.
- Heat sugar syrup to a light amber color without burning.
- Quickly dip the strawberries and shock them in an ice bath to form a hard candy shell.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use a metal or silicone spatula to swirl the syrup instead of stirring, which reduces crystal formation.
- For a decorative touch, drizzle a thin line of melted white chocolate over the hardened shells.
- If you prefer a less sweet version, reduce the sugar to 1½ cups and add a splash of lemon juice to the syrup.
Troubleshooting
Sugar syrup crystallizes and becomes grainy.
Add a tablespoon of corn syrup or a pinch of cream of tartar to the syrup and stir gently; keep the mixture at a steady boil.
Candy shell remains soft or sticky.
Ensure the ice bath is very cold and that the syrup is hot enough (light amber). Dip quickly and submerge fully.
Strawberries become soggy after coating.
Make sure strawberries are completely dry before dipping; any surface moisture will steam the sugar.
Storage
Refrigerator: Not recommended; cold will make the candy shell sticky.
Freezer: Not recommended; texture will degrade.
Room temperature: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the sugar syrup ahead of time and keep it warm (just above 250°F) for up to 10 minutes.
- Skewer the strawberries earlier and keep them refrigerated (dry them well before use).
- The candy shell hardens quickly, so have all skewers ready before the syrup reaches amber.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of candied fruit skewers in American dessert traditions?
Candied fruit on sticks became popular in the United States during the mid‑20th century as a simple party snack and fair treat. The technique of coating fruit with a hard sugar shell traces back to classic confectionery methods used for candied nuts and ginger.
What regional variations of fruit‑on‑a‑stick desserts exist in American cuisine?
In the Southern U.S., pineapple or banana slices are often deep‑fried and glazed, while in the Midwest apple slices are dipped in caramel. The candied strawberry version is a lighter, fresher take that fits summer gatherings.
How is candied strawberry skewer traditionally served at celebrations in the United States?
They are typically presented on a platter at picnics, birthday parties, and Fourth of July barbecues, often alongside other handheld sweets like chocolate‑dipped pretzels and fruit kebabs.
What occasions or holidays is candied strawberry skewer commonly associated with in American culture?
These sweet skewers are popular for summer events such as backyard barbecues, Fourth of July picnics, and school fairs, as well as for casual dessert tables at birthday parties.
What authentic ingredients are used in traditional candied strawberry skewer recipes versus acceptable substitutes?
Traditional recipes call for fresh strawberries, granulated white sugar, and water. Acceptable substitutes include other fresh berries, superfine sugar, or a small amount of corn syrup to prevent crystallization.
What other American desserts pair well with candied strawberry skewers?
They pair nicely with classic American desserts like vanilla ice cream, lemon bars, or a simple shortbread cookie, offering a contrast of textures and flavors.
What makes candied strawberry skewer special or unique in American snack cuisine?
The combination of fresh, juicy fruit with a crisp, glass‑like sugar shell provides a surprising texture contrast that is both visually appealing and delightfully sweet, setting it apart from typical fruit salads.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making candied strawberry skewer at home?
Common errors include not drying the strawberries, allowing the sugar syrup to burn, and failing to shock the coating in a sufficiently cold ice bath, all of which result in a sticky or uneven shell.
Why does this candied strawberry skewer recipe use an ice bath instead of letting the sugar harden at room temperature?
The ice bath rapidly cools the sugar coating, creating a hard, glass‑like shell. Allowing it to set at room temperature would result in a softer, chewy coating that lacks the desired crunch.
What does the YouTube channel Ong Squad specialize in?
The YouTube channel Ong Squad focuses on fun, family‑friendly cooking tutorials that often feature quick snack ideas, kid‑approved recipes, and playful twists on classic dishes.
How does the YouTube channel Ong Squad's approach to American snack cooking differ from other cooking channels?
Ong Squad emphasizes hands‑on, visual storytelling with a light‑hearted tone, often using everyday kitchen tools and minimal ingredients, making their snack recipes especially accessible for home cooks of all skill levels.
Last updated: August 25, 2026
