Grape Tanghulu
Grape Tanghulu is a easy American recipe that serves 4. 20 calories per serving. Recipe by More Nick on YouTube.
Prep: 19 min | Cook: 10 min | Total: 34 min
Cost: $9.49 total, $2.37 per serving
Ingredients
- 2 cups Granulated Sugar (white granulated sugar)
- 1 cup Water (room temperature)
- 1 pound Red Seedless Grapes (washed, dried, stems removed)
- 12 pieces Wooden Skewers (about 6‑inch long, food‑grade)
- 2 cups Ice (crushed or cubed)
Instructions
Wash and Dry Grapes
Rinse the grapes under cold water, remove stems, and pat completely dry with paper towels.
Time: PT5M
Prepare Ice Water Bath
Fill a large bowl with 2 cups of ice and add enough cold water to create an ice‑water bath.
Time: PT2M
Make Sugar Syrup
Combine 2 cups sugar and 1 cup water in a small saucepan. Stir once, then bring to a rolling boil over high heat.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: high heat
Harden Skewer Tips
Dip the tip of each wooden skewer into the hot syrup, then immediately submerge it in the ice‑water bath until the coating hardens and cracks.
Time: PT2M
Thread Grapes onto Skewers
Slide 3‑4 grapes onto the hardened tip of each skewer, leaving a short handle for dipping.
Time: PT5M
Dip Grapes in Syrup and Ice Water
Holding the skewer by the handle, dip the grape‑laden end into the hot syrup, then quickly transfer to the ice‑water bath to set the candy coating.
Time: PT5M
Set and Cool
Place the finished candy grapes on a cooling rack or parchment‑lined plate. Allow them to harden completely (about 5 minutes).
Time: PT5M
Clean Up the Pan
Return the saucepan to low heat, add a splash of water, and stir until the residual sugar dissolves. Pour the liquid into the sink.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: low heat
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 20
- Protein
- 0g
- Carbohydrates
- 5g
- Fat
- 0g
- Fiber
- 0g
Dietary info: Vegetarian, Vegan (if using refined sugar)
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Granulated Sugar: Brown sugar, Coconut sugar
- Instead of Red Seedless Grapes: Green grapes, Small berries
- Instead of Wooden Skewers: Bamboo skewers, Metal cocktail sticks
Equipment Needed
- Small Saucepan
- Mixing Bowl
- Tongs
- Cooling Rack or Plate
- Measuring Cups
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Boiling the sugar syrup to the correct stage without stirring.
- Hardening the skewer tip in ice water before threading grapes.
- Quickly transferring the dipped grapes to ice water to prevent burning.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use seedless grapes to avoid biting into pits.
- For extra flavor, lightly toss the grapes in a pinch of sea salt before dipping.
- If you prefer a glossy finish, add a drop of food‑grade glycerin to the syrup.
Troubleshooting
Syrup crystallizes or becomes grainy.
Do not stir after the boil begins; if crystallization occurs, add a small splash of corn syrup or honey and re‑boil.
Coating does not harden or stays sticky.
Make sure the ice‑water bath is very cold; add more ice if needed, and dip the fruit quickly.
Grapes slip off the skewer.
Dry grapes thoroughly and press them gently onto the hardened tip; you can also use a dab of melted sugar to ‘glue’ the first grape.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days; texture may become slightly softer.
Freezer: Not recommended; sugar coating can become grainy.
Room temperature: Best stored at room temperature in a sealed container for up to 1 week.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Candied grapes can be made a day ahead; keep them in a sealed container at room temperature.
- If the coating becomes sticky, place the candies in a low‑heat oven (150°F) for 5 minutes to dry.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of grape tongue hulu in Chinese confectionery?
Grape tongue hulu (also called "húlu") is a traditional Chinese street‑food candy where fruit is coated in hot sugar syrup and hardened on a stick. Historically, fruit‑on‑a‑stick treats were sold at festivals and markets as a sweet, portable snack, symbolizing abundance and good luck.
What are the traditional regional variations of hulu in Chinese cuisine?
In northern China, hulu often uses hawthorn or persimmon, while southern regions favor grapes, strawberries, or tropical fruits. Some versions add a thin layer of sesame seeds or crushed peanuts for texture.
How is grape tongue hulu traditionally served in Chinese street markets?
Vendors typically serve the candy grapes on wooden sticks, displayed in a tray, and customers eat them immediately while the sugar coating is still crisp. They are often enjoyed as a quick sweet treat alongside tea or other snacks.
During which Chinese celebrations is hulu commonly enjoyed?
Hulu is popular during Lunar New Year, Mid‑Autumn Festival, and local temple fairs, where bright, glossy fruit candies symbolize prosperity and the sweetness of the coming year.
What makes grape tongue hulu special compared to other fruit candies in Chinese cuisine?
The contrast of a juicy, fresh grape with a thin, glass‑like sugar shell creates a unique bite‑texture that is both crisp and juicy. The quick hardening technique also gives the candy a glossy, jewel‑like appearance.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making grape tongue hulu at home?
Common errors include stirring the syrup after it boils, which causes crystallization, and not using an ice‑water bath cold enough to crack the sugar coating. Also, wet grapes will prevent the syrup from adhering properly.
Why does this grape tongue hulu recipe dip the skewer tip in syrup before adding grapes?
Hardening the skewer tip first creates a solid anchor that holds the grapes securely during the second dip, preventing them from sliding off when the hot syrup is applied.
Can I make grape tongue hulu ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, you can prepare the candy a day ahead. Store the finished grapes in an airtight container at room temperature; they will stay crisp for up to a week. Refrigeration can cause the sugar shell to become sticky.
What texture and appearance should I look for when the sugar coating is properly set?
The coating should be clear, glossy, and crackle when tapped. It should feel hard to the touch but break cleanly with a gentle snap, revealing the fresh grape underneath.
What does the YouTube channel More Nick specialize in?
The YouTube channel More Nick focuses on quick, fun, and visually appealing snack‑style recipes that are easy for home cooks, often featuring creative twists on classic treats and street‑food favorites.
How does the YouTube channel More Nick's approach to candy making differ from other cooking channels?
More Nick emphasizes minimal equipment, fast preparation, and playful presentation, showing viewers how to turn everyday ingredients like grapes and sugar into eye‑catching candy treats without complex techniques.
Last updated: August 28, 2026
