Tanghulu Recipe 冰糖葫蘆 - CANDIED STRAWBERRIES ( How To Make Tanghulu Without Corn Syrup )

Tanghulu Recipe 冰糖葫蘆 - CANDIED STRAWBERRIES ( How To Make Tanghulu Without Corn Syrup ) is a medium Chinese recipe that serves 4. 80 calories per serving. Recipe by Emma's Goodies on YouTube.

Prep: 15 min | Cook: 15 min | Total: 40 min

Cost: $6.20 total, $1.55 per serving

Ingredients

  • 12 pieces Strawberries (large, washed and thoroughly dried; stems removed)
  • 200 g Granulated Sugar (for caramel; measure loosely)
  • 50 ml Water (room temperature)
  • 1 tablespoon Honey (adds subtle floral note; optional)
  • 2 drops Red Food Coloring (gel or liquid; enhances color on green‑streaked berries)
  • 12 pieces Wooden Skewers (12‑inch, blunt tip for easy handling)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Strawberries

    Rinse the strawberries under cold water, pat them completely dry with paper towels, remove the stems, and insert a wooden skewer about 1 inch from the top of each berry.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Combine Sugar, Water, and Honey

    Place the saucepan over low heat and add the granulated sugar, water, and honey. Gently swirl the pan (do not stir) until most of the sugar has dissolved.

    Time: PT3M

  3. Bring Caramel to Hard‑Crack Stage

    Increase the heat to medium and bring the mixture to a rolling boil. If you have a candy thermometer, cook until it reaches 150 °C (300 °F). Without a thermometer, watch for a deep amber color and a slight thickening; this usually takes 8‑10 minutes.

    Time: PT10M

    Temperature: 150°C

  4. Add Red Food Coloring

    Remove the pan from the heat and stir in 2 drops of red food coloring until evenly distributed.

    Time: PT1M

  5. Dip the Strawberries

    Working quickly, dip each skewered strawberry into the hot caramel, turning to coat all sides. Lift and let excess drip back into the pan.

    Time: PT4M

  6. Set and Cool

    Place the coated strawberries onto a sheet of parchment paper, spacing them apart. Allow them to cool and harden for at least 10 minutes before serving.

    Time: PT10M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
80
Protein
0.5 g
Carbohydrates
20 g
Fat
0 g
Fiber
1 g

Dietary info: Vegetarian, Gluten‑Free

Allergens: Honey

Last updated: April 11, 2026

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Tanghulu Recipe 冰糖葫蘆 - CANDIED STRAWBERRIES ( How To Make Tanghulu Without Corn Syrup )

Recipe by Emma's Goodies

Tanghulu is a classic Chinese street‑food treat: fresh strawberries skewered and dipped in a glossy, hard‑crack caramel that turns bright red. The result is a crunchy candy shell that snaps open to reveal juicy, sweet berries. This recipe from Emma's Goodies walks you through the safe caramel technique, adds a touch of honey for flavor, and uses a few drops of red food coloring so even green‑streaked strawberries look vibrant. Perfect for parties, fairs, or a fun dessert at home.

MediumChineseServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
23m
Prep
10m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
43m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$6.20
Total cost
$1.55
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Do not stir the sugar mixture while it is dissolving; swirl only.
  • Reach the hard‑crack stage (150 °C / 300 °F) without letting the sugar burn.
  • Turn off the heat immediately once the correct temperature/color is achieved.
  • Dip the strawberries quickly and set them on parchment to avoid premature hardening.

Safety Warnings

  • Caramel reaches temperatures above 150 °C; handle with heat‑resistant gloves.
  • Never leave the hot sugar unattended; it can cause severe burns.
  • Keep children away from the stovetop while the caramel is cooking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Tanghulu in Chinese cuisine?

A

Tanghulu (糖葫芦) originated in northern China as a street‑food snack during the Qing dynasty. Traditionally made with hawthorn berries, it became popular for its bright red candy coating and sweet‑sour contrast, and today it is enjoyed at festivals and winter markets across China.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of Tanghulu in Chinese cuisine?

A

While the classic version uses hawthorn, regional variations include candied strawberries, grapes, or even small apples. In some northern provinces, a thin layer of sesame seeds is sprinkled on the caramel for added texture.

cultural
Q

How is Tanghulu traditionally served in China?

A

Tanghulu is typically served on a wooden stick, displayed on a tray of parchment, and eaten immediately while the candy shell is still crisp. It is often sold by street vendors who keep the caramel hot in a large kettle.

cultural
Q

During which Chinese celebrations is Tanghulu commonly enjoyed?

A

Tanghulu is especially popular during the Lunar New Year and the Winter Solstice, when the sweet, bright red treat symbolizes good luck and warmth during the cold season.

cultural
Q

What other Chinese dishes pair well with strawberry Tanghulu?

A

Strawberry Tanghulu pairs nicely with a cup of hot green tea to balance the sweetness, or alongside savory snacks like steamed buns (baozi) for a contrast of flavors.

cultural
Q

What makes strawberry Tanghulu special compared to other fruit‑on‑a‑stick desserts?

A

The hard‑crack caramel creates a glass‑like shell that snaps cleanly, delivering a unique crunchy‑juicy contrast that few other desserts achieve. The addition of honey and red food coloring also gives a subtle floral note and vibrant appearance.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making strawberry Tanghulu?

A

Common errors include stirring the sugar (causing crystallization), letting the caramel exceed the hard‑crack stage (resulting in burnt flavor), and using wet strawberries (which cause the candy to seize). Follow the no‑stir rule, watch the temperature, and dry the fruit thoroughly.

technical
Q

Why does this Tanghulu recipe use honey in the caramel instead of plain sugar water?

A

Honey adds a light floral nuance and helps the caramel achieve a smoother texture at the hard‑crack stage, while also slightly lowering the boiling point, which can make timing a bit more forgiving.

technical
Q

Can I make strawberry Tanghulu ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, you can prepare the caramel up to step 4 and keep it warm over very low heat. Once coated, store the finished sticks in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 12 hours; refrigerating may cause the candy to become sticky.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when the caramel is ready?

A

The caramel should be a deep amber color and, when tested with a spoon, should flow like liquid gold. It will harden to a clear, glass‑like shell within seconds after dipping.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Emma's Goodies specialize in?

A

Emma's Goodies focuses on fun, approachable sweet treats and dessert hacks for home cooks, often featuring classic street‑food inspirations and seasonal fruit recipes.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Emma's Goodies' approach to Chinese dessert cooking differ from other cooking channels?

A

Emma's Goodies blends clear, step‑by‑step visuals with safety tips for high‑heat sugar work, emphasizing beginner‑friendly explanations while preserving authentic flavors, unlike many channels that skip the technical safety details.

channel

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