Strawberry Tanghulu

Strawberry Tanghulu is a easy Chinese recipe that serves 6. 60 calories per serving. Recipe by Nick DiGiovanni on YouTube.

Prep: 10 min | Cook: 15 min | Total: 30 min

Cost: $4.10 total, $0.68 per serving

Ingredients

  • 2 cups Granulated Sugar (use plain white granulated sugar)
  • 1 cup Water (room temperature)
  • 12 pieces Fresh Strawberries (large, ripe, washed and thoroughly dried)
  • 12 pieces Wooden Skewers (6‑inch bamboo or birch sticks)
  • 2 cups Ice Cubes (crushed or cubed, placed in a glass bowl)
  • 1 sheet Parchment Paper (cut to fit cooling rack)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Ice Water Bath

    Fill a glass bowl with 2 cups of ice cubes and add enough cold water to cover the ice, then set aside.

    Time: PT1M

  2. Wash and Dry Strawberries

    Rinse the strawberries under cold water, remove the stems, and pat them completely dry with paper towels.

    Time: PT5M

  3. Skewer the Strawberries

    Insert a wooden skewer about 1‑2 inches into the stem end of each strawberry, leaving enough stick to hold.

    Time: PT2M

  4. Make Sugar Syrup

    Combine 2 cups of granulated sugar and 1 cup of water in a saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium‑high heat without stirring; gently swirl the pan if needed.

    Time: PT5M

  5. Reach Amber Color

    Watch the syrup closely; when it turns a light amber (golden) color and a faint caramel aroma appears, remove the pan from heat.

    Time: PT2M

  6. Dip Strawberries in Syrup

    Using tongs, quickly dip each skewered strawberry into the hot syrup, allowing excess to drip off, then immediately submerge it in the ice‑water bath for a few seconds.

    Time: PT3M

  7. Set and Cool

    Place the coated strawberries on a parchment‑lined cooling rack. Let them sit at room temperature until the sugar shell hardens completely (about 5 minutes).

    Time: PT5M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
60
Protein
0g
Carbohydrates
15g
Fat
0g
Fiber
1g

Dietary info: Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten-Free

Last updated: April 11, 2026

Amazon Associates

Amazon Associates PartnerTrusted

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases made through links on this page. This helps support our site at no extra cost to you. Clicking on ingredient or equipment links will take you to amazon.com where you can purchase these items.

Strawberry Tanghulu

Recipe by Nick DiGiovanni

A quick and impressive Chinese street‑style treat where fresh strawberries are coated in a glossy, crunchy sugar shell. The recipe uses just sugar, water, and ice water to create a shiny candy coating that hardens instantly, perfect for parties or a sweet snack.

EasyChineseServes 6

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

Source Video
18m
Prep
5m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
33m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$4.10
Total cost
$0.68
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Do not stir the sugar syrup once it starts boiling to prevent crystallization.
  • Achieve the correct amber color; overcooking will make the coating bitter.
  • Dip the strawberries quickly and transfer to ice water to create a crisp shell.

Safety Warnings

  • The sugar syrup reaches temperatures above 300°F (149°C); handle with heat‑proof gloves or tongs.
  • Hot sugar can cause severe burns; keep children and pets away from the stove.
  • Do not taste the syrup directly; it is extremely hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

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

A

Tanghulu originated in northern China as a street‑food treat during the Qing dynasty, traditionally using hawthorn berries. Over time, strawberries and other fruits became popular variations, especially in modern festivals and fairs.

cultural
Q

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

A

In northern China, hawthorn (shan zha) is classic, while southern regions often use candied grapes, kumquats, or seasonal berries. Some areas add a light glaze of sesame seeds or peanuts after the sugar coating.

cultural
Q

How is Strawberry Tanghulu traditionally served in China?

A

It is usually served on a wooden stick as a handheld snack, displayed on a tray at night markets. The candy shell is meant to be crunchy, and the fruit stays fresh inside, eaten immediately after purchase.

cultural
Q

During which occasions is Tanghulu traditionally enjoyed in Chinese culture?

A

Tanghulu is popular during winter festivals, Lunar New Year fairs, and temple celebrations because the bright red sugar coating symbolizes good luck and prosperity.

cultural
Q

What other Chinese dishes pair well with Strawberry Tanghulu?

A

Tanghulu pairs nicely with warm soy‑milk drinks, sweet red bean soup, or a light green tea that balances the sweetness of the candy shell.

cultural
Q

What makes Strawberry Tanghulu special in Chinese street‑food tradition?

A

Its contrast of a crisp, caramelized sugar shell with fresh, juicy fruit showcases the Chinese love for textural balance and visual appeal, turning simple fruit into a show‑stopping treat.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Strawberry Tanghulu at home?

A

Common errors include stirring the syrup after it boils, using wet strawberries, and not reaching the proper amber color. Each mistake leads to a cloudy, soft, or bitter coating.

technical
Q

Why does this Strawberry Tanghulu recipe use a quick ice‑water dip instead of letting the sugar harden in air?

A

The ice‑water bath rapidly cools the sugar, locking in a glossy, crack‑free shell. Air cooling alone can cause uneven hardening and a dull finish.

technical
Q

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

A

Yes, you can coat the strawberries up to a few hours ahead. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature; avoid refrigeration as moisture will make the shell sticky.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Nick DiGiovanni specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Nick DiGiovanni focuses on creative, high‑energy cooking tutorials that blend classic techniques with modern twists, often featuring quick‑fire recipes and food science explanations.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Nick DiGiovanni's approach to Chinese cooking differ from other Chinese cooking channels?

A

Nick DiGiovanni emphasizes visual storytelling and concise, step‑by‑step instructions, often simplifying traditional Chinese street‑food techniques for home cooks, whereas many Chinese cooking channels stick to more detailed, culture‑specific methods.

channel

You Might Also Like

Similar recipes converted from YouTube cooking videos

Easy Strawberry Tanghulu Recipe
3

Easy Strawberry Tanghulu Recipe

A simple yet impressive party treat: fresh strawberries dipped in a hard‑crack sugar candy and set in an ice bath for a glossy, crunchy coating. Perfect for holidays, birthdays, or any celebration.

37 minServes 4$5
American
How To Make Strawberry TANGHULU 🍓🍭
6

How To Make Strawberry TANGHULU 🍓🍭

A quick and fun sweet treat where fresh strawberries are threaded onto bamboo skewers, dipped in a hot sugar syrup, and shocked in an ice bath to create a crunchy candy shell. Perfect for parties, kids' snacks, or a simple dessert.

37 minServes 12$5
American
EASY Strawberry Tanghulu Recipe - No Candy Thermometer & No Corn Syrup
7

EASY Strawberry Tanghulu Recipe - No Candy Thermometer & No Corn Syrup

A quick and easy homemade candy where fresh strawberries are coated in a crisp sugar shell and served on sticks. Perfect for parties, summer treats, or a sweet snack.

30 minServes 4$2
American
Strawberry Tanghulu 🍓✨
2

Strawberry Tanghulu 🍓✨

Fresh strawberries are skewered and dipped in a glossy, hard sugar coating for a sweet, bite‑size treat that looks like a tiny bouquet. The candy‑like glaze sets quickly in ice water, giving a crunchy shell and juicy fruit inside.

25 minServes 2$4
Japanese
How to make strawberry tanghulu
3

How to make strawberry tanghulu

A classic Chinese street‑style snack where fresh strawberries are coated in a glossy sugar crystal. This recipe walks you through washing, skewering, making a perfect sugar syrup, and setting the candy coating on ice for a crisp, sweet treat.

40 minServes 4$4
Chinese
Strawberry Tanghulu
3

Strawberry Tanghulu

A vibrant Chinese street‑style treat where fresh strawberries are coated in a glossy, crackly sugar glaze and served on a stick. This recipe walks you through making the hot sugar syrup, creating an ice bath to crack the glaze, and finishing with perfectly candied strawberries that sparkle and crunch.

30 minServes 6$12
Chinese