You Have To Try These Candied Fruit Skewers

You Have To Try These Candied Fruit Skewers is a easy Chinese recipe that serves 4. 120 calories per serving. Recipe by New York Live on YouTube.

Prep: 5 min | Cook: 15 min | Total: 30 min

Cost: $5.43 total, $1.36 per serving

Ingredients

  • 1 cup Water (for the sugar syrup)
  • 2 cups Granulated Sugar (white granulated sugar)
  • 1 tablespoon Corn Syrup (adds stickiness and prevents crystallization)
  • 1 teaspoon Lemon Juice (a few drops; makes the coating extra crunchy)
  • 10 pieces Assorted Fresh Fruit (e.g., 5 strawberries, 5 grapes; wash, dry, and skewer; place heaviest fruit at bottom for stability)
  • 10 pieces Bamboo Skewers (6‑inch skewers, soak in water 10 min before use to prevent burning)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Fruit

    Wash the fruit thoroughly, pat dry, and skewer each piece onto a bamboo skewer, placing the heaviest fruit (e.g., strawberry) at the bottom for stability.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Make the Sugar Syrup

    Combine 1 cup water and 2 cups granulated sugar in a saucepan. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves and the mixture comes to a steady boil.

    Time: PT5M

  3. Add Corn Syrup and Lemon Juice

    When the sugar water is boiling, add 1 tablespoon corn syrup and 1 teaspoon lemon juice. Continue boiling until the syrup reaches the hard‑crack stage (about 300°F / 150°C) and becomes thick and glossy.

    Time: PT3M

    Temperature: 300°F

  4. Coat the Fruit

    Using tongs, dip each fruit‑skewer into the hot syrup, turning to fully coat. Lift and let excess syrup drip back into the pan.

    Time: PT3M

  5. Set and Cool

    Place the coated skewers on a cooling rack (or parchment‑lined sheet) and allow the sugar shell to harden completely, about 4 minutes.

    Time: PT4M

  6. Serve

    Enjoy the tanghulu immediately. For best texture, eat within 1 hour; the sugar shell will stay crisp for that time.

    Time: PT0M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
120
Protein
0 g
Carbohydrates
30 g
Fat
0 g
Fiber
1 g

Dietary info: Vegan, Gluten‑free

Last updated: April 15, 2026

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You Have To Try These Candied Fruit Skewers

Recipe by New York Live

Tanghulu is a classic Chinese street‑food treat of fresh fruit glazed in a glossy, crunchy sugar coating. This recipe, demonstrated by the founder of Tulu NYC on the New York Live channel, shows how to make the bright, crunchy candy at home using simple ingredients and a few kitchen tools. Skewer your favorite firm fruits, dip them in a hot sugar‑corn‑syrup glaze, and enjoy the sweet, crackly bite within an hour.

EasyChineseServes 4

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

Source Video
12m
Prep
8m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
30m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$5.43
Total cost
$1.36
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Ensure the syrup reaches the hard‑crack stage (≈300°F) for a crunchy shell.
  • Skewer fruit with the heaviest piece at the bottom for stability.
  • Work quickly when dipping fruit; the syrup hardens fast.

Safety Warnings

  • The sugar syrup reaches >300°F; handle with heat‑proof gloves or tongs to avoid burns.
  • Do not leave the hot syrup unattended; it can scorch quickly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

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

A

Tanghulu originated in northern China as a street‑food treat, traditionally made with hawthorn berries. Legend says a king’s doctor recommended candied berries to cure his wife’s illness, giving rise to the sweet, crunchy confection that is still popular at festivals and night markets today.

cultural
Q

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

A

While the classic version uses hawthorn berries, regional variations include strawberries, grapes, kiwi, and even pineapple. Some vendors add a thin layer of sesame seeds or crushed peanuts on the sugar shell for extra texture.

cultural
Q

How is Tanghulu traditionally served in northern China?

A

Tanghulu is usually served on a bamboo skewer, displayed on a wooden tray, and eaten immediately while the sugar coating is still crisp. It is a popular snack during winter festivals and is often sold from portable carts.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is Tanghulu traditionally associated with in Chinese culture?

A

Tanghulu is commonly enjoyed during the Lunar New Year, winter fairs, and temple festivals. Its bright red sugar coating symbolizes good luck and prosperity, making it a festive treat.

cultural
Q

What makes Tanghulu special or unique in Chinese street‑food cuisine?

A

Tanghulu combines fresh fruit with a glass‑like, hard‑crack sugar shell, offering a contrast of juicy interior and crunchy exterior that is rare among Chinese snacks. The simple syrup‑glaze technique creates a glossy, eye‑catching presentation.

cultural
Q

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

A

Common errors include stopping the syrup before it reaches the hard‑crack stage, which leaves a sticky coating, and not drying the fruit, causing the syrup to slide off. Also, overcrowding the pan can lower the syrup temperature and prevent proper hardening.

technical
Q

Why does this Tanghulu recipe use corn syrup and lemon juice instead of plain sugar alone?

A

Corn syrup prevents sugar crystals from forming, ensuring a smooth, glassy coating, while a few drops of lemon juice add acidity that helps the syrup reach a crisp, brittle texture more reliably.

technical
Q

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

A

Tanghulu is best eaten within one hour for maximum crunch. If you need to hold it longer, keep it at room temperature on a wire rack; refrigeration will make the sugar shell sticky and less crisp.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when the Tanghulu coating is done?

A

The coating should be clear, glossy, and hard enough to snap with a gentle tap. It will have a glass‑like sheen and should not be sticky to the touch.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel New York Live specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel New York Live focuses on exploring New York City’s diverse food scene, featuring street‑food vendors, pop‑up concepts, and behind‑the‑scenes looks at how iconic dishes are made in the city.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel New York Live’s approach to Chinese street‑food cooking differ from other cooking channels?

A

New York Live emphasizes on‑location collaborations with local founders, like the Tulu NYC pop‑up, and showcases authentic preparation methods while adapting them for home cooks, rather than just studio‑based tutorials.

channel

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