Watermelon Tanghulu
Watermelon Tanghulu is a easy Chinese recipe that serves 4. 80 calories per serving. Recipe by Nick DiGiovanni on YouTube.
Prep: 9 min | Cook: 7 min | Total: 26 min
Cost: $4.70 total, $1.18 per serving
Ingredients
- 2 lb Watermelon (seedless, cut into 1‑inch squares (about 12 pieces))
- 2 cup Granulated Sugar (for the hard‑crack candy coating)
- 1 cup Water (for the sugar syrup)
- 12 piece Wooden Skewers (6‑inch bamboo skewers, soaked in water 10 min to prevent burning)
- 4 cup Ice (for the ice‑water bath)
Instructions
Cut Watermelon
Trim the rind, then slice the watermelon into 1‑inch thick slabs. Cut each slab into 1‑inch squares, aiming for about 12 uniform pieces.
Time: PT5M
Thread Skewers
Insert a wooden skewer through the center of each watermelon square, leaving enough handle for easy dipping.
Time: PT2M
Prepare Ice Bath
Fill a large bowl with ice and cold water, set aside for quick cooling after dipping.
Time: PT2M
Make Hard‑Crack Sugar Syrup
Combine 2 cups sugar and 1 cup water in a saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium‑high heat, stirring until sugar dissolves. Continue boiling without stirring until the syrup reaches a deep amber color and a hard‑crack stage (≈300°F).
Time: PT5M
Temperature: 300°F
Dip Watermelon Squares
Using tongs, hold each skewer and dip the watermelon square into the hot syrup, allowing excess to drip back into the pan.
Time: PT2M
Shock in Ice Bath
Immediately transfer the coated skewer into the ice‑water bath for a few seconds to stop cooking and set the candy shell.
Time: PT2M
Cool and Serve
Place the finished tanghulu on parchment paper to dry completely (about 1 minute). Serve immediately or store as noted.
Time: PT1M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 80
- Protein
- 0 g
- Carbohydrates
- 20 g
- Fat
- 0 g
- Fiber
- 1 g
Dietary info: Vegan, Gluten‑Free, Dairy‑Free
Last updated: April 16, 2026








