Easy Microwave Tanghulu Recipe

Making tanghulu in the microwave is so convenient! It only takes two minutes, and even beginners can do it easily! This method makes tanghulu that's both delicious and simple. Each bite bursts with juice, with a crispy outside and a soft, chewy inside—so tasty!

1.The History of Tanghulu

Tanghulu originated during the Southern Song Dynasty. According to legend, during the Shaoxi era, Emperor Guangzong’s favorite concubine fell ill and lost her appetite. A traveling doctor suggested boiling rock sugar with hawthorn and eating a few pieces before each meal to help cure the illness. After following the advice, the concubine recovered. The story spread among the common people, who began making and selling the skewered treat. This is the tanghulu we see today.

Tanghulu has a sweet and tangy flavor, which makes it especially popular with children. In addition to the traditional hawthorn tanghulu, there are now variations made with strawberries, oranges, apples, and other fruits.

2.Ingredients for Making Tanghulu

Fruits like hawthorn, strawberries, and oranges are the main ingredients in Tanghulu. Their sweet and tangy flavor is what gives Tanghulu its distinctive taste.

Sugar: Used to make the syrup that coats the fruit, forming the characteristic hard candy shell.

Water: Helps dissolve the sugar and achieve the right syrup consistency.

Black sesame seeds and bamboo skewers: Optional additions. The sesame seeds add extra flavor, while the bamboo skewers make it easy to eat.

3.Tips for Making Tanghulu in the Microwave

Sugar-to-water ratio: The ratio of white sugar to water should be between 2:1 and 4:1, but you can adjust it based on your needs.

Heating method: When using the microwave, start with a lower power setting (about 70%) and heat in stages. Heat for 30 seconds to 1 minute at a time, checking the syrup’s condition in between. This helps control the sugar’s temperature and color, preventing it from burning.

Testing the syrup: During heating, dip a chopstick into the syrup and place it in cold water. If the syrup hardens quickly, it’s ready to coat the tanghulu.

Speed of coating: Once the syrup is ready, work quickly to coat the tanghulu because the syrup will cool and harden fast. Be swift and even to ensure every part is coated uniformly.

Cooling: After coating, let the tanghulu cool in a cool place—either at room temperature or in the fridge for faster results. This will make the outer layer crunchier.

Choosing the right container: Use a flat-bottomed container, like a bowl or cup, to mix the sugar and water. This ensures even heating when the syrup is in the microwave.

Safety precautions: Be cautious of hot syrup splatters to avoid burns. Clean any sugar-coated containers and tools with hot water to make cleanup easier.

4.Essential Tools for Making Tanghulu in the Microwave

Microwave: Used to heat the sugar and water mixture to the right consistency.

Container: A bowl or cup to hold the sugar and water mixture.

Fruits: Such as strawberries, hawthorn, oranges, blueberries, pomelos, grapes, etc., to be skewered on bamboo sticks.

Bamboo skewers: For threading the fruits together.

Parchment paper: To line the baking tray and prevent the tanghulu from sticking.

Oven mitts: To protect your hands from burns, especially when removing the hot sugar mixture from the microwave.

5.Alternative Ingredients for the Best Tanghulu Recipe

Fruit Substitutes:

Strawberries: Brightly colored and sweet-tart, strawberries make a wonderful substitute for traditional hawthorn in Tanghulu, adding a fresh, fruity aroma.

Grapes: Small clusters of grapes can be skewered to create cute, bite-sized Tanghulu. Their natural sweetness pairs perfectly with the sugary coating.

Orange Segments: Peeled orange segments add a juicy, tangy flavor to Tanghulu, offering a refreshing twist to the traditional recipe.

Cherry Tomatoes: You can skewer whole cherry tomatoes or cut them in half for added visual appeal, providing a mildly sweet and tangy taste.

Mango: Cut mango into chunks or strips, and mix with other fruits on the skewer for a more complex and tropical flavor.

Additional Toppings:

Crushed Nuts: Before the sugar coating sets, sprinkle on some crushed nuts, such as almonds, cashews, or peanuts, to add crunch and nutritional value.

Coconut Flakes: Rolling the Tanghulu in coconut flakes adds a rich coconut aroma and a delicate texture that enhances the overall flavor experience.

6.Storage Instructions for Tanghulu

Tanghulu is best enjoyed immediately for the optimal texture and taste. However, if you want to store it for later, place the Tanghulu in an airtight container or sealed bag and keep it in the refrigerator. The cool temperature will help slow down the melting of the sugar and prevent the fruit, like hawthorn, from spoiling. When stored properly, Tanghulu can last for 2 to 3 days. However, over time, the sugar may begin to melt, and the fruit could soften, which may affect the overall texture and flavor.

7.Tanghulu Consumption Tips

Eat in Moderation: While Tanghulu is a delicious treat with some nutritional benefits, it is also high in sugar and calories. It's best to enjoy it in moderation to avoid issues like weight gain or blood sugar spikes.

Hygiene Matters: Ensure the fruit and other ingredients used in making Tanghulu are clean and prepared hygienically to prevent bacterial contamination.

Special Considerations: Pregnant women, individuals with diabetes, and other at-risk groups should be cautious when consuming Tanghulu. It's advisable to eat it in moderation or avoid it altogether, depending on personal health conditions.

8.A snack recipe worth trying

Sesame Balls

Chinese Donut Stick Recipe

Chicken Tender

Homemade Perfect popcorn

Easy Potsticker Recipe