Tanghulu, a popular Chinese street food, typically involves fruit skewers coated in a hardened sugar syrup. Making tanghulu traditionally requires cooking the sugar syrup on the stovetop, but you can also prepare a simplified version using a microwave. Here’s a step-by-step guide to making tanghulu in the microwave:
Ingredients:
- Fresh fruit (e.g., strawberries, grapes, or hawthorns)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- Skewers or toothpicks
Equipment:
- Microwave-safe bowl or measuring cup
- Parchment paper or a silicone baking mat
- A spoon or small whisk
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Fruit
- Wash and Dry Fruit:
- Thoroughly wash the fruit and pat it dry with a paper towel. It’s important that the fruit is dry so the sugar syrup can adhere properly.
- Skewer the Fruit:
- Thread the fruit onto skewers or toothpicks, leaving enough space to hold the skewer comfortably.
Step 2: Prepare the Sugar Syrup
- Mix Sugar and Water:
- In a microwave-safe bowl or measuring cup, combine 1 cup of granulated sugar with 1/2 cup of water. Stir until the sugar is mostly dissolved.
- Microwave the Mixture:
- Microwave the sugar and water mixture on high for 3-4 minutes, stopping to stir every 1 minute. Be cautious as the mixture will be very hot. Continue microwaving until the sugar is completely dissolved and the syrup reaches a thick, bubbling consistency. This might take around 6-7 minutes in total.
- Tip: The exact time can vary depending on your microwave’s wattage. Monitor closely to avoid overcooking or burning the syrup.
Step 3: Coat the Fruit
- Dip the Fruit:
- Carefully dip each skewered fruit into the hot sugar syrup, ensuring it’s evenly coated. You may need to tilt the bowl slightly to fully submerge the fruit.
- Allow to Harden:
- Place the coated fruit on a piece of parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to cool and harden. The sugar coating should harden within a few minutes at room temperature.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
- Check for Hardness:
- Ensure the sugar coating is completely hardened before serving. The tanghulu should have a glossy, crackling sugar shell.
- Serve Immediately:
- Tanghulu is best enjoyed fresh. Serve the skewered, sugar-coated fruit as a delightful, crunchy treat.
Tips:
- Use Fresh, Dry Fruit: Ensure the fruit is fresh and thoroughly dried to help the sugar syrup adhere better.
- Monitor the Syrup Closely: Microwave times can vary, so keep a close eye on the syrup to avoid burning.
- Handle with Care: The sugar syrup is extremely hot, so handle with caution to avoid burns.
- Work Quickly: The sugar syrup can harden quickly, so work swiftly to coat the fruit once the syrup is ready.
By following these steps, you can enjoy a quick and easy version of tanghulu made in the microwave. This method simplifies the traditional recipe while still delivering the delicious, crunchy texture of the classic treat.