TikTok's Latest Obsession: The Sweet Crunch of Tanghulu

TikTok is known for sparking numerous trends, including culinary ones. Following the rage of the four-part folded tortilla and baked feta pasta, it's time for a popular snack in Asia to take the spotlight.

Tanghulu is a traditional Chinese snack easily found on almost every street corner. It has won massive popularity in China, featuring fruits encased in a crunchy, sugary shell, skewered on long bamboo sticks. This sweet, simple, yet delicious treat has transcended the streets of Shanghai to achieve vast popularity on TikTok. If this snack piques your interest, I'll share a straightforward recipe.

The delightful crackle of its sweet shell encasing bright, fresh fruits is truly eye-catching. Tanghulu's beauty lies in its versatility; there are no strict rules on the type of fruits you can use. Strawberries, blueberries, grapes, or any combination thereof are popular choices. Tanghulu can also include citrus fruits, kiwis, and, surprisingly, nuts and cherry tomatoes covered in its iconic sugar shell.

Tanghulu is often referred to as "fruits in glass" due to its delicate, sugary coating. The distinctive crackle has captured TikTok users' hearts and popularized this snack.

Ingredients:

• 10 strawberries (or fruits of your choice),
• 8.8 oz of sugar,
• Approximately 1 cup of water,
• Ice.

Preparation:

1. In a heavy-bottomed pot, combine the sugar and water.
2. Mix well and apply heat. Resist stirring - let the caramel form on its own.
3. After about 20 minutes, you'll have liquid caramel ready.
4. Clean and thoroughly dry the strawberries or any other chosen fruits, then skew them on thick sticks for kebabs or sushi.
5. Quickly dip the fruits into the caramel, followed immediately by immersion into ice water, allowing the caramel to solidify instantly.

To test if the caramel is ready, dip a stick into it and immediately plunge it into a glass of ice water. If the caramel hardens instantly and becomes brittle, it's ready for the fruits.

Enjoy your tanghulu!