Super Simple Microwave Tanghulu
Super Simple Microwave Tanghulu
Easy Homemade Tanghulu with Cherry Tomatoes and Green Grapes Using Your Microwave!
Tanghulu, a nostalgic candy from my childhood, is making a comeback! If you’ve ever hesitated to make it at home thinking it’s too difficult or expensive to buy, this recipe is for you. Using just your microwave, you can easily create crispy on the outside, sweet and juicy on the inside Tanghulu. It’s also a perfect activity to enjoy with your family, especially the kids! Today, I’ll show you how to make this delightful treat with fresh cherry tomatoes and crisp green grapes, a recipe so simple even beginners can follow along in detail.
Main Ingredients- 6 cherry tomatoes
- 10 green grapes
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, wash the cherry tomatoes and green grapes thoroughly under running water. Once washed, carefully remove the stems from the cherry tomatoes. This step helps to create a beautiful final presentation and makes the Tanghulu easier to eat.
Step 2
Drying the fruit completely after washing is crucial! Use paper towels to pat down the cherry tomatoes and green grapes, ensuring there’s no moisture left on the surface. If water remains, the sugar syrup won’t adhere properly and may become sticky or melt. Pay close attention to this step for that perfect crispy coating.
Step 3
Now, it’s time to skewer the fruits. For cherry tomatoes, thread them one by one onto the skewer. For green grapes, you can skewer about 3 to 4 grapes together. Adjust the number of fruits per skewer based on their size to create a visually appealing and balanced Tanghulu. Skewering also makes it much easier to coat and dry the fruits later.
Step 4
In a microwave-safe mug or heatproof container, combine 120g of sugar and 60g of water for the Tanghulu syrup. A 2:1 ratio of sugar to water is ideal for achieving the perfect syrup consistency. Absolutely do not stir the mixture after combining the sugar and water. Stirring can cause sugar crystals to form, preventing the syrup from setting properly.
Step 5
Let’s make the syrup in the microwave. Heat the sugar and water mixture for 30 seconds initially. Then, continue heating in short intervals of 20 seconds at a time, watching carefully to prevent burning. The syrup is ready when it bubbles vigorously and turns a light amber color. I heated mine for about 12 cycles of 20 seconds. To test if the syrup is ready, drop a tiny bit into cold water; it should harden immediately. If it does, your syrup is perfect!
Step 6
Now, carefully dip the skewered fruits into the hot sugar syrup, rotating them to coat evenly with a thin layer. The key to microwave Tanghulu is to quickly coat the fruits in the hot syrup. Aim for a thin coating; a thick layer might become too hard.
Step 7
Place the coated Tanghulu upside down in a cup, with the skewer resting on the rim. This helps the Tanghulu stand upright and harden without losing its shape. They usually harden within 2 to 3 minutes. Be mindful not to leave them too long, as the syrup might start to melt.
Step 8
Voila! Your incredibly easy microwave Tanghulu is ready, boasting a satisfying crunch and a sweet, fruity center. The hardened syrup glistens like jewels, making it as beautiful to look at as it is delicious to eat. While they’re delightful warm, letting them cool slightly will enhance their crispiness. Enjoy your homemade Tanghulu as a fun snack for kids, a charming dessert for parties, or a special treat just for yourself!
