Microwave Tanghulu Recipe (Candied Fruit) – Easy, Fun & Budget-Friendly!

This microwave tanghulu recipe is a simple, budget-friendly way to make beautiful candied fruit—just like the ones you see at Asian street stalls! With only two pantry ingredients and a microwave, you’ll have glossy, crunchy treats in under 10 minutes. It’s perfect for little kitchen experiments with kids or when you’re craving something sweet but don’t want to turn on the stove.

A Little Story from My Kitchen

I first discovered tanghulu scrolling through food videos one evening after the kids went to bed. That sugar crack? The shine? The crunch? I was hooked. But traditional tanghulu seemed a little intimidating—and definitely not ideal for my budget kitchen setup.

One Saturday, we had extra grapes, half a mango, and one lonely orange left in the fridge. Instead of letting them go to waste, I decided to try tanghulu… in the microwave. To my surprise, it worked beautifully. And just like that, my kids thought I was a candy magician.

What You’ll Need

For the sugar syrup:

• 1 cup white granulated sugar
• ½ cup water

For the fruit skewers (choose what you have!):

• ¼ cup grapes
• 1 small orange, peeled and cubed
• ½ mango, diced
• Toothpicks or mini skewers

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep your fruit

Rinse and dry your fruit thoroughly. This is important—wet fruit won’t hold the syrup properly. Pat dry with a clean towel or paper towel.

2. Skewer the fruit

Thread 2–3 pieces of fruit onto each toothpick or mini skewer. Set aside. (I used toothpicks since my cup was shallow.)

3. Set up your workspace

Line a baking tray with parchment paper, and prepare an ice water bath in a bowl for testing the syrup.

4. Make the syrup

In a microwave-safe glass cup or bowl, combine 1 cup sugar and ½ cup water. Microwave in 30-second intervals, checking between bursts.

You’re looking for the syrup to be rapidly bubbling and a light amber color. It usually takes about 2½ to 3 minutes, depending on your microwave.

Tip: Don’t stir the syrup! Stirring can cause it to crystallize.

5. Test the syrup

Dip a chopstick or spoon into the hot syrup and then into the ice water bath. If the syrup hardens instantly and snaps when broken, it’s ready.

6. Coat the fruit

Working quickly and carefully (it’s hot!), dip each fruit skewer into the syrup, swirling to coat. Place them immediately on your parchment-lined tray to cool.

Let them set for 2–3 minutes—then enjoy!

Storage Tips

Tanghulu is best enjoyed fresh—right after it sets! If you have leftovers, freeze them in an airtight container. They’ll keep for up to 1 week, and you’ll still get that satisfying crunch.

Recipe Notes & Budget Tips

• Use whatever fruit is in season or about to turn! This is a great way to rescue soft fruit and make it exciting again.
• Grapes and oranges work especially well because they’re juicy and inexpensive.
• If you don’t have skewers, toothpicks or even wooden chopsticks will do the trick.

📌 Microwave Tanghulu Recipe (Candied Fruit)

Servings	Prep Time	Cook Time
2	5 minutes	3–5 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 cup sugar
• ½ cup water
• ¼ cup grapes
• 1 small orange, diced
• ½ mango, diced

Instructions:

1. Dry fruit thoroughly and thread onto skewers or toothpicks.
2. Line a baking tray with parchment and prep an ice water bath.
3. In a microwave-safe glass, combine sugar and water.
4. Microwave in 30-second intervals until bubbling and amber in color.
5. Test syrup in ice water for “crack” consistency.
6. Dip fruit in syrup, let cool for 2–3 minutes, then enjoy.

Final Thoughts

This microwave tanghulu is a total win for busy parents, sweet tooth moments, or anytime you want to make something fun and affordable with minimal cleanup. No candy thermometer, no stovetop mess—just sugar, water, and a little kitchen magic. Pair it with a handful of nuts or a Greek yogurt on the side, and you’ve got a treat with a bit of protein to balance the sweetness!

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