Ba Si Apple (Caramel-Coated Apple Bites)
A classic Chinese dessert featuring crispy fried apple pieces coated in golden caramel that pulls into thin silky threads. Sweet but not cloying, it's a festive favorite.
Ingredients
6 items- Apples 2 medium (about 300g)
- Granulated sugar 150g (3/4 cup)
- Cornstarch 30g (1/4 cup)
- Vegetable oil as needed
- White sesame seeds 5g (1 tsp)
- White vinegar 5 ml (1 tsp)
Nutrition
Steps （6 steps）
Peel and core apples, cut into 3 cm chunks. Immediately soak in water with a dash of vinegar to prevent oxidation.
Drain apple pieces and pat dry with paper towels. Toss with cornstarch to coat each piece evenly in a thin layer.
Heat oil in a wok to 170°C. Fry apple pieces over medium heat until golden and crispy, about 2 minutes. Remove and drain.
In a separate pan, combine 1 tbsp oil and sugar. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until sugar melts and turns amber and strings when tested.
Quickly add the fried apples, turn heat to high, and toss rapidly for about 10 seconds until evenly coated in caramel.
Grease a serving plate with oil to prevent sticking. Transfer the apple pieces, sprinkle sesame seeds. Serve immediately and pull with chopsticks for sugar threads.
Tips
The key is to cook sugar syrup over low heat and watch the color closely. Remove from heat as soon as it turns amber to avoid bitterness. Pat apples dry before coating for a crisp crust.
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