Chinese New Year Candied Coconut Ribbons
Chinese New Year Candied Coconut Ribbons combine the tropical flavor of fresh shredded coconut with a sweet, glossy candied glaze. This festive treat is chewy, vibrant, and perfect for celebrating the Chinese New Year with family and friends. Easy to make yet visually impressive, these ribbons bring traditional tastes and joyful colors symbolic of luck and prosperity to your holiday table.
- Author: Lina
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: About 12 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Cooking on stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh shredded coconut
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon butter or coconut oil
- Food coloring (red or gold, optional)
- Prepare the Sugar Syrup: Combine sugar and water in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir continuously until the sugar dissolves completely. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil until it thickens to a syrupy consistency. Stir in fresh lemon juice and butter or coconut oil, allowing the syrup to become glossy and well blended.
- Add the Shredded Coconut: Lower the heat and carefully add the shredded coconut ribbons into the sugar syrup. Stir gently to coat every strand evenly, ensuring the syrup thickens enough to cling beautifully to the coconut.
- Color Your Ribbons: If desired, mix in your chosen food coloring while stirring until the coconut ribbons achieve a consistent, vibrant shade. Use food coloring sparingly to maintain flavor balance.
- Cooling and Setting: Remove the candied coconut ribbons from heat and spread them evenly on a parchment-lined tray or plate. Allow them to cool completely until set, yielding a chewy, glossy finish that holds shape yet melts in your mouth.
- Serving and Storing: Once set, break into smaller pieces or leave as longer ribbons for serving. Store in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain sweetness and texture for up to one week.
Notes
- Use fresh shredded coconut for the best flavor and texture; dried coconut can be used but may require adjustment in cooking time.
- Monitor syrup consistency carefully to avoid candy becoming too hard or too runny.
- Stir gently to prevent coconut strands from breaking or clumping.
- Use food coloring cautiously to avoid overpowering delicate flavors.
- Ensure ribbons are completely cooled before storing to maintain chewy texture and prevent sticking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece (approximately 20g)
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Keywords: Chinese New Year, candied coconut, festive snack, sweet ribbons, holiday treat, chewy candy, coconut ribbons