Crispy Oven-Baked Walnut “Gangjeong” (Candied Walnuts)
Sweet and Crispy Oven-Baked Walnut Gangjeong Recipe
Introducing a healthy and delicious snack that’s perfect for everyone, from children to seniors! This oven-baked walnut “gangjeong” offers a delightful crispiness on the outside and a sweet, rich flavor on the inside. Made without frying or flour, it’s a guilt-free treat. It also makes a wonderful topping for yogurt, ice cream, or salads. Perfect for satisfying those between-meal cravings, especially during winter. Enjoying a moderate amount of this nutritious snack can help maintain satiety and prevent overeating. Instead of reaching for any snack, opt for these wholesome candied walnuts!
Ingredients- 100g Walnuts
- 0.5 tsp Coarse Salt
- 1 Tbsp Brown Sugar (or white sugar, stevia)
- 3 Tbsp Water
- 2 Tbsp Honey
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Before candying, it’s beneficial to lightly blanch the walnuts. This process helps to remove any dust or impurities from processing, as well as the bitter tannins that can affect the taste. Place the walnuts in boiling water and blanch them briefly.
Step 2
Bring a pot of water to a boil and add half a teaspoon of coarse salt. Add the prepared walnuts to the boiling water.
Step 3
Don’t over-blanch the walnuts; about 1 to 2 minutes is sufficient. Blanching for too long can diminish their natural flavor.
Step 4
Immediately after blanching, rinse the walnuts under cool running water to wash away any impurities. It’s crucial to thoroughly dry the walnuts after rinsing, especially if you plan to bake them in an oven or air fryer, to ensure a crispy texture. Pat them dry with paper towels.
Step 5
Now, we’ll toast the walnuts to achieve a crispy texture and help them absorb the sweet coating. Place the dried walnuts in an oven-safe dish or air fryer basket. Bake in a preheated oven or air fryer at 150°C (300°F) for about 8 minutes to evaporate any remaining moisture.
Step 6
In a separate pan, prepare the syrup for the walnut gangjeong. Add 1 tablespoon of brown sugar, 3 tablespoons of water, and 2 tablespoons of honey to the pan. Cook over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves completely.
Step 7
Once the sugar has melted and the syrup begins to bubble, add the toasted walnuts to the pan. Reduce the heat to low and simmer, stirring frequently to prevent the walnuts from burning, for about 3 to 4 minutes. Continue stirring until the syrup coats the walnuts evenly and starts to thicken.
Step 8
When the syrup has evenly coated the walnuts and has a slightly thickened consistency, turn off the heat. Be careful not to over-reduce the syrup, as it can make the walnuts too hard.
Step 9
Spread the coated walnuts onto an oven tray. Place them in a preheated oven at 160°C (320°F) and bake for an additional 8 minutes. This final baking step enhances their crispiness. Once completely cooled, enjoy these delicious and healthy candied walnuts as a snack between meals!
