The Ultimate Tangerine Syrup: Healthy & Delicious with 1/5 Sugar & Tangerine Chips
Drastically Reduce Sugar by 1/5! How to Make Tangerine Syrup and Tangerine Chips
Do you often find yourself with a few leftover tangerines after buying a box? Instead of letting them go to waste, turn them into a wonderful tangerine syrup! It’s perfect for drinking as juice or can be used as a fantastic sugar substitute when marinating meats like galbi for an incredibly delicious result. Traditionally, syrups are made with a 1:1 ratio of fruit to sugar, which can be a concern for sugar intake. However, this recipe, inspired by Chef Shin Hyo-seop from ‘Man-Mool-Sang,’ significantly reduces sugar to just 1/5 of the fruit’s weight! You can enjoy your tangerine syrup and chips in just one day. It’s a wonderful way to add flavor and health to your meals and drinks.
Ingredients
- 1kg fresh tangerines
- 200g sugar (1/5 the weight of the tangerines)
- 5 Tbsp baking soda
- 1/2 cup vinegar (approx. 100ml)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, thoroughly wash the tangerines. Place 1kg of tangerines in a bowl and sprinkle with 5 tablespoons of baking soda. Add warm water and let them soak for about 5 minutes; this helps to gently remove any impurities from the peel. Rinse them thoroughly under running water, then pour in 1/2 cup of vinegar and let them soak for another 10 minutes to remove any residual pesticides. Finally, rinse them again under clean water and drain well.
Step 2
After washing, carefully remove the stems from the tangerines. You can gently twist them off by hand or use a knife to cut them away. Removing the stems prevents any bitter taste or unwanted bits from entering the syrup.
Step 3
Place the des-stemmed tangerines into a microwave-safe container or a food-safe plastic bag. If using a bag, leave it slightly open or poke a few small holes to allow steam to escape. Microwave for 3 minutes. (This is based on a 700W microwave; adjust the time according to your appliance’s power.)
Step 4
Microwaving softens the tangerine peels slightly and helps release their juices. This crucial step significantly shortens the time needed for the syrup to mature, allowing you to enjoy it much sooner. Be careful when removing them as they will be hot.
Step 5
Prepare the container you’ll use for storing the tangerine syrup by sterilizing it. Submerge a clean glass jar in boiling water for about 5 minutes. After sterilizing, carefully dry the inside and outside of the jar completely with a clean kitchen towel. Ensuring the jar is completely dry is essential for preserving the syrup for a longer period.
Step 6
Get your blender or food processor ready. Add the 1kg of tangerines, which have been gently heated in the microwave, along with 200g of sugar. Notice how the sugar amount is reduced to 1/5 of the tangerine’s weight, making it a much healthier option.
Step 7
Blend the tangerines and sugar until smooth. Aim for a pureed consistency with no large chunks. Transfer the finished tangerine syrup into the sterilized glass jar. It’s ready to be enjoyed after just one day! For an even richer flavor, you can microwave it again briefly, which intensifies the sweetness.
Step 8
The tangerine syrup is delicious on its own, but if you find it too sweet, you can dilute it with cold water or milk. This creates a wonderfully refreshing tangerine juice that’s perfect as a healthy drink for both adults and children.
Step 9
Once stored in the sterilized jar in the refrigerator, this tangerine syrup offers versatile uses. Enjoy it as a daily juice for a zesty start to your morning. It’s also a secret weapon for marinades! Use it instead of sugar when marinating meats like Korean BBQ ribs (galbi) or bulgogi. It tenderizes the meat beautifully and eliminates any gamey odors, resulting in a more flavorful and delicious dish.
Step 10
Compared to simply blending fresh tangerines, making a syrup and letting it mature concentrates the fruit’s natural flavors, resulting in a much deeper and more complex taste. The subtle sweetness and fragrant aroma of the tangerines will fill your palate.
Step 11
Pouring a cup and taking a sip, I’m greeted by a delightful sweetness and fragrance that spreads through my mouth, bringing a smile to my face. Enjoy this healthy, homemade tangerine syrup and create wonderful moments with your loved ones!
