Chinese Tea Egg Recipe

Ingredients

• 6 large eggs 6 large eggs
• 4 cups (950ml) water 4 cups (950ml) water
• 2 black tea bags 2 black tea bags
• 1/4 cup (60ml) soy sauce 1/4 cup (60ml) soy sauce
• 2 star anise 2 star anise
• 1 cinnamon stick 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 teaspoon sugar 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon salt

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 78 kcal / 326 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 5g, 1.6g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 1g, 0g
• Protein: 6g
• Fiber: 0g
• Salt: 1.8g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Place the eggs in a saucepan and add enough water to cover them. Bring the water to a boil over medium heat.
2. 2.
   Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the eggs simmer for 5 minutes.
3. 3.
   While the eggs are simmering, prepare an ice bath by filling a large bowl with cold water and ice cubes.
4. 4.
   After 5 minutes, carefully transfer the eggs to the ice bath and let them cool for 5 minutes.
5. 5.
   Gently tap the eggs all over to create cracks on the shells, ensuring not to peel them.
6. 6.
   In the same saucepan, add the cracked eggs, water, tea bags, soy sauce, star anise, cinnamon stick, sugar, and salt.
7. 7.
   Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
8. 8.
   Remove the saucepan from heat and let the eggs steep in the liquid for an additional 1 hour.
9. 9.
   Once cooled, remove the eggs from the liquid and gently peel off the cracked shells.
10. 10.
    Serve the Tea Eggs as a snack or appetizer, either warm or chilled.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Eggs — To achieve perfectly cooked eggs, make sure to simmer them for exactly 5 minutes and then transfer them to an ice bath to stop the cooking process.

Tips & Tricks

• For a stronger tea flavor, you can increase the steeping time after simmering.
• Experiment with different spices like cloves or Sichuan peppercorns to add a unique twist to the flavor.
• Serve the Tea Eggs with a sprinkle of sesame seeds for added texture and nuttiness.
• These eggs can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, allowing the flavors to develop further.
• To enhance the marbled effect, gently roll the cracked eggs in the liquid occasionally while simmering.

Serving advice

Serve the Tea Eggs as a snack or appetizer. They can be enjoyed warm or chilled, making them a versatile addition to any meal or gathering.

Presentation advice

Arrange the peeled Tea Eggs on a platter, showcasing their beautiful marbled patterns. Garnish with fresh herbs like cilantro or green onions for a pop of color.