Use high-quality tea leaves for the best flavor. Experiment with different types of tea to find your favorite. If you don't have Chinese rock sugar, granulated sugar works as a good substitute. Adjust the amount of soy sauce to your liking. For a less salty flavor, use a low-sodium soy sauce. For a more intense flavor, let the eggs soak in the tea mixture for up to 24 hours in the refrigerator. The soaking liquid can be reused once. Strain it to remove any tea leaves or spices, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Tea Leaf Eggs
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PREP TIME10 mins
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COOK TIME2 hrs 45 mins
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TOTAL TIME2 hrs 55 mins
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SERVING10 People
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VIEWS24
Delicate marbling and a deep, savory-sweet flavor infuse these tea leaf eggs, a traditional Chinese delicacy perfect as an appetizer, snack, or flavorful addition to any meal. The gentle simmering process creates an intricate pattern on the egg whites, making them as beautiful as they are delicious.
Ingridients
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Nutrition
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Carbohydrate6 g
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Cholesterol212 mg
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Fiber1 g
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Protein7 g
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Saturated Fat2 g
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Sodium1261 mg
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Sugar3 g
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Fat6 g
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Unsaturated Fat0 g
Follow The Directions
01
StepIn a large saucepan, combine the black tea leaves, cinnamon sticks, star anise pods, five-spice powder, cloves, ginger, Szechuan peppercorns, licorice root (if using), dried mandarin orange peel, rock sugar, dark soy sauce, and light soy sauce. (5 minutes)
02
StepAdd 6 cups of water to the saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer gently for 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and infuse the liquid. (20 minutes)
03
StepWhile the tea mixture simmers, gently tap the hard-cooked eggs all over to create a network of fine cracks in the shells. This will allow the flavorful soy sauce mixture to penetrate the egg whites, creating a beautiful marbled effect. (5 minutes)
04
StepCarefully place the cracked eggs into the simmering liquid, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cook the eggs in the simmering liquid for 30 minutes, maintaining a gentle simmer. (30 minutes)
05
StepRemove the saucepan from the heat and let the eggs stand in the liquid for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, at room temperature. The longer the eggs sit, the more pronounced the flavor and marbling will become. (120 minutes)
06
StepAfter the soaking period, drain the eggs from the liquid. For best results, chill the eggs in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before peeling and serving. This will help firm up the egg whites and make them easier to peel. (60 minutes)
07
StepGently peel the eggs, revealing the beautiful marbled pattern. Serve chilled or at room temperature as a flavorful appetizer, snack, or addition to salads and other dishes.
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RECIPE REVIEWS
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Lorenza Heller
Apr 30, 2025My family loves these tea eggs! They're a great snack to have on hand.
Rosa Witting
Apr 10, 2025I've made these tea eggs several times, and they're always a hit! The flavor is amazing, and the marbling is so beautiful.
Retta Kerluke
Apr 8, 2025The recipe was easy to follow, and the eggs turned out perfectly. I let them soak overnight, and the flavor was incredible.
Kasey Bartell
Mar 28, 2025I added a little bit of chili flakes to the simmering liquid for a touch of heat, and it was delicious!
Maureen Oconnell
Mar 19, 2025This is a great recipe! Thank you for sharing!