Name: Chinese Tea Eggs
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 12
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 12 large eggs; 2 tsp rock sugar (or brown sugar); 2 slices ginger; 4 tbsp light soy sauce; 5 tbsp dark soy sauce; 2 tbsp black/red tea leaves; 3 star anise; 1 cinnamon stick; 3 bay leaves; 5 cloves garlic, smashed

Chinese Tea Eggs

Dive into the world of Chinese cuisine with these aromatic tea eggs, characterized by their beautiful marbled patterns and rich taste. A perfect snack or accompaniment to any meal, the intricate flavors of this dish will leave you mesmerized.

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FEATURED COMMENT

"Never knew making tea eggs was this simple! I followed the recipe and it turned out perfect. The taste was authentic and the pattern on the eggs was so pretty."

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Chinese Tea Eggs, with their marbled appearance and depth of flavor, are a true testament to the beauty of Chinese culinary traditions. A common sight in local markets and households, these eggs represent more than just a snack; they are a piece of cultural heritage. Infused with a mixture of tea and spices, each bite offers a tantalizing taste that combines the subtle bitterness of tea with the aromatic richness of spices. The process of marinating cracked eggs results in the distinct marbled pattern, making each egg a work of art.

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Why These Eggs Will Win You Over:

Chinese tea eggs are a unique culinary masterpiece, combining the wholesome goodness of boiled eggs with a rich aromatic marinade. Beyond the delightful taste, the marbled patterns on the eggs, resulting from the cracks in the shell, are a visual treat. The mingling of tea with spices like star anise and cinnamon creates an explosion of flavors, making it a favorite in many households.

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Making It Your Own

Feel free to experiment with the tea types; while black or red tea is traditional, using green or white tea can offer a lighter flavor profile. Adjust the level of spices or add a twist with a splash of rice wine to elevate the dish even further. The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability!

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Hungry Yet? Dive Right In!

If you've always been intrigued by the world of Chinese cuisine, this is your chance to try something unique yet incredibly simple. With a handful of ingredients and a dash of patience, you'll have a dish that's both visually captivating and palate-pleasing. So why wait? Embark on this culinary journey and discover the magic of Chinese tea eggs for yourself.

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INGREDIENTS

12 large eggs
4 cups water
2 slices ginger
4 tbsp light soy sauce
5 tbsp dark soy sauce
2 tbsp black/red tea leaves
3 star anise
1 cinnamon stick
3 bay leaves
5 cloves garlic, smashed
2 tsp rock sugar (or brown sugar)

INSTRUCTIONS

Begin by boiling the eggs carefully to avoid cracks. A 7-minute boil is just about right, followed by a swift transition to an ice bath. This not only stops further cooking but also makes peeling easier.
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While the eggs cool, it's time to create the magical marinade. Combine ginger, soy sauces, tea leaves, and aromatic spices in a pot, bringing them to a boil. A brief simmering session is key to melding these flavors together. Letting the marinade cool is crucial for the next steps.
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Here's the fun part! Lightly crack the eggshells to achieve the iconic marbled design. But be gentle; the aim is to crack, not to peel!
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The final step requires patience: soaking the cracked eggs in the marinade. Ensuring the eggs are fully submerged is crucial for an even flavor distribution. A day-long soak in the fridge will result in perfectly marbled, flavor-packed eggs, ready to be enjoyed!

Ready to embark on this culinary journey? Let's get cooking!

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Enjoy! ♡

Connie Cooks

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Keywords: marinated eggs, boiled eggs, tea leaves, light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, star anise, cinnamon, bay leaves, ice bath, refrigerate, marinade, ginger, garlic

Chinese Tea Eggs

Total Time:
1 hour
Yield:
12 marinated eggs

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INGREDIENTS

12 large eggs
4 cups water
2 slices ginger
4 tbsp light soy sauce
5 tbsp dark soy sauce
2 tbsp black/red tea leaves
3 star anise
1 cinnamon stick
3 bay leaves
5 cloves garlic, smashed
2 tsp rock sugar (or brown sugar)

INSTRUCTIONS

Boil eggs in water for approximately 7 minutes.
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Transfer boiled eggs to an ice bath until completely cooled.
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Prepare the marinade by combining water, ginger, light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, tea leaves, star anise, cinnamon stick, bay leaves, garlic, and rock sugar in a pot.
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Bring the marinade mixture to a boil, then simmer with the lid on for 10-15 minutes.
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Turn off the heat and let the marinade cool.
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Lightly crack the cooled eggs' shells for the marinade to penetrate.
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Submerge the cracked eggs in the marinade and refrigerate for at least 24 hours.

Nutrition Facts

12 marinated eggs
70
per serving

(% Daily Value)

Total Fat: 5g

Sodium: 240mg (10%)

Dietary Fiber: 0g

Protein: 6g

Vitamin C: negligible

Potassium: 63mg (2%)

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Cholesterol: 185mg (62%)

Total Carbohydrate: 0.5g (0%)

Sugars: 0.5g

Vitamin A: 260µg (30%)

Iron 0.9mg (5%)

Phosphorus 95mg (8%)

Keywords:

marinated eggs, boiled eggs, tea leaves, light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, star anise, cinnamon, bay leaves, ice bath, refrigerate, marinade, ginger, garlic