Chinese Vendor Tea Eggs

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Servings: 1 Difficulty: Intermediate
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Marbled, savory-spiced eggs infused with black tea and aromatic spices
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Chinese Vendor Tea Eggs recipe image
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Chinese Vendor Tea Eggs

Author: chefs-mate Cooking Method: , Cuisine: Courses:
Difficulty: Intermediate
Servings: 1 Calories: 79.6

Description

These Chinese Tea Eggs, often found at street vendor stalls, are a humble yet deeply flavorful delicacy. Hard-boiled eggs are gently cracked to allow a rich, savory brine of black tea, soy sauce, and five-spice powder to seep into the whites, creating beautiful marbled patterns. The result is a tender, aromatic egg with a complex balance of umami, sweetness, and warm spice notes. Perfect as a late-night snack, a comforting breakfast, or a unique appetizer for gatherings, they offer a sophisticated twist on a simple ingredient. The longer they soak, the more intense the flavor becomes, making them an excellent make-ahead dish.

Ingredients

Directions

  1. Place eggs in a single layer in a medium saucepan and cover with cold water by about an inch.
  2. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat.
  3. Once boiling, remove the pan from heat, cover, and let stand for 9 minutes for soft-boiled or 12 minutes for hard-boiled eggs.
  4. Drain the hot water and immediately transfer the eggs to a bowl of ice water to cool completely.
  5. Gently tap each egg all over with the back of a spoon until the shell is covered in fine cracks, being careful not to break the shell completely.
  6. In the same saucepan, combine 3 cups of fresh water, black tea leaves, fragrance spice powder, and coarse salt.
  7. Bring the tea mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes to infuse the flavors.
  8. Add the cracked eggs to the simmering tea broth.
  9. Cover and simmer gently for 30 minutes, turning eggs occasionally to ensure even coloring.
  10. Remove from heat and let the eggs soak in the broth, covered, for at least 2 hours or up to 24 hours for deeper flavor.
  11. Remove eggs from broth, peel gently, and serve warm or at room temperature.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 1

Amount Per Serving
Calories 79.6kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 5.5g9%
Saturated Fat 1.6g8%
Cholesterol 186.5mg63%
Sodium 9812.1mg409%
Total Carbohydrate 1.1g1%
Dietary Fiber 0.3g2%
Sugars 0.8g
Protein 6.6g14%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Keywords: tea eggs, chinese food, street food, marbled eggs, five spice, black tea, savory snack, marinated eggs, appetizer, asian cuisine, comfort food, breakfast, spiced eggs, umami, braised, soy sauce, aromatic, traditional, easy recipe, make ahead, delicacy
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