How to Make Chinese Tea Leaf Eggs - A Step-by-Step Guide

If you've ever visited China or Taiwan, you've probably encountered the beloved street food known as Chinese tea leaf eggs. These flavorful eggs are simmered in a fragrant mixture of black tea, soy sauce, and spices, resulting in a marbled appearance and a deliciously savory taste. While the process of making Chinese tea leaf eggs may seem daunting at first, it's actually quite simple and the end result is well worth the effort.

Chinese tea leaf eggs, also known as "cha ye dan" in Man...

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Ingredients

  • 3 cups water
  • 2 tablespoons black tea leaves
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon black soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon tangerine zest
  • 1 (2 inch) piece cinnamon stick
  • 2 pods star anise
  • 1 ¼ teaspoons salt, divided
  • 8 large eggs

Information

  • Prep Time: 20 mins
  • Cook Time: 3 hrs
  • Additional Time: 8 hrs
  • Total Time: 11 hrs 20 mins
  • Servings: 8
  • Yield: 8 eggs

  • Combine 3 cups water, tea leaves, soy sauce, black soy sauce, zest, cinnamon stick, star anise, and 1/4 teaspoon salt in a large saucepan; bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 3 hours.
  • Meanwhile, place eggs and remaining 1 teaspoon salt into a medium pot; cover with cold water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 20 minutes. Remove from heat, drain, and cool. Tap cooled eggs with the back of a spoon to crack shells; do not remove shells.
  • Remove the saucepan from heat. Add eggs and let steep for at least 8 hours.
  • Nutrition

    76 cal.

    • Total Fat: 5g
    • Saturated Fat: 2g
    • Cholesterol: 186mg
    • Sodium: 659mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 1g
    • Dietary Fiber: 0g
    • Total Sugars: 0g
    • Protein: 7g
    • Vitamin C: 1mg
    • Calcium: 37mg
    • Iron: 1mg
    • Potassium: 94mg