Tea Eggs

Name: Tea Eggs
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 60 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 6 large eggs; 2 tbsp black tea leaves; 1/4 cup soy sauce; 2 tbsp dark soy sauce; 2 whole star anise; 1 cinnamon stick; 1 tsp granulated sugar

Hard-boiled eggs gently cracked and steeped in a fragrant broth of tea, soy sauce, and spices. This process infuses deep savory flavor and creates a distinctive marbled pattern on the whites.

60 minEasyServes 675 cal/serving

ChineseSideStovetopVegetarianLow CarbKetoHigh ProteinKosher-styleNut-FreeDairy-FreeShellfish-FreeSesame-FreeLow-SodiumPork-FreeNightshade-FreeCorn-Free

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Ingredients

6 large eggs
2 tbsp black tea leaves
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tbsp dark soy sauce
2 whole star anise
1 cinnamon stick
1 tsp granulated sugar

Instructions

1

Place 6 large eggs in a pot, cover with cold water, bring to a boil, and simmer for 8 minutes.
2

Drain 6 large eggs, cool in cold water, and gently tap the shells with a spoon to create light cracks.
3

Return 6 large eggs to the pot with 3 cups water, 2 tbsp black tea leaves, 1/4 cup soy sauce, 2 tbsp dark soy sauce, 2 whole star anise, 1 cinnamon stick, and 1 tsp granulated sugar.
4

Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook over low heat for 40 minutes.
5

Remove from heat and steep 6 large eggs in the liquid for at least 4 hours before peeling.

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Questions

How much time should I plan for Tea Eggs?

As written, 60 minutes: 10 of prep and 50 of cooking. The longest single stretch is step 5 (4 hours): "Remove from heat and steep 6 large eggs in the liquid for at least 4 hours before peeling." That wait sits outside the stated prep and cook times, so plan around it.

Can I make Tea Eggs gluten-free?

Yes. The gluten in Tea Eggs is 1/4 cup soy sauce, 2 tbsp dark soy sauce. Swap the soy-based sauce for tamari or coconut aminos. Everything else proceeds as written.

Is Tea Eggs vegan?

No, though it is vegetarian. What keeps it from vegan is 6 large eggs. For fully plant-based entries, see the vegan side collection.

Does Tea Eggs contain soy?

Yes: 1/4 cup soy sauce and 2 tbsp dark soy sauce. The full allergen list for this entry is gluten, eggs and soy. Packaged ingredients vary by brand, so check labels if the allergy is serious.

How do I store and reheat Tea Eggs?

Refrigerate what is left of Tea Eggs within two hours and eat it within three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop.

Serve it with

Braised Tofu with Mushrooms main
Eggplant with Garlic Sauce main
Gaeng Som Sour Tamarind Curry with Shrimp main

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