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Authentic Tea Eggs Recipe

Authentic Tea Eggs Recipe: Savory Snack with Umami Delight

Discover the Authentic Tea Eggs Recipe, a savory snack bursting with umami flavor, perfect for any culinary adventure.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Cooling Time 5 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 4 eggs
Course: Appetizers
Cuisine: Asian
Calories: 70
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Egg Base
  • 4 large Eggs These provide a rich source of protein; using large eggs enhances flavor absorption.
  • 4 cups Water Essential for boiling and steeping your eggs properly.
For the Marinade
  • 1/2 cup Light Soy Sauce Adds a salty umami flavor; tamari is a gluten-free alternative.
  • 1/4 cup Dark Soy Sauce Deepens color and intensifies flavor.
  • 2 sticks Cinnamon Sticks Infuse warmth; five spice powder can be used as a substitute.
  • 2 pieces Star Anise Introduces a sweet, fragrant licorice note.
  • 1 piece Dried Chili Adds heat; can be omitted for milder flavors.
  • 3 leaves Bay Leaves Brings herbal freshness.
  • 2 tablespoons Rock Sugar Balances salty and spicy components; regular sugar can be a substitute.
  • 2 bags Black Tea Bags Any strong black tea enhances the flavor.

Equipment

  • Pot
  • large bowl
  • Spoon

Method
 

Directions
  1. Boil the Eggs: Place large eggs in a pot, cover with cold water, bring to a boil, then simmer for 10 minutes. Transfer to an ice bath for 5 minutes.
  2. Crack the Shells: Gently tap the eggs with a spoon to create small cracks in the shells without peeling them.
  3. Prepare the Marinade: In a large pot, combine cracked eggs with water, light and dark soy sauce, cinnamon sticks, star anise, dried chili, bay leaves, and rock sugar.
  4. Simmer the Mixture: Bring to a gentle boil while stirring to dissolve the rock sugar, then reduce to a simmer for at least 1 hour.
  5. Enhance the Flavor (Optional): Let the eggs marinate in the pot for several hours or overnight for deeper flavor.
  6. Serve and Enjoy: Remove the eggs from the marinade, gently peel, and serve warm or chilled.

Nutrition

Serving: 1eggCalories: 70kcalCarbohydrates: 5gProtein: 6gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 186mgSodium: 500mgPotassium: 60mgSugar: 1gVitamin A: 260IUCalcium: 56mgIron: 1mg

Notes

For perfect cracks, tap gently with a spoon. Leftover marinade can be reused for braising meats.

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