Tea smoked eggs: a tasty twist on hard-boiled eggs

Tea smoked eggs, also known as tea eggs, are a popular snack in Asian countries like China, Indonesia, Taiwan, and Malaysia. These savory treats are hard-cooked eggs that are marinated in a flavorful mixture of tea, soy sauce, and spices. The result is a beautifully marbled egg with a salty and lightly spiced flavor.

What Is a Tea Egg?

Tea eggs are hard-cooked eggs that are marinated in a savory liquid infused with tea and spices. The eggshells are usually cracked before marinating, creating a unique crackly appearance. Originating in China, tea eggs are commonly sold by street vendors and enjoyed as a snack. The eggs have the same texture as a regular hard-cooked egg, but with a distinct salty and lightly spiced flavor.

How to Make Tea Eggs

Making tea eggs at home is simple and requires just a few ingredients. Start by boiling a batch of eggs until they are hard-cooked. Once the eggs are cooked, cool them quickly and crack the shells by tapping them gently on all sides. This will create the signature crackly appearance of tea eggs.

In a saucepan, combine water, soy sauce, black tea bags or leaves, spices like cinnamon sticks, star anise, Sichuan peppercorn, and bay leaf. You can also use a five-spice blend instead of the whole spices. Bring the mixture to a boil and simmer for 10 to 15 minutes. Allow the marinade to cool completely.

Place the cracked eggs in a storage container or bag and cover them completely with the marinade. Let the eggs steep in the marinade for at least 24 hours or up to four days in the refrigerator. When you're ready to eat, peel the eggs and enjoy their crackly appearance before diving in. Tea eggs can be enjoyed cold or at room temperature.

Type of Tea to Use

Any type of black tea can be used to make tea eggs. You can find authentic Chinese black tea at your local Asian market, or you can use whatever black tea you have in your pantry. For a smoky flavor, Lapsang souchong tea can be used. This tea adds a unique earthiness to the marinade and infuses the eggs with a delightful smoky aroma.

How Long Do Tea Eggs Last?

Tea eggs can be stored in the marinating liquid for up to one week. If you eat the eggs quickly, you can reuse the liquid and add more hard-cooked eggs to make another batch.

Are Tea Eggs Good for You?

Tea eggs are a nutritious snack that provides protein and other essential nutrients. Eggs are a good source of high-quality protein, which is important for muscle repair and growth. They also contain vitamins and minerals like vitamin B12, vitamin D, and selenium. However, it's important to note that tea eggs are marinated in soy sauce, which is high in sodium. If you're watching your sodium intake, it's best to enjoy tea eggs in moderation.

Why Are They Called Tea Eggs?

The name tea eggs comes from the process of cooking the eggs in a master stock that includes tea leaves. The eggs are boiled in a mixture of soy sauce, star anise, Sichuan pepper, and tea leaves, which infuses them with flavor. The cracked shells allow the brown broth to seep into the eggs, creating a marbled appearance and adding an umami taste. The imperfections in the appearance of tea eggs are often compared to the trials and tribulations of life, which enrich our experiences.

Tea eggs are a humble and simple food that holds a special place in Taiwanese cuisine. They are often enjoyed as a quick and easy treat by truck drivers and are a popular breakfast option alongside mantou and soy milk during mandatory military service. Chef Kai Ho from Taïrroir in Taiwan takes tea eggs to a whole new level by combining the features of tea eggs and sunny-side-up eggs. The result is a perfectly marbled egg with a lavish texture and a bright smell from the pu'erh tea used in the broth.

At Taïrroir, the tea egg is served alongside a cracker that mimics its shape and is decorated with typical Taiwanese congee condiments like pickled daikon radish, pickled cucumber, and fermented bean curd. A hot serving of chicken congee is poured on top of the egg, creating a sumptuous combination of flavors and textures.

What Is the Difference Between Tea Eggs and Regular Eggs?

Tea eggs are a delicious twist on ordinary hard-boiled eggs. The eggs are lightly cracked before being cooked a second time in a broth made with tea, soy sauce, and spices. The cracks in the shells create a beautiful marbled finish and allow the flavors of the broth to infuse the egg white. Tea eggs have a distinct savory and lightly spiced flavor that sets them apart from regular hard-boiled eggs.

Tea eggs can be enjoyed as a snack or used in various dishes like deviled eggs or added to ramen for an extra burst of flavor. They are a fun and flavorful alternative to traditional hard-boiled eggs.

So why not try making tea eggs at home? They are a simple and delicious treat that can be enjoyed as a snack or incorporated into your favorite dishes. Experiment with different spices and teas to create your own unique flavor combinations. Whether you're a fan of hard-cooked eggs or looking to try something new, tea eggs are sure to satisfy your taste buds.

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