Tea-Smoked Eggs

Tea-Smoked Eggs are a delightful Chinese appetizer featuring hard-boiled eggs infused with the aromatic flavors of tea and spices. This unique preparation not only offers a beautiful appearance with a marbled effect but also delivers a savory and smoky flavor profile that is both satisfying and healthy.

Ingredients

• large eggs - 4
• black tea leaves - 2 tablespoons
• star anise - 2 whole
• cinnamon stick - 1
• soy sauce - 2 tablespoons
• water - 1 cup
• sugar - 1 tablespoon
• rice - 1/2 cup
• smoking wood chips (e.g., hickory or apple) - 1/4 cup

Steps

1. In a pot, bring water to a boil and gently add the eggs. Boil for 6-7 minutes for a slightly soft center or 9-10 minutes for a fully hard-boiled egg.
2. Once cooked, transfer the eggs to an ice bath to cool for 5 minutes. Then gently tap and crack the shells all over, ensuring there are visible cracks.
3. In a separate pot, combine the black tea leaves, star anise, cinnamon stick, soy sauce, sugar, and 1 cup of water. Bring to a simmer.
4. In a heat-proof dish or a small pot, place the rice and smoking wood chips at the bottom. Set a steamer rack or a heat-safe plate on top to hold the eggs.
5. Carefully place the cracked eggs in the steamer rack and pour the simmering tea mixture over them. Cover tightly with aluminum foil to trap the smoke.
6. Place the pot on medium heat and let it smoke for about 15-20 minutes. Turn off the heat and let the eggs sit covered for an additional 10 minutes to absorb more flavor.
7. Remove the eggs, peel them gently, and serve warm or chilled, drizzled with a little extra soy sauce if desired.

Nutrition

• Calories: 120
• Protein: 10 g
• Carbs: 4 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 520 mg
• Cholesterol: 186 mg
• Total Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Water: 0.1 L

Health Benefits

• High in protein, which supports muscle repair and growth.
• Contains antioxidants from tea, which can help reduce inflammation.

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