Tea Eggs 茶葉蛋

Taiwanese tea eggs 茶葉蛋 are a popular snack in Taiwan, made by steeping boiled eggs with their shells cracked in a marinade of tea leaves and spices. The longer they marinate, the richer the flavor.

Tea eggs are commonly found in street food stalls and markets throughout Taiwan, as well as convenience stores.

Ingredients:

- 9 eggs, boiled

- 4 tablespoons light soy sauce

- 2 tablespoons dark soy sauce

- 2 bay leaves

- 1 teaspoon Sichuan peppercorns

- 1/2 teaspoon five spice powder

- 2 teaspoons sugar

- 1 teaspoon salt

- 2 tablespoons black tea leaves

- 2 1/2 cups water

Instructions:

1. Prepare Marinade:

   - In a small pot, combine the light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, bay leaves, Sichuan peppercorns, five spice powder, sugar, salt, black tea leaves, and water.

   - Cook the marinade over medium heat until it comes to a boil.

   - Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 3-5 minutes.

   - Remove the pot from the heat and let the marinade cool completely. 

2. Boil the Eggs:

   - In a separate pot, bring water to a boil. Ensure there is enough water to cover all the eggs.

   - Once the water is boiling, reduce the heat to low.

   - Carefully place the boiled eggs into the pot using a ladle to prevent cracking.

   - Boil the eggs for 5 minutes for soft-boiled eggs, 7 minutes for medium eggs, or 10 minutes for hard-boiled eggs.

3. Cool the Eggs:

   - While the eggs are cooking, prepare an ice bath by combining ice and tap water in a large bowl.

   - Once the eggs are cooked, immediately transfer them to the ice bath to cool for 2 to 3 minutes. 

4. Crack and Marinate:

   - Gently crack the boiled eggs using the back of a spoon. Ensure the eggshells are cracked enough so the marinade can penetrate the interior without cracking the eggs apart.

   - Place the cracked eggs back into the pot of cooled marinade, ensuring they are fully submerged. If you prefer, you can peel the eggs before marinating them.

   - Allow the eggs to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours, for the flavors to fully develop.

5. Serve:

   - Once marinated, remove the eggs from the marinade, peel, serve them whole or sliced.