Throwback to that red tea tho

Throwback to that red tea tho is a easy Chinese recipe that serves 1. 2 calories per serving. Recipe by Jesse's Teahouse on YouTube.

Prep: 6 min | Cook: 4 min | Total: 15 min

Cost: $19.98 total, $19.98 per serving

Ingredients

  • 2.5 grams Jing Jun Mei Tea Leaves (high‑quality loose leaf, 2‑3 g per 250 ml water)
  • 250 milliliters Water (filtered or spring water, preferably low mineral content)

Instructions

  1. Measure Tea Leaves

    Weigh 2.5 g of Jing Jun Mei tea leaves using a kitchen scale (or use a heaping teaspoon if a scale is unavailable).

    Time: PT1M

  2. Heat Water

    Fill the electric kettle with 250 ml of water and heat to about 95 °C (just below boiling).

    Time: PT3M

    Temperature: 95°C

  3. Pre‑Warm Teapot/Mug

    Pour a splash of the hot water into the teapot or mug, swirl, then discard the water.

    Time: PT0.5M

  4. Add Tea Leaves

    Place the measured tea leaves into the strainer or directly into the teapot.

    Time: PT0.5M

  5. Pour Water Over Leaves

    Slowly pour the 95 °C water over the tea leaves, ensuring they are fully submerged.

    Time: PT0.5M

    Temperature: 95°C

  6. Steep

    Cover the teapot and let the tea steep for 4 minutes.

    Time: PT4M

    Temperature: 95°C

  7. Strain and Serve

    Remove the strainer (or pour through a fine mesh) into a cup and discard the leaves.

    Time: PT0.5M

  8. Enjoy

    Sip the tea plain or add a splash of milk or sweetener if desired.

    Time: PT0.5M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
2
Protein
0g
Carbohydrates
0g
Fat
0g
Fiber
0g

Dietary info: Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Last updated: April 18, 2026

Amazon Associates

Amazon Associates PartnerTrusted

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases made through links on this page. This helps support our site at no extra cost to you. Clicking on ingredient or equipment links will take you to amazon.com where you can purchase these items.

Throwback to that red tea tho

Recipe by Jesse's Teahouse

A step‑by‑step guide to brewing Jing Jun Mei, a premium Chinese red (black) tea, using the proper water temperature, leaf amount, and steep time to bring out its chocolatey aroma and deep orange‑red hue.

EasyChineseServes 1

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
5m
Prep
3m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
18m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$19.98
Total cost
$19.98
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Measure the exact amount of Jing Jun Mei tea leaves.
  • Heat water to the correct temperature (≈95 °C).
  • Steep for the proper time (4 min) to avoid bitterness.
  • Strain promptly to stop extraction.

Safety Warnings

  • Hot water can cause severe burns – handle the kettle and teapot with care.
  • Do not leave boiling water unattended on the stove or electric kettle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Jing Jun Mei Red Tea in Chinese tea culture?

A

Jing Jun Mei originates from the Zhejiang province and is a premium grade of the famous Keemun black tea. Historically, it was created for export to the West, where black teas were prized, and its name means “Golden Needle” referring to the tightly rolled, golden‑colored leaves.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of red (black) tea in Chinese cuisine?

A

China produces several renowned black teas such as Keemun, Yunnan Dianhong, and Lapsang Souchong, each with distinct smoky, fruity, or malty notes. Jing Jun Mei is a refined Keemun style, while other regions may use larger leaf rolls or different oxidation levels.

cultural
Q

How is Jing Jun Mei Red Tea traditionally served in Chinese tea ceremonies?

A

In a formal Chinese tea ceremony, Jing Jun Mei is brewed in a small Yixing clay teapot, poured into tiny porcelain cups, and enjoyed without milk or sweeteners to appreciate its natural chocolatey aroma and bright amber hue.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is Jing Jun Mei Red Tea traditionally associated with in Chinese culture?

A

Premium black teas like Jing Jun Mei are often served during festive gatherings, business meetings, and as a sign of hospitality. They are also enjoyed during the Mid‑Autumn Festival as a complement to mooncakes.

cultural
Q

How does Jing Jun Mei Red Tea fit into the broader Chinese tea tradition?

A

Chinese tea culture values the balance of aroma, flavor, and appearance. Jing Jun Mei exemplifies the black‑tea category, showcasing controlled oxidation that yields a deep color, rich body, and a hint of tannic briskness, completing the spectrum from green to oolong to black teas.

cultural
Q

What are the authentic traditional ingredients for Jing Jun Mei Red Tea versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Authentic Jing Jun Mei uses only the young buds and first leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant from specific Zhejiang estates. Acceptable substitutes for home brewers include other high‑quality Chinese black teas like Keemun or Yunnan Dianhong, though the flavor profile will differ slightly.

cultural
Q

What other Chinese dishes pair well with Jing Jun Mei Red Tea?

A

Its chocolatey, slightly sweet profile pairs beautifully with dim sum, roasted duck, mooncakes, and lightly sweet pastries. The tea’s astringency also cuts through fatty dishes, making it a classic companion to pork belly or fried spring rolls.

cultural
Q

What makes Jing Jun Mei Red Tea special or unique in Chinese black tea cuisine?

A

Jing Jun Mei is prized for its tightly rolled, golden‑colored buds that produce a clear amber liquor, a delicate chocolate aroma, and a smooth, lingering finish—qualities that set it apart from more robust, smoky black teas.

cultural
Q

How has Jing Jun Mei Red Tea evolved over time in Chinese tea culture?

A

Originally a export‑grade tea, Jing Jun Mei’s production techniques have been refined to emphasize leaf uniformity and oxidation control. Modern growers now use precise withering and firing methods to enhance its signature flavor while maintaining traditional hand‑rolling.

cultural
Q

What are common misconceptions about Jing Jun Mei Red Tea?

A

Many assume all Chinese black teas are the same or overly bitter. In reality, Jing Jun Mei offers a nuanced, sweet‑chocolate profile when brewed correctly; bitterness only appears from over‑steeping or using water that is too hot.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Jing Jun Mei Red Tea at home?

A

Common errors include using boiling water (100 °C) which burns the leaves, steeping longer than 4 minutes causing excessive tannins, and using too few leaves which results in a weak cup. Follow the temperature and time guidelines for the best flavor.

technical
Q

Can I make Jing Jun Mei Red Tea ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, brew a larger batch, then refrigerate the tea in a sealed container for up to 2 days. Serve chilled or gently re‑heat; avoid leaving it at room temperature for more than an hour to prevent flavor degradation.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Jesse's Teahouse specialize in?

A

Jesse's Teahouse focuses on exploring Chinese teas, offering detailed tasting notes, brewing techniques, and cultural background for each tea type, helping viewers appreciate the nuances of traditional and specialty teas.

channel

You Might Also Like

Similar recipes converted from YouTube cooking videos

How to Brew Chinese Tea the Right Way
14

How to Brew Chinese Tea the Right Way

Learn how to brew Oolong tea the traditional Chinese Gongfu way, a ritual that emphasizes skill, effort, and mindfulness. This step‑by‑step guide covers warming the tea set, the first rinse, multiple infusions, proper pouring technique, and tips for perfect flavor and meditation.

12 minServes 2$15
Chinese
It’s Like Hotpot… But With Tea!
4

It’s Like Hotpot… But With Tea!

A comforting, fragrant tea brewed over a tiny charcoal grill, featuring snow pears, orange, Chinese red dates, rock sugar, and goji berries. Perfect for soothing colds and warming chilly evenings, this traditional Chinese wellness tea is easy to make at home.

45 minServes 2$31
Chinese
✨ Goji Berry Tea Recipe ✨ (Chinese Beauty Secret) "CiCi Li - Asian Home Cooking"
10

✨ Goji Berry Tea Recipe ✨ (Chinese Beauty Secret) "CiCi Li - Asian Home Cooking"

A simple, soothing Chinese beauty secret tea featuring antioxidant-rich goji berries. Demonstrated by CiCi Li on the Asian Home Cooking channel, this mug‑size herbal tea is perfect for a quick health boost.

15 minServes 1$1
Chinese
Why Everyone in China Starts Their Morning With This Drink
19

Why Everyone in China Starts Their Morning With This Drink

A soothing, traditional Chinese medicinal drink made with fresh ginger, sweet red dates, antioxidant-rich goji berries, and aromatic dried orange peel. Perfect for boosting circulation, warming the body in the morning, and nourishing the blood during menstruation.

28 minServes 2$3
Chinese
Making Rice Wine Sake The Traditional Way
6

Making Rice Wine Sake The Traditional Way

A step‑by‑step guide to making traditional Japanese‑style rice wine at home using glutinous sweet rice and Chinese yeast balls (jiuqu). The process includes cooking the rice, inoculating it with yeast, a two‑week fermentation in a sealed jar, and final clarification before bottling.

1 hr 45 minServes 8$34
Japanese
【rice wine】how to make rice wine at home. Super easy!
8

【rice wine】how to make rice wine at home. Super easy!

A simple homemade Chinese sweet rice wine (Jiuniang) made from glutinous rice, water, and Chinese rice leaven. The natural fermentation turns rice starch into sugar and then a mild alcohol, creating a sweet, probiotic beverage ready in just a few days.

1 hr 35 minServes 4$8
Chinese
Dumpling Day part 1: Taiwan family tradition of making dumplings
3

Dumpling Day part 1: Taiwan family tradition of making dumplings

A quick, aromatic Chinese-style sauce made with minced garlic, fresh chives, green onion, ginger‑infused water, sesame oil, salt and white pepper. Perfect as a topping for noodles, rice bowls, dumplings, or grilled meats.

15 minServes 4$2
Chinese
Quick Korean Spicy Noodles with Gochujang Butter
4

Quick Korean Spicy Noodles with Gochujang Butter

A basic recipe demonstrating how to heat water on the stovetop, as shown in the brief Delishdoers video. Perfect for tea, coffee, or any hot beverage.

7 minServes 1$0
International