Running Yolk Chinese Tea Egg Recipe - Easy and Delicious [茶叶蛋]

Ingredients

• 8 cups Water (for the brine)
• 3 pieces Star Anise (whole pods)
• 3 pieces Bay Leaf (dried)
• 3 cloves Garlic (peeled and lightly smashed)
• 2 pieces Jae‑Ha (optional spice) (optional, adds extra aroma)
• 1 stalk Cinnamon Stick (whole stick)
• 1 cup Soy Sauce (regular light soy sauce)
• 2 tablespoons Chinese Black Tea Leaves (Red Tea) (loose leaf, can use tea bags)
• 2 tablespoons Dark Soy Sauce (for deeper color)
• 1.5 teaspoons Five‑Spice Powder (Chinese five‑spice blend)
• 0.5 tablespoons Sichuan Peppercorns (crushed, provides tingling sensation)
• 1 tablespoon Salt (kosher or sea salt)
• 8 pieces Large Eggs (room temperature)
• 1 cup Ice Cubes (for rapid cooling)

Instructions

1. Prepare the tea brine

   Combine water, soy sauce, dark soy sauce, tea leaves, star anise, bay leaf, garlic, optional jae‑ha, cinnamon stick, five‑spice powder, Sichuan peppercorns, and salt in a large pot. Stir to dissolve.

   Time: PT10M

2. Simmer the brine

   Bring the mixture to a rolling boil over high heat, then reduce to low and let simmer for 15 minutes so the spices fully infuse.

   Time: PT15M

   Temperature: Low simmer

3. Pre‑cook the eggs

   Transfer enough hot brine to a small saucepan to fully cover the eggs. Add the eggs, increase heat to high and boil for 2 minutes.

   Time: PT2M

   Temperature: High boil

4. Ice bath shock

   Immediately remove the eggs with a slotted spoon and plunge them into an ice bath for 2 minutes to stop cooking.

   Time: PT2M

5. Crack the shells lightly

   Gently tap each egg with the back of a spoon to create a network of fine cracks without removing the shell.

   Time: PT2M

6. Second boil in brine

   Return the cracked eggs to the original brine, bring back to a low simmer and cook for 4 minutes (or longer for firmer yolks).

   Time: PT4M

   Temperature: Low simmer

7. Marinate

   Remove the pot from heat, let the brine cool, then keep the eggs submerged in the brine for at least 4 hours or overnight in the refrigerator.

   Time: PT0M

8. Serve

   Peel the eggs (the cracked shells will come off easily) and enjoy as a snack, with rice, noodles, or alongside braised pork belly.

   Time: PT0M

Nutrition Facts

Calories

90

Protein

6 g

Carbohydrates

1 g

Fat

5 g

Fiber

0 g