五香茶葉蛋 5 Spice Tea Eggs, just like from 7-11 in Taiwan

soy sauce

🥗Healthier: low-sodium soy sauce

💰Cheaper: tamari

Low-sodium soy sauce reduces sodium intake while tamari is gluten-free.

black tea leaves

🥗Healthier: green tea leaves

💰Cheaper: tea bags

Green tea offers a lighter flavor, while tea bags are more convenient.

sugar

🥗Healthier: honey

💰Cheaper: brown sugar

Honey provides natural sweetness, while brown sugar is often less expensive.

star anise

🥗Healthier: fennel seeds

💰Cheaper: anise extract

Fennel seeds mimic the flavor of star anise, while anise extract is more accessible.

Place eggs in a saucepan and cover with water.

Bring water to a boil over high heat.

Boil eggs for 6-7 minutes for soft-boiled or 10-12 minutes for hard-boiled.

Remove eggs and place them in an ice bath to cool.

Once cooled, gently crack the shells all over without peeling them.

In a separate pot, combine black tea leaves, star anise, cinnamon sticks, soy sauce, sugar, five spice powder, and water.

Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.

Add the cracked eggs to the simmering tea mixture.

Cover and simmer for at least 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to infuse.

Remove from heat and let the eggs steep in the liquid for several hours or overnight for best flavor.

Peel the eggs and enjoy the marbled effect and rich flavor.

Cooking Techniques

Spice Level: