The 20 Best Egg Recipes from Around the World

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China: Chinese Tea Eggs

Tea eggs, or chá yè dàn, are a traditional Chinese snack and street food. These beautifully marbled eggs are infused with a fragrant mix of tea, soy sauce, and spices, making them a flavorful treat. Often enjoyed during festivals or as an everyday snack, they’re simple to make and incredibly satisfying.

Ingredients (for 6 eggs):

• 6 eggs
• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp dark soy sauce (optional, for deeper color)
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp sugar
• 2 star anise
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 2 black tea bags (or 2 tbsp loose black tea leaves)
• 1 small piece of dried tangerine peel (optional)
• 1/2 tsp Sichuan peppercorns (optional)
• 4 cups water

Instructions:

1. Place the eggs in a saucepan and cover them with water. Bring to a boil over medium heat and let them cook for 7–8 minutes.
2. Remove the eggs and cool them under cold running water or in an ice bath. Gently tap the eggs all over with the back of a spoon to create cracks in the shell without peeling them. This allows the marinade to seep in and create the marbled effect.
3. In the same saucepan, combine 4 cups of water, soy sauce, dark soy sauce, salt, sugar, star anise, cinnamon stick, tea, tangerine peel, and Sichuan peppercorns. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes.
4. Add the cracked eggs back into the saucepan, ensuring they are fully submerged in the marinade. Cover the pot and let the eggs simmer for 20 minutes.
5. Turn off the heat and let the eggs soak in the marinade for at least 4 hours, or overnight for a stronger flavor and more pronounced marbling.
6. Peel the eggs to reveal the beautiful marbled pattern and enjoy them warm or at room temperature.

These tea eggs are not only visually stunning but also deeply flavorful. Perfect as a snack, side dish, or addition to a bento box!