Nut-Free Chinese Tea Eggs

Experience the delightful flavors of **Nut-Free Chinese Tea Eggs**, a beautifully marbled delicacy infused with aromatic spices and black tea. This nut-free twist on the traditional Chinese tea egg combines a clever balance of soy sauce, star anise, and Chinese five-spice powder to create a savory, umami-packed snack or side dish. With a stunning marbled appearance achieved by gently cracking the eggshells before simmering, these eggs are as visually impressive as they are flavorful. Perfect for those seeking a rich yet allergy-friendly option, this recipe is quick to prepare, easy to customize, and ideal for meal prep or entertaining. Serve them chilled or at room temperature for a versatile and protein-packed treat that’s sure to amaze!

Nutriscore Rating: 65/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:60 mins

Total Time:70 mins

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 8 pieces large eggs
• 4 cups water
• 3 pieces black tea bags
• 0.5 cup soy sauce
• 1 piece cinnamon stick
• 2 pieces star anise
• 1 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon peppercorns

Directions

Step 1

Place the eggs in a large pot and cover them with water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, cook the eggs for 8 minutes.

Step 2

After 8 minutes, remove the pot from heat. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the eggs to a bowl of ice water to cool them quickly.

Step 3

Once cool, gently tap each egg with a spoon to crack the shells slightly, ensuring the shells remain intact. This will allow the marinade to seep in and create a marbled effect.

Step 4

Return the cracked eggs to the pot and add 4 cups of water. Add the black tea bags, soy sauce, cinnamon stick, star anise, Chinese five-spice powder, sugar, salt, and peppercorns.

Step 5

Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let the eggs simmer for at least 45 minutes to absorb the flavors.

Step 6

After 45 minutes, remove the pot from heat and allow the eggs to cool in the marinade. For a stronger flavor, refrigerate the pot and let the eggs steep overnight.

Step 7

Once cooled to your desired taste, peel the eggs and serve them as a snack or side dish.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1529.5 grams (1529.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	735

Total Fat 42.20g	54%
Saturated Fat 12.10g	61%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.20g
Cholesterol 1488mg	496%
Sodium 7561mg	329%
Total Carbohydrate 37.40g	14%
Dietary Fiber 4.80g	17%
Total Sugars 13.20g
Protein 61.80g	124%

Vitamin D 320IU	1600%
Calcium 431mg	33%
Iron 14mg	79%
Potassium 1196mg	25%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 48.9%

Protein: 31.8%

Carbs: 19.3%