Asian Tea Eggs with Caviar: A Striking Canapé Recipe

By Beleaev Family | International Caviar & Gourmet, Head Office London | beleaev.com

Chinese tea eggs are hard-boiled eggs cracked and re-steeped in spiced tea-soy mixture, producing beautiful marbled patterns and aromatic flavour. Topped with caviar, they're an unexpected Asian-Russian fusion canapé.

Key Takeaways
- Hard-boil eggs, then crack lightly
- Re-steep in tea and spices for 6+ hours
- Marbled pattern emerges
- 3g of [Royal Oscietra](https://beleaev.com/products/royal-oscietra-caviar-copy) per egg half
- Serve cold

Chinese tea eggs with marbled pattern and caviar

The Ingredients

Makes 12 halves, serves 6

  • 6 large eggs
  • 500ml water
  • 4 tbsp light soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp dark soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp shaoxing wine
  • 2 black tea bags
  • 2 star anise
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 4 slices fresh ginger
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • 36g Royal Oscietra
  • 1 tbsp finely sliced spring onion

The Method

1. Boil eggs 8 minutes. Cool slightly.

2. Tap each egg gently to crack the shell all over without removing it.

3. Combine remaining ingredients (except caviar and spring onion) in pan. Bring to simmer.

4. Add cracked eggs. Simmer 30 minutes covered.

5. Cool eggs in steeping liquid. Refrigerate 6+ hours, ideally overnight.

6. Peel eggs (revealing marbled pattern). Halve.

7. Top each half with 3g caviar. Scatter spring onion. Serve cold.

Tips

Crack the shell all over for even marbling.

Steep overnight for deepest pattern.

Cold serve only.

Caviar mother-of-pearl spoon.

Variations and Pairings

With salmon roe: Use Wild Salmon Roe for orange contrast.

With Beluga: 30g of Beluga XXL total.

Wine pairing: A chilled Riesling or sake.

For more egg dishes, see our devilled eggs with caviar and œufs mimosa recipes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Make ahead?

Yes, days ahead. Tea eggs keep 5 days refrigerated.

Marbled pattern strength?

Longer steep = stronger pattern. 6 hours minimum, 24 hours ideal.

How much caviar?

3g per egg half.

Tea eggs with caviar are one of those unexpected fusion canapés that quietly impress. Discover Beleaev's caviar collection at beleaev.com.

Beleaev is an international caviar and gourmet house headquartered in London, with fulfilment hubs across the UK, Europe, the UAE, and the United States. We deliver responsibly farmed Beluga, Oscietra, Sevruga, and Kaluga caviar to customers in each region within 24 to 48 hours.

Back to blog

Leave a comment