Tea-flavored soybeans, a beloved snack in East Asia, combine the earthy sweetness of soybeans with the fragrant aroma of tea. Here’s an easy guide to making them at home.
Ingredients: 500g fresh soybeans (in pods), 4 black tea bags or 2 tbsp loose-leaf black tea, 1 tbsp salt, 5-6 star anise, 1 cinnamon stick, and 4-5 cloves.
Steps:
1. Prep the Soybeans: Rinse fresh soybeans and trim the ends if needed. For dried soybeans, soak them overnight.
2. Brew the Tea Water: Boil 4 cups of water, then add tea bags, star anise, cinnamon, and cloves. Simmer for 5 minutes to infuse the flavors. Remove tea bags; keep the spices in the water.
3. Cook the Soybeans: Add soybeans and salt to the tea water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-30 minutes (fresh) or 1-1.5 hours (dried), until tender but not mushy.
4. Rest and Absorb: Turn off the heat and let the soybeans steep in the tea liquid for another 30 minutes to enhance the flavor.
5. Serve or Store: Drain and let cool slightly. Enjoy warm as a snack, or refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Variations: For a spicy kick, add dried chilies; for sweetness, a pinch of sugar. Matcha or oolong tea can also replace black tea for unique twists.
This simple method creates a flavorful, healthy snack perfect for any occasion!
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