I'm exponentially more of a coffee guy than a tea guy when it comes to, you know, actually drinking them — but when it comes to cooking, I think tea's inherent properties and flavor profiles are a bit more complex. Yes, I'll use coffee in tiramisu, chocolate baked goods and occasional sauces, but there's a bit of a limitation to its uses beyond that.
You really can't go wrong with cooking with tea, but I will note one thing: If you're using tea to make or flavor something savory, steer clear of anything that's saccharine, like a raspberry, lime or even a rooibos. This can add an off-putting flavor to your savory dish that will take into an odd, overly-sweet zone that won't be especially appealing. Similarly, something like a chai might be too complex, which when combined with cooked foods, might turn into a muddled flavor experience.
Here's a rundown of all the ways to cook with tea, in both sweet and savory iterations:
01
Use in or as a steeping, braising or poaching liquid
A tea-steeped chicken breast adds a whole new level of complexity to something that might otherwise be relatively nondescript. Another option would be to poach the chicken breast in the tea, then shred it, then crisp it up in some hot oil in a shallow pan before seasoning with some salt and spices. The tea flavor will have permeated the chicken in a subtle manner, while the crisp texture and seasoning will help elevate the flavor overall. Throw it on top of some greens or even into a taco shell or tortilla for a surefire, bang-up lunch.
02
Add to cookies or other baked goods
From scones and brownies to cookies galore, tea is an excellent addition. Add a drizzle of reduction to the dough, sprinkle some ground leaves right into the batter or garnish with a touch of tea. You really can't go wrong.
03
Infuse sauces
You can literally add a tea bag (or a few) to any sauce, let it infuse for a few minutes and then remove the bags. The tea flavor will have permeated the sauce itself, but because the tea itself isn't actually "in" the sauce, the flavor will be more of an undercurrent throughout the sauce than a forefront note. It's a great way to add a subtle floral note, too.
04
Use to flavor and cook rice
Some rely entirely on water to cook rice. That's cool, but have you had rice cooked in English Breakfast tea and really rich chicken stock? It takes it to a whole new level entirely.
Use some ground tea leaves as you would seasoning, add a touch of brewed tea to provide some brightness or even drizzle some reduced tea as a garnish. A comforting, rich bowl is always made better with a bit of tea.
06
Reduce into a savory glaze
Brew tea like you would normally. In a shallow pan, heat about a cup of the tea over medium heat, stirring or swirling every so often until the tea reduces and gets thick and syrupy. You can also add other flavorings, such as shallot, Dijon mustard or unsalted butter to help round out the tea flavor. Drizzle over a piece of tea-steamed halibut for a real treat.
07
Enjoy in and with breakfast foods, like oatmeal, yogurt and pancakes
Stir some reduced tea into your yogurt, make a tea-maple drizzle for your pancakes, waffles and French toast or enjoy some tea flavor in your oatmeal: There's really no limit to the tea applications when it comes to breakfast. Double down and serve your tea-infused breakfast with a cup of tea while you're at it!
08
Make ice cream
If you are a homemade ice cream person, the taste of homemade tea-flavored ice cream is outrageous. Earl grey, green tea, rooibos or even the sweeter herbal teas make for an excellent flavor profile to anchor an ice cream around. Throw in some fun mix-ins or toppings and your kitchen will become the top ice cream parlor in town.
09
Whip into a frosting or icing
Some powdered tea leaves in a frosting can be great and add some texture or a reduced tea stirred into a buttercream adds a new dimension of color and flavor.
10
Get smoky
If you have a smoker — or feel comfortable making a makeshift one at home or in your backyard — use some tea leaves in addition to your smoking woods, such as hickory, oak or cherry. The tea will provide some levity to the stronger, heavier smoked flavors.
11
Use in a rub, blend or marinade
Ground your tea leaves to incorporate into herb or spice blends or rubs. Conversely, brew some tea and then add some marinade ingredients like oil, garlic, shallot, sesame oil, vinegar or fresh herbs and then marinate your favorite proteins and vegetables.
12
Include in a brine
Tea-brined Southern fried chicken? Yeah . . . it's just as good as it sounds. Not much else to add there!
13
Treat like a broth, stock or cooking liquid
This one might come off a little wonky, but why not cook some pasta in a mix of brewed tea and water? Cook up some pierogis, boiled potatoes or anything else you might often cook in a large amount of cooking liquid. I'm also partial to combos: some stock, some tea, some water. That way, the food itself won't be inundated with any super-strong flavors and instead be subtly balanced yet totally flavorful.
14
Steam
Instead of just steaming with water, why not with some brewed tea? Or a mix of dried tea leaves, some tea and some water? Steaming seafood (clams, mussels, cod, shrimp) this way is an amazing way to impart some light flavor to help elevate the fish yet maintain the saline, trademark flavor.
15
Add to alcoholic or non-alcoholic libations
Of course, tea is primarily regarded as a beverage. Why not use it as a primary ingredient in a cocktail or mocktail? The familiar flavor of tea — along with whatever complementary ingredients — will make for a balanced, refreshing drink. Green tea is an excellent choice in mixed drinks.
Michael is a food writer, recipe editor and educator based in his beloved New Jersey. After graduating from the Institute of Culinary Education in New York City, he worked in restaurants, catering and supper clubs before pivoting to food journalism and recipe development. He also holds a BA in psychology and literature from Pace University.
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