In the world of culinary arts, the infusion of tea into dishes is a technique that offers an intricate layer of flavor, marrying the delicacy of aromatic leaves with robust ingredients. Alishan Oolong and Oriental Beauty Tea, two of Taiwan’s finest exports, provide unique profiles that can transform simple recipes into gourmet experiences. Here’s how these teas can be creatively used in cooking to enhance both savory and sweet creations.

Alishan Oolong Tea: A Floral Touch to Seafood

Alishan Oolong Tea, known for its floral and slightly creamy notes, pairs wonderfully with seafood, adding a fresh and aromatic quality that complements the oceanic flavors.

1. Alishan Oolong Steamed Scallops

• Ingredients:

  • 12 fresh scallops, on the half shell
  • 2 tablespoons Alishan Oolong tea leaves
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon finely grated ginger
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Spring onions and cilantro for garnish

• Preparation:

  1. Brew the Alishan Oolong tea with water at 85°C for 3 minutes, then strain, reserving both the leaves and the tea.
  2. Mix the brewed tea, soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, and garlic in a bowl.
  3. Place the scallops on a steam-proof dish. Spoon the mixture over each scallop.
  4. Sprinkle the reserved tea leaves over the scallops.
  5. Steam the scallops over high heat for about 5 to 7 minutes, or until they are just cooked.
  6. Garnish with spring onions and cilantro before serving.

The Alishan Oolong imparts a delicate tea flavor that enhances the natural sweetness of the scallops without overpowering them.

Oriental Beauty Tea: Rich Flavors for Meat Dishes

Oriental Beauty Tea, with its fruity and honey-like undertones, is ideal for meat dishes, especially pork and poultry, as it imparts a rich depth to the flavors.

2. Oriental Beauty Tea Glazed Chicken

• Ingredients:

  • 4 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
  • 2 tablespoons Oriental Beauty tea leaves
  • 1/2 cup boiling water
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Sesame seeds and sliced green onions for garnish

• Preparation:

  1. Steep the Oriental Beauty tea leaves in boiling water for 5 minutes. Strain and reserve the liquid.
  2. In a saucepan, combine the tea brew, honey, soy sauce, vinegar, and garlic. Bring to a simmer and reduce until thickened into a glaze.
  3. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
  4. Heat a skillet over medium heat, add the chicken, and cook until golden and nearly done.
  5. Pour the glaze over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Continue to cook until the chicken is fully cooked and the glaze is sticky.
  6. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.

The sweetness and complexity of the Oriental Beauty Tea create a glaze that’s both rich and tantalizing, perfect for an exotic twist on a classic dish.

Brewing Tips for Culinary Use

When brewing these teas for cooking, it’s important to avoid over-steeping, which can lead to bitterness. Ideal brewing times are about 3-5 minutes for both Alishan Oolong and Oriental Beauty Tea. Adjust according to taste preference and the particular recipe needs.

Conclusion

Using Alishan Oolong and Oriental Beauty Tea in your cooking is a delightful way to explore the subtleties of tea outside the cup. Whether enhancing the delicate flavors of seafood or enriching a hearty meat dish, these teas offer a bridge between traditional beverage and innovative culinary ingredient, promising a transformative experience for any dish.

Author : chasourcing Views : 142

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