Chefs' Secret: How Tea Can Elevate Culinary Dishes, Especially Rice

Chefs around the world have discovered that tea is not just a hot beverage to accompany a meal, but a surprising and creative ingredient that can add depth, aromas, and unique flavors to various dishes. Thanks to its natural and aromatic components, tea has become a versatile tool in both luxurious and home kitchens.

Tea is a secret and versatile tool in the kitchen of creative chefs. Whether it's in marinades, baking, or smoking, the ability of tea to add flavor and aroma makes it an indispensable ingredient in the kitchen. Try these methods to discover a new world of flavors.

1. Using Tea as a Marinade Base

How does it work?
Tea infusions, especially black, green, or smoked tea, add a rich and deep flavor to meats, fish, or tofu.
 

How to use?

• Prepare a strong infusion from your chosen tea.
• Add to the marinade ingredients like soy sauce, garlic, honey, or ginger.
• Marinate the protein for several hours before grilling or cooking.

2. Cooking Rice with Tea

How does it work?
Instead of cooking rice in regular water, use a green or jasmine tea infusion to add a delicate and refreshing aroma.
How to use?

• Replace the water in the recipe with the same amount of fresh tea infusion.
• The rice will absorb the flavors, becoming a more complex dish.

Interestingly, many chefs worldwide cook rice this way, each time with a different subtle tea flavor.

3. Baking with Tea

How does it work?
Ground tea or strong infusions are used to enhance the flavors of desserts and cakes.
How to use?

• Add ground tea (like matcha) to cake, cookie, or muffin batter.
• Use sweet tea infusions instead of milk for making ice cream, creams, or dessert sauces.

4. Smoking Food with Tea

How does it work?
Tea leaves can be used as part of the smoking process for meat, fish, or vegetables.
How to use?

• Mix tea leaves (like green or black tea) with rice and sugar in a small pot.
• Heat the mixture until it starts to smoke, then place the food above it for smoking.

5. Tea as a Dry Spice

How does it work?
Ground dry tea leaves are used as part of spice blends.
How to use?

• Grind dry tea leaves (like black or green tea) and add to spice blends for meat, fish, or roasted vegetables.

6. Enhancing Cocktails and Drinks

How does it work?
Cold tea and aromatic infusions pair well with alcohol and refreshing drinks.
How to use?

• Make strong tea, chill it, and use it as a base for cocktails.
• Mix with gin, vodka, or white wine, adding fresh fruit or herbs.