Brewed Tea Recipe
Make Brewed Tea Recipe in just 12m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.
Was this page helpful?
Help improve this recipe for others.
Send this recipe to your inbox.
We'll email it straight to you - plus weekly cooking inspiration.
Ingredients
Some product links may be affiliates. If you buy through them, you're supporting the site and Pekin may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Tea
Method
Tea
- 1
Heat water
Pour 4 cups of fresh cold water into a kettle or saucepan. Heat water to the appropriate temperature for the tea type: about 175°F (80°C) for green tea, 195°F (90°C) for oolong, 205°F (96°C) for black tea or herbal. If you don't have a thermometer, bring to a simmer for green/oolong (small bubbles) or to a full rolling boil for black/herbal.
- 2
Prep tea
If using loose leaf tea, measure 1 tablespoon of leaves per cup (4 tablespoons for 4 cups) and place in an infuser, teapot, or directly in the pot. If using tea bags, use one tea bag per cup (4 tea bags).
- 3
Steep
Pour the hot water over the tea leaves or bags. Steep for the recommended time: 2–3 minutes for green tea, 3–5 minutes for oolong, 3–5 minutes for black tea, and 5–7 minutes for most herbal tisanes. Avoid oversteeping to prevent bitterness.
- 4
Remove leaves/bags
When steeping is complete, remove the tea bags or strain the leaves out to stop infusion. If brewing directly in a pot, pour the tea through a fine mesh strainer into cups or a serving pot.
- 5
Sweeten and finish
Taste the brewed tea. If desired, stir in honey or sugar (about 1–2 teaspoons per cup; here 2 teaspoons for the batch) while the tea is hot so it dissolves. Add milk (about 1/2 cup total) for black tea if you prefer a creamy cup. For a bright finish, squeeze half a lemon and drop the wedge into the pot, or add fresh mint leaves for a herbal note.
- 6
Serve
Divide the tea among 4 cups. Garnish each cup with a lemon slice or a mint sprig if using. Serve hot immediately.