🇨🇳 Chinese Cuisine · Drinks

Chinese Herbal Tea

Prep

10 mins

Cook

20 mins

Serves

4

Difficulty

Easy

A cooling tong sui brewed from a blend of chrysanthemum, honeysuckle, and dried fruit to clear heat and toxins.

Ingredients

  • 600g whole duck
  • 400g egg noodles
  • 2 tbsp minced garlic
  • 1/2 tsp star anise
  • 3 tbsp neutral vegetable oil
  • 1 cup bok choy, sliced
  • a handful of fresh scallion greens, chopped
  • a drizzle of soy sauce
  • 500ml chicken stock
  • 1 1/2 tsp white pepper
  • 2 napa cabbage, chopped

Instructions

  1. 1

    Combine the steamed buns and chicken stock in a saucepan, blender, or pitcher, stirring well.

  2. 2

    Add the chili oil and Shaoxing wine, stirring gently so their flavor infuses the mixture.

  3. 3

    Heat gently over low heat (or blend, or steep, depending on the drink) until well combined and fragrant, about 20 mins.

  4. 4

    Strain through a fine sieve to remove any solids, if needed.

  5. 5

    Sweeten to taste with oyster sauce, adjusting gradually until the balance feels right.

  6. 6

    Chill in the refrigerator, or pour straight over ice, depending on whether it is served cold or hot.

  7. 7

    Garnish with cilantro just before serving.

  8. 8

    Pour into your favorite glass or cup and enjoy.

Tips

Adjust the sweetness gradually, tasting as you go — you can always add more oyster sauce, but you cannot take it away.

Make a big batch and keep it chilled in the fridge — the flavor often deepens after a few hours.