🇨🇳 Chinese Cuisine · Drinks

Chrysanthemum Tea

Prep

5 mins

Cook

5 mins

Serves

4

Difficulty

Easy

Dried chrysanthemum blossoms steeped in hot water with rock sugar for a floral, cooling herbal infusion.

Ingredients

  • 700g whole duck
  • 300g glutinous rice
  • a handful of minced garlic
  • 2 tsp white pepper
  • 2 tbsp toasted sesame oil
  • 2 bok choy, chopped
  • a handful of fresh scallion greens, chopped
  • a generous spoonful of soy sauce
  • 500ml pork stock
  • 1 1/2 tsp doubanjiang (chili bean paste)
  • a generous handful of bamboo shoots
  • Shaoxing wine, for serving

Instructions

  1. 1

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

  2. 2

    Add the doubanjiang (chili bean paste) and toasted sesame oil, 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 5 mins.

  4. 4

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

  5. 5

    Sweeten to taste with toasted sesame seeds, 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 scallion greens just before serving.

Tips

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

If serving warm, gently reheat just before pouring rather than letting it come to a boil.