Perfect Cup of Tea

Recipe courtesy Alton Brown

Show: Good EatsEpisode: True Brew 2: Mr. Tea

Rated: 5 stars out of 5Rate itRead users' reviews (24)

RECIPE
COMMENTS & REVIEWS(24)

Cook Time:
2 min
Level:
Easy
Yield:
4 servings

Times:

Prep: 5 min
Inactive Prep: --
Cook: 2 min
Total:: 7 min

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Ingredients

4 heaping teaspoons loose tea
4 cups water

Directions

Place loose tea leaves into a warmed tea kettle. Pour heated water over loose tea leaves. Let steep. Strain tea and serve.

*Note: For Oolong and Green tea, water should simmer at 200 degrees F. and 180 degrees F.

*For Irish and English tea bring water to a full boil.

*Black tea should soak for 3 to 5 minutes. Oolong tea should soak for 4 to 7 minutes. Green Tea should soak for 2 to 3 minutes.

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Comments & Reviews

recipe Perfect Cup of Tea
Debbie littleton, CO 01-09-2010
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tea question
Rated: 5 stars out of 5

So, when i need to make a *large* quantity of iced tea, i brew a large amount of tea leaves in a small amount of water (for... instance, enough tea for 10 quarts, but only in 2 quarts of water). I then decant the tea concentrate, and add cold water. It seems to work fine, and uses much less energy, when you're going to cool it down anyhow. if I'm using the right brewing temp/time, would Good Eats say my method is ok or not? I saw a recipe (elsewhere on this site) for a Lapsang Souchong glaze for salmon, and it said to make a large amount of tea and then reduce it. I would have just brewed it really strong, as i do for iced tea, and not bother reducing it. I think it said to make a quart of tea, and reduce to a cup ... i'd use a quart's worth of tea, but only a bit more than a cup of water. Would this be equivalent? BTW, Lapsang Souchong is a really good tea. This episode's really informative! thanks, DebbieRead more
recipe Perfect Cup of Tea
Barbara Brownsburg, IN 02-19-2009
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This is my quest----
Rated: 5 stars out of 5

I have been searching for the teakettle with revolving airplane since seeing the show last October. Can't imagine how many... hours I've spent on line, on the phone, etc. I've become obsessed, can anyone help me? bootsythecat@sbcglobal.net Thanks a million.Read more
recipe Perfect Cup of Tea
Maria Walland, TN 10-29-2008
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Reply to Kathy
Rated: 5 stars out of 5

Since Kahty didn't provide her email address, hope it is OK to post ireply n this manner. Sure there are many online places,... but I just visited Little River Tea and Gifts Maryville TN 865 661-3791. I'm sure Debbie would ship to you, or you can come down and visit the beautiful Smoky Mountains. Sure wish I didn't miss the show. Can it be seen online?Read more
recipe Perfect Cup of Tea
Kathy Oak Hill, WV 10-18-2008
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oolong tea
Rated: 5 stars out of 5

I saw the show last night. I've been looking for Oolong tea for some time now. Where can I order it? I'm a coffee drinker... but I do enjoy Oolong tea. Just can't find it anywhere here in my area. Read more
recipe Perfect Cup of Tea
wayne roslyn heights, NY 09-15-2007
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WHO TAUGHT YOU TO MAKE TEA??
Rated: 1 stars out of 5

YOU HEAT THE WATER IN A KETTLE NOT BREW THE TEA. YOU FILL A TEAPOT WITH BOILING WATER, LET IT SIT TILL READY TO BREW. DUMP... OUT THE WATER ADDING THE TEA LEAVES, ONE PER CUP PLUS ONE FOR THE POT. LET STEEP 4-5 MINUTES. KEEP HOT WATER TO DILUTE IF TOO STRONG.Read more
recipe Perfect Cup of Tea
Anonymous 08-18-2007
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Where's the awesome, vintage tea kettle!?
Rated: 5 stars out of 5

Great show! Does anyone know where I can purchase that vintage looking, revolving airplane tea kettle? Please e-mail me at... robanddebrarea@juno.com Thanks!!!Read more