This smoked tea marinade is rich, earthy, and brings a gentle smoky flavor to whatever you’re cooking. It’s made with brewed Lapsang Souchong tea (a smoky black tea), garlic, soy sauce, and a touch of honey to balance it all out. It’s totally unique and so good on chicken, pork, mushrooms, or tofu.
Why I Love This Recipe
I tried Lapsang Souchong for the first time in a cup and thought… “this would be amazing in a marinade.” I was right. It adds a bold, smoky flavor without a grill or smoker. It’s now my favorite way to add BBQ vibes—no flame required.
Why it’s worth trying:
- ☕ Smoky flavor without any liquid smoke
- 🧄 Savory, balanced, and a little sweet
- ⏱️ Easy to mix up in 5 minutes
- 🍗 Great for meats and plant-based proteins
- 🌟 Makes people say “wait, what’s in this?”
⏰ Time to Make: 5 minutes + 10 minutes steeping
🍽️ Enough For: 1.5 to 2 pounds of meat, tofu, or mushrooms
Ingredients
- 1 cup strong brewed Lapsang Souchong tea, cooled
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
How to Make Smoked Tea Marinade
1. Brew the Tea
Steep 1 tablespoon of Lapsang Souchong loose leaf tea (or 1 tea bag) in 1 cup of hot water for 8–10 minutes. Let cool.
2. Add Garlic and Ginger
In a bowl or jar, add minced garlic and grated ginger.
3. Pour in Tea, Soy Sauce, and Vinegar
Add cooled tea, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar to the bowl.
4. Add Honey, Oil, and Pepper
Mix in honey, olive oil, and black pepper. Whisk until blended.
5. Use or Store It
Pour over protein and marinate for at least 1 hour, up to 6 hours. Store leftover marinade in the fridge up to 5 days.
What to Serve With It
The smoky vibe goes great with:
- 🍚 Jasmine rice or wild rice
- 🥗 Cabbage slaw or cucumber salad
- 🍆 Grilled eggplant or roasted carrots
- 🍞 Pita, naan, or crusty bread
- 🍋 Lemon wedges for brightness
FAQ
Where do I find Lapsang Souchong tea?
Check tea shops or online—it’s a smoky black tea used in Chinese cooking and drinks.
Can I use another tea?
You can use regular black tea, but you’ll miss the smoky flavor. Still tasty, though!
Can I make this ahead?
Yes! Brew the tea and mix the marinade up to 5 days ahead. Keep in a sealed jar in the fridge.
What proteins are best?
Chicken thighs, pork chops, mushrooms, or tofu all soak up the smoky flavor beautifully.
Is it super smoky?
It’s subtle, not overpowering. Just enough to taste like it came off a wood-fired grill.
Enjoy!
This Smoked Tea Marinade gives your food rich, bold flavor with hardly any effort. It’s a little fancy, a little smoky, and makes any dinner feel totally next-level. ☕🔥🍽️