Creamy, sweet, and just a little bit salty – this drink is a flavor bomb in a cup.
Hey There, Let’s Talk Milk Tea with a Twist
Okay, if you’ve never tried salted egg in a drink before, trust me—it works. I know it sounds a little wild at first, but this Salted Egg Custard Milk Tea is ultra-creamy, just sweet enough, and that touch of salt from the egg yolk custard takes it over the top.
It’s like your favorite boba milk tea grew up and got fancy. The custard melts into warm milk and black tea and… wow. You just have to try it.
🍳 What You’ll Need
For the salted egg custard:
- 2 cooked salted egg yolks (steamed or boiled)
- 2 tbsp condensed milk
- 2 tbsp whole milk
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
For the milk tea:
- 2 black tea bags (like Assam or Ceylon)
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1 tbsp sugar (adjust to taste)
Why I Love This Recipe
I first had something like this in a tiny milk tea shop in Taipei, and it totally surprised me. Sweet drinks with salted egg? Sounds weird, tastes amazing. Now I make it at home when I want something comforting, creamy, and just a little different.
- Creamy and cozy
- Just enough sweetness
- That savory egg yolk hits deep
- Looks fancy but it’s actually simple
Servings + Time
- Makes: 1 serving (double or triple easily)
- Time: About 15 minutes total
Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
Salted egg yolks are naturally rich in fat and umami, which pairs surprisingly well with sugar and milk. Heating them with butter and condensed milk creates a thick, custardy base. Black tea balances out the richness with a little bitterness, so the whole drink stays smooth and drinkable.
Meal Plan Ideas
- Afternoon treat with some almond cookies
- Dessert drink after a spicy noodle dish
- Mid-morning pick-me-up with toast
Pro Tips
- Steam your salted egg yolks until soft and mashable. This helps the custard come together smoothly.
- Blend or strain the custard. If you want it silky, blending is best!
- Use strong black tea. You want it to stand up to the custard.
- Drink warm or iced. Both versions are delicious—just adjust your milk amount.
- Want boba? Add tapioca pearls for the full milk tea shop feel.
Tools You’ll Need
- Small pot or steamer
- Medium saucepan
- Whisk or blender
- Mesh strainer (optional)
- Tall glass
- Spoon or silicone spatula
- Measuring spoons
Substitutions & Variations
- Milk: Swap for oat milk or evaporated milk for a different vibe.
- Salted egg yolks: Use duck or chicken. Pre-cooked store-bought works fine.
- Sweetener: Try honey, maple syrup, or skip if your condensed milk is sweet enough.
- Tea: Try oolong or jasmine for a twist.
Make Ahead Tips
- Make the custard in advance and keep it in the fridge for 3–4 days.
- Brew a big batch of strong tea and chill for quick prep.
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Steam the salted egg yolks
Place 2 salted egg yolks in a steamer and steam for 5–7 minutes until soft and easy to mash.
2. Make the custard
In a small saucepan over low heat, mash the steamed yolks and mix with 2 tbsp condensed milk, 2 tbsp whole milk, and 1 tbsp unsalted butter. Stir until smooth and creamy (about 3–5 minutes). Use a blender or whisk well.
3. Brew the black tea
Steep 2 black tea bags in 1 cup of boiling water for 4–5 minutes. Remove bags and stir in 1 tbsp sugar.
4. Combine and serve
Add the custard to a tall glass, pour in the brewed tea, then 1/2 cup of whole milk. Stir or blend until smooth. Serve warm or over ice.
🍶 Leftovers & Storage
- Store extra custard in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheat gently in the microwave or stir into hot tea.
- Once mixed with tea, best enjoyed the same day.
Common Mistakes
- Not mashing yolks enough: Lumps will ruin the texture—blend it smooth.
- Too weak tea: It’ll taste bland—use strong tea for balance.
- Skipping the strainer: If your custard is chunky, strain it for a silky finish.
What to Serve With
- Crispy toast
- Almond cookies
- Steamed buns (yes, really!)
- Simple butter crackers
FAQ
Q: Can I use salted egg powder instead of yolks?
A: Yes! Mix 1 tbsp salted egg powder with 1 tbsp hot water to sub one yolk.
Q: Is this sweet or savory?
A: It’s both! Think salted caramel vibes—sweet with a savory edge.
Q: Can I make it vegan?
A: Not really—salted egg is the star. But you can try with vegan custard and sea salt for a twist.
Try It and Tell Me What You Think!
This Salted Egg Custard Milk Tea is rich, cozy, and totally different from anything you’ve had before. If you give it a go, drop a comment and let me know how it turned out—or if you made any fun twists!
