Mrs Doyle's Tea: 5 Surprising Ways to Cook or Bake with Tea This Summer
When the sun is high and the kitchen heats up, it's time to think outside the teacup. While most people associate tea with a cosy winter mug, this aromatic ingredient enhances summer recipes. From savoury dishes to sweet treats, tea can add a subtle depth of flavour, a splash of sophistication, and even some antioxidants to your plate. Whether you’re an adventurous cook or just a curious foodie, here are 5 surprising ways to cook or bake with tea this summer, featuring the beloved Mrs Doyle’s Tea, of course.
1. Tea-Infused Marinades for Grilled Meats
Move over, wine and citrus, tea makes a brilliant base for marinades. The tannins in black tea help tenderise meat, while its earthy undertones add complexity to your BBQ favourites. For example, a strong brew of Mrs Doyle's Irish Breakfast Tea mixed with soy sauce, garlic, honey, and a splash of sesame oil creates an incredible marinade for grilled chicken or steak.
2. Green Tea Soba Noodle Salad
Cool, refreshing, and packed with umami, green tea soba noodles are a unique way to bring a light, nourishing dish to your summer table. Brew a strong pot of Mrs Doyle’s Japanese Sencha, let it cool, then use it as a base for your noodle dressing with rice vinegar, ginger, and a hint of miso. Add crunchy veggies and sliced tofu or grilled shrimp for a satisfying lunch.
3. Earl Grey Tea Cakes with Lemon Glaze
Baking with tea? Yes, please! Earl Grey’s floral notes make it a brilliant flavour enhancer in cakes and cookies. One of our summer favourites is an Earl Grey tea loaf, steeped with Mrs Doyle’s Parisian Earl Grey, speckled with poppy seeds, and finished with a zesty lemon glaze. It’s fragrant, light, and the ideal companion to an afternoon iced tea.
4. ChaiSpiced Fruit Skewers
Make your next BBQ dessert unforgettable with chai tea-poached fruit. Steep Mrs Doyle’s Spicy Chai in a pot with honey, cinnamon sticks, and star anise, then simmer slices of peaches, nectarines, or plums. Chill and skewer them onto sticks with fresh mint leaves. It’s a grown-up, guilt-free treat that pairs beautifully with a dollop of yoghurt or ice cream.
5. Iced Tea Granita
There’s nothing more refreshing than a slushy, icy treat in the summer heat, and granitas made with tea are as elegant as they are easy. Brew a strong batch of Mrs Doyle’s Wild Berry Hibiscus, stir in a bit of sugar or agave, and freeze it in a shallow dish. Scrape with a fork every hour until it reaches a fluffy, snowlike texture. The result? A tangy, floral granita that’s the perfect palate cleanser or afternoon pick-me-up.
Final Sip
Tea is more than a beverage, it's a secret ingredient waiting to transform your summer recipes. Whether you're grilling, baking, or freezing, incorporating tea into your cooking adds unique flavour and natural benefits. With high-quality blends like Mrs Doyle’s Tea, your summer menu will not only taste better, but it’ll feel inspired.
