I love this pandan tea recipe because it brings back memories of comforting, aromatic afternoons at my grandmother’s house with its unique and refreshing flavor. Plus, it’s super easy to make and perfect for both a warm cozy sip or a chilled refresher on a hot day—bringing versatility and nostalgia into one delightful cup!
The scent of pandan tea is something that I am wholly enamored with—it is calming and smells just divine. This tea is immensely simple to make, needing only the following ingredients and a negligible amount of time to brew:
– 4 cups of water
– 6 pandan leaves, tied into a knot
– 2 tablespoons of sugar
To make it a touch more complex or nuanced, you can add a teaspoon of vanilla extract.
Whether enjoyed hot or cold, this bamboo-hued tea is perfect for any moment.
Ingredients
Aromatic and known for their soothing properties, pandan leaves have a grassy vanilla note.
Water: Vital for hydration; it functions as the base for brewing the tea.
Sweetness is what sugar provides, and this is essential in balancing the flavor of pandan, which has a more earthy, almost grassy taste.
You can even savor these flavors more distinctly if you try to taste them side by side.
Vanilla extract: Optional; gives complexity and boosts the pandan’s scent.
Ice Cubes: Optional; chill the drink for a refreshing experience.
Ingredient Quantities
- 4 cups of water
- 6 pandan leaves, rinsed and tied into knots
- 2 tablespoons of sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract (optional)
- Ice cubes (optional)
Instructions
1. Boil 4 cups of water in a medium pot.
2. After it reaches a boil, add the 6 pandan leaves, making sure they’re tied into knots.
3. Reduce the heat to low, letting the water sit at a simmer. This is the point at which you can start steeping the pandan leaves and therefore the flavor and aroma into the water. Let the leaves steep in the water for about 10-15 minutes.
4. The water must have a light green tint and a fragrant smell when it is finished steeping.
5. Mix in 2 tablespoons of sugar, and taste to see if you would like to adjust to a sweeter level.
6. Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract if desired for another layer of flavor.
7. Mix until the sugar has completely disappeared.
8. Take the pot off the heat and allow the tea to cool a bit.
9. Remove the pandan leaves from the tea and pour the liquid into a teapot or serving pitcher.
10. Pandan tea can be served in two ways:
1. Warm, or
2. Over ice cubes for a chilled version.
Equipment Needed
1. Medium pot
2. Stove
3. Teaspoon
4. Tablespoon
5. Mixing spoon
6. Teapot or serving pitcher
7. Optional: Ice cube tray or ice cube maker
FAQ
- What are pandan leaves?Leaves from the pandan plant, a tropical lusciousness, grow in the humid part of the world and are prevalent in Southeast Asia. These evergreen leaves, while mostly used to impart their distinct perfume and flavor reminiscent of vanilla and coconut in a variety of dishes, especially desserts, are also declared by some to be good for the health of the pancreas.
- Where can I buy pandan leaves?Pandan leaves can be found in Asian grocery stores, usually located in either the produce section or the frozen food section.
- Can I use dried pandan leaves instead of fresh ones?Certainly, dried pandan leaves can be used; however, they may impart a flavor that is not as strong as that from fresh leaves. You may want to play around with the amounts until you achieve a flavor that you’re happy with.
- Is the vanilla extract necessary?No, vanilla extract is not compulsory. It adds a hint of richness to the tea, but if you’re going for a more straightforward pandan taste, it can be left out.
- How can I serve pandan tea?It can be served hot or cold. If serving it cold, allow the tea to cool and add ice cubes just before serving.
- Can I substitute sugar with a different sweetener?Indeed, honey, agave syrup, or an artificial sweetener can be used in their place, with the amount adjusted to individual taste.
- How long can I store pandan tea?In an airtight container, you can refrigerate pandan tea for as long as 3 days. Before dishing it out—especially if you want to enjoy it cold—give it a good shake or stir; the tea has a tendency to separate.
Substitutions and Variations
4 cups of water: For an exotic, tropical flavor, use coconut water instead of regular water.
6 pandan leaves: If you don’t have fresh leaves available, use a few drops of pandan extract.
2 tablespoons sugar: Substitute honey or agave syrup for a warm and natural sweetener.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Use almond extract for a nutty flavor.
Cubes of ice: For a different texture, use crushed ice.
Pro Tips
1. Twist the Knots Tightly: Before adding pandan leaves to the pot, ensure they are tightly knotted. This helps to fully release their flavor and aroma during the simmering process.
2. Adjusting Sweetness: Always taste the tea before serving, as sugar levels can vary based on preference and other factors like personal taste or the sweetness of accompanying dishes.
3. Flavor Infusion: For a more intense pandan flavor, you can lightly bruise the leaves with the back of a knife before tying them into knots. This action helps release more of their natural oils and flavor.
4. Vanilla Variations: If using vanilla extract, consider using vanilla bean paste or adding a vanilla bean for a more natural and aromatic vanilla flavor. Simply split the bean, scrape out the seeds, and add both the seeds and bean to the pot.
5. Cooling Technique: If you plan to serve the pandan tea cold, allow it to cool to room temperature before refrigerating. Rapid cooling will reduce cloudiness and help preserve the bright flavor.
Pandan Tea Recipe
My favorite Pandan Tea Recipe
Equipment Needed:
1. Medium pot
2. Stove
3. Teaspoon
4. Tablespoon
5. Mixing spoon
6. Teapot or serving pitcher
7. Optional: Ice cube tray or ice cube maker
Ingredients:
- 4 cups of water
- 6 pandan leaves, rinsed and tied into knots
- 2 tablespoons of sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract (optional)
- Ice cubes (optional)
Instructions:
1. Boil 4 cups of water in a medium pot.
2. After it reaches a boil, add the 6 pandan leaves, making sure they’re tied into knots.
3. Reduce the heat to low, letting the water sit at a simmer. This is the point at which you can start steeping the pandan leaves and therefore the flavor and aroma into the water. Let the leaves steep in the water for about 10-15 minutes.
4. The water must have a light green tint and a fragrant smell when it is finished steeping.
5. Mix in 2 tablespoons of sugar, and taste to see if you would like to adjust to a sweeter level.
6. Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract if desired for another layer of flavor.
7. Mix until the sugar has completely disappeared.
8. Take the pot off the heat and allow the tea to cool a bit.
9. Remove the pandan leaves from the tea and pour the liquid into a teapot or serving pitcher.
10. Pandan tea can be served in two ways:
1. Warm, or
2. Over ice cubes for a chilled version.
