Are you curious about how to create a delightful pandan milk tea that will make your taste buds dance with joy? Wondering what makes pandan milk tea so special and unique? You’re in luck as we reveal how to make this excellent drink!
Pandan leaves, a tropical plant used in Southeast Asian cuisine, give pandan milk tea its brilliant green color and unusual flavor. These leaves not only add a lovely hue but also a delightful fragrance to your milk tea.
This article is perfect for anyone who enjoys sipping a refreshing and sweet beverage. This step-by-step instruction for making pandan milk tea is ideal for budding chefs, tea lovers, and those eager to try something new. Let’s get started on this flavorful journey!
What Is Pandan Milk Tea?
Pandan milk tea is a delicious and fragrant Southeast Asian drink popular in Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia. It’s known for its unique green color and fragrant taste. In the crowded streets of
Bangkok, Thailand, merchants carefully brew and serve pandan milk tea to locals and tourists.
Tea made with pandan leaves, recognized for their vibrant green color and pleasant, floral aroma, is called “pandan milk tea.” These leaves are carefully extracted to create a flavorful syrup or extract.
With milk and sugar, pandan milk tea tastes sweet and pleasant. Its green color and unique flavor make it a standout milk tea alternative for adventurous drinkers.
What Does Pandan Milk Tea Taste Like?
Pandan milk tea has a delightful, distinct flavor that’s sweet, nutty, and slightly earthy. It’s like a gentle blend of coconut and vanilla with a hint of fresh, green grass. The creamy texture of the milk makes it smooth and comforting, creating a harmonious balance with the unique pandan essence.
What Is Pandan Milk Tea Good For?
Pandan milk tea is relaxing and enjoyable, but it’s not a medicine. Some think pandan leaves have antioxidants that are good for you. In addition to its great taste, pandan milk tea can offer a calming experience and a touch of potential health benefits.
Pandan Milk Tea Ingredients
Pandan milk tea tastes great with creamy milk and a hint of sweetness. This wonderful drink requires these ingredients:
1. Pandan Leaves
Pandan leaves are the heart and soul of pandan milk tea. They impart a beautiful green color and a refreshing, slightly nutty flavor. You’ll require fresh or frozen pandan leaves to capture the authentic taste. Wash them and cut them into smaller pieces to infuse their flavor into the tea.
2. Black Tea Bags
Black tea serves as the base of your pandan milk tea, offering a robust and full-bodied taste. You must use this ingredient if you want the traditional pandan milk tea experience. Use 2 to 3 tea bags or adjust according to your preferred strength.
3. Sugar (Optional)
Sugar is what sweetens your tea. You can adjust the quantity to match your taste. For a healthier choice, consider using honey or a sugar substitute. Start with 2 to 3 tablespoons of sugar and adjust as needed while tasting your tea.
4. Milk
Milk brings a creamy and rich texture to your pandan milk tea. You can opt for regular cow’s milk or a non-dairy alternative like almond or soy milk if you’re lactose intolerant. About 1 cup of milk should be sufficient for a serving.
5. Water
Water is vital for brewing the black tea. Fresh water is the foundation of your drink, so have it handy. Steep the tea bags in 1–1.5 cups of hot water.
6. Ice Cubes (Optional)
Ice cubes are perfect for keeping your milk tea cold and refreshing, especially during hot weather. If you prefer chilled tea, add a few ice cubes to your glass.
How To Prepare Pandan Milk Tea
Creating a delicious and aromatic pandan milk tea is a delightful process. Follow these detailed steps to make a perfect pandan milk tea that will satisfy your cravings.
Step 1: Prepare Pandan Leaves
- Start by selecting fresh pandan leaves. Ensure they are clean and free from any dirt or impurities.
- Wash the pandan leaves thoroughly under cold running water. This step is essential to remove any dirt or residue.
- Once clean, cut the pandan leaves into small pieces. This will help release the natural flavor and aroma of the leaves, giving your tea a unique taste.
Step 2: Brew the Pandan Tea
- In a small pot, add the cut pandan leaves.
- Pour enough water into the pot. How strong you want pandan in your tea determines the water amount.
- Turn on the stove and heat the pot. After boiling, let the water simmer for 10 minutes. This will infuse the water with the pandan flavor.
- After simmering, add black tea leaves or tea bags to the pot. Choosing tea leaves affects the taste of pandan milk tea. Steep the tea for 3-5 more minutes. Longer steeping makes tea taste stronger.
- Remove the pot from the heat and strain the pandan tea to remove the pandan leaves or tea bags. This will leave you with a fragrant pandan-infused tea base.
Step 3: Sweeten to Taste
- Sweeten the steaming pandan tea to your preference.
- First add two teaspoons of sugar, then adjust to your desired sweetness.
- Mix the tea well to dissolve the sugar.
Step 4: Chill and Serve
- Let sweetened pandan tea cool to room temperature.
- After cooling to room temperature, chill the tea in the fridge for a few hours. This cold temperature is essential for making a refreshing iced pandan milk tea.
- If you prefer your pandan milk tea iced, fill a glass with ice cubes before pouring the chilled pandan tea over them.
- To complete your pandan milk tea, add milk to your taste and stir. You can use regular milk, condensed milk, or coconut milk, depending on your preference.
Tips for Making Pandan Milk Tea
This is a treat for pandan milk tea lovers! Make a great cup of this popular drink with these instructions.
Best Brewing Time
Brewing time is key to making delicious pandan milk tea. Start simmering your pandan leaves in hot water for 15-20 minutes. This infuses the water with the leaves’ fragrance, creating a rich pandan tea base. Take your time with this step; patience is the key to achieving that wonderful pandan aroma.
Choosing the Right Pandan Leaves
Selecting the finest pandan leaves is crucial for the perfect pandan milk tea. Look for fresh pandan leaves that are vibrant green and free from blemishes. Fresher leaves produce a more strong and authentic pandan flavor. If fresh leaves are hard to come by, you can also opt for frozen ones, which work well too.
Sweetening to Perfection
Balancing the sweetness of your pandan milk tea is a personal touch. Sweeten your tea with condensed milk or sweetened condensed milk to compliment the pandan flavor. Start with a modest amount and adjust to your preference. Remember, it’s easier to add more sweetness than to correct an overly sweet brew.
Optimal Water Temperature
When steeping your tea leaves, ensure the water is hot but not boiling. Pandan milk tea is best brewed at around 80°C – 85°C. Water at this temperature range will extract the flavors of the tea leaves without making your brew bitter.
Proper Tea-to-Milk Ratio
Achieving the ideal balance between tea and milk is essential. Use a 1:1 ratio of pandan tea to milk, ensuring neither ingredient overpowers the other. This harmonious ratio guarantees a creamy yet distinctly pandan-flavored tea.
Ice Matters
If you prefer your pandan milk tea iced, remember to use ice cubes made from tea. This prevents your drink from becoming diluted as the ice melts and ensures a consistently enjoyable flavor.
Experiment with Toppings
Pandan milk tea is versatile when it comes to toppings. Try adding chewy tapioca pearls (boba), grass jelly, or even fruit bits for a unique twist. These toppings can add exciting textures and flavors to your drink.
Pandan Milk Tea Nutritional Facts
Before we go into pandan milk tea’s nutritional details, remember that these values are estimations. The nutritional content depends on serving size and other additives like sweets or high-fat milk. Let’s take a closer look at the estimated nutritional values for pandan milk tea:
- Calories: 150-250 cal
- Carbohydrates: 30-45 g
- Protein: 3-5 g
- Fat: 2-4 g
- Saturated Fat: 1-2 g
- Cholesterol: 5-10 ml
- Sodium: 30-50 ml
- Potassium: 100-200 ml
- Sugar: 20-30 g
Disclaimer: Keep in mind that adding extra sweeteners or using high-fat milk can increase the calorie and sugar content of the drink. To reduce calorie and sugar intake, watch what you put in pandan milk tea.
Pandan Milk Tea Benefits
Pandan milk tea, a delightful and refreshing beverage, offers a host of benefits that are worth savoring. This lovely drink not only tantalizes your taste buds but also provides nourishment. Let’s explore the 8 wonderful benefits of pandan milk tea.
- Boosts Energy: Pandan Milk Tea provides a natural energy boost, making it an excellent choice for staying alert and revitalizing throughout the day.
- Enhances Digestion: This delightful tea can aid digestion, soothing the stomach and promoting a healthy digestive system.
- Rich in Antioxidants: Pandan Milk Tea is packed with antioxidants, which help protect your body from harmful free radicals, promoting overall well-being.
- Calms the Mind: Sipping on Pandan Milk Tea can have a soothing effect on the mind, making it an excellent choice for relaxation and stress relief.
- Improves Skin Health: The antioxidants and nutrients in this tea contribute to healthier and more radiant skin, leaving you with a youthful glow.
- Aids Weight Management: Pandan Milk Tea can support weight management efforts by curbing cravings and promoting a feeling of fullness.
- Balances Blood Sugar: Regular consumption of this tea may help stabilize blood sugar levels, which is beneficial for those with diabetes or those aiming to prevent it.
- Enhances Immunity: The nutrients in Pandan Milk Tea can boost your immune system, helping your body fight illnesses more effectively.
FAQs
Is Pandan Tea Green Tea?
No, pandan tea is not green tea. It is made from the leaves of the pandan plant, which has a unique flavor and aroma, different from green tea.
What Is The Side Effect Of Pandan?
Some people may be sensitive to pandan and experience mild digestive discomfort or allergic reactions. It is generally safe for most people when consumed in moderate amounts as a flavoring agent or in tea.
Does Pandan Tea Have Caffeine?
No, pandan tea is caffeine-free. It does not contain the caffeine typically found in teas like green tea or black tea.
