Gluten-Free Malaysian Teh Tarik
By the Gluten Free Recipes team ·
The rich, creamy, and invigorating flavors of authentic Malaysian Teh Tarik, a frothy pulled tea that's both comforting and refreshing. This delightful beverage boasts a perfect balance of sweet condensed milk and robust black tea, creating a smooth, satisfying sip.
At a glance: This easy drinks and smoothies recipe yields 2 servings in about 28 minutes (8 min prep, 20 min cook). It uses 5 ingredients — including water, black tea, sweetened condensed milk — and walks through 5 steps. Updated . Browse more drinks and smoothies recipes or return to all gluten-free recipes.
Cross-Contamination Warning for Gluten-Free Malaysian Teh Tarik: When preparing this drinks and smoothies recipe, when preparing this recipe, be mindful of potential cross-contamination with gluten. Ensure all utensils, surfaces, and ingredients, especially packaged items like condensed milk or tea bags, are handled in a gluten-free environment and are certified as such to avoid any risk In a shared kitchen, avoid porous materials — wooden spoons, wooden cutting boards, and scratched non-stick pans can harbor gluten proteins even after washing. Prefer glass, metal, or silicone tools.
Gluten-Free Notes for Gluten-Free Malaysian Teh Tarik: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, as all the core ingredients are free from gluten-containing grains. Always ensure any specialty milks or sweeteners used are certified gluten-free.
Ingredients
- 4 cups water
- 4 bags black tea (such as Ceylon or Assam)
- 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk (dairy or coconut-based for vegan)
- 1/4 cup evaporated milk (dairy or coconut-based for vegan)
- 2 tbsp sugar (optional, adjust to taste)
Instructions
- 1
In a medium saucepan, bring the 4 cups of water to a rolling boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, remove the saucepan from the heat and add the 4 black tea bags. Let the tea steep for about 5-7 minutes, or until a deep, rich color develops. The aroma should be robust and inviting.
- 2
Carefully remove the tea bags from the saucepan, squeezing them gently to extract any remaining liquid. Discard the tea bags. Return the saucepan to low heat.
- 3
Pour in the 1/2 cup of sweetened condensed milk and the 1/4 cup of evaporated milk into the steeped tea. Stir continuously for about 5 minutes until the milks are fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth and creamy. If using, stir in the 2 tablespoons of sugar until dissolved.
- 4
To achieve the signature frothy texture of Teh Tarik, pour the hot tea mixture back and forth between two heatproof pitchers from a height of about 1-2 feet. Continue this 'pulling' process for approximately 10-15 minutes, or until a thick layer of foam forms on top. This action also helps to cool the tea slightly.
- 5
Pour the frothy Teh Tarik into two heatproof glasses. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy the comforting, sweet, and creamy beverage.
Nutrition (per serving)
Tips & Notes
- Any plant-based milk works here — oat milk (certified GF) gives the richest mouthfeel; almond milk keeps it lighter.
- Coconut milk separates in the can — stir or shake well before using.
- Add leafy greens like spinach or kale — you won't taste them, but they add nutrients.
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