A glass teapot filled with freshly steeped oolong tea being poured into a clear glass cup, placed on a wooden tray. A bowl of loose oolong tea leaves sits nearby, adding to the serene tea experience.

The Ultimate Guide to Brewing Oolong Tea: Steeping Time, Temperature, and Techniques

Written by: Camille Liu

March 14, 2025

Time to read 4 min

Introduction

Oolong tea is a beloved tea variety that offers a balance between green and black tea in both flavor and oxidation level. Known for its smooth, rich, and complex taste, oolong tea requires the right steeping time, temperature, and preparation method to bring out its best qualities.

If you’ve ever wondered how to make oolong tea properly, this guide will take you through the entire process, from choosing the right oolong tea temperature to understanding oolong tea steeping time.

What is Oolong Tea?

Before we get into the details of how long to steep oolong tea, let’s understand what makes oolong tea special.

Partially oxidized: Unlike green tea (non-oxidized) and black tea (fully oxidized), oolong tea is partially oxidized, meaning its flavors range from floral and grassy to deep, rich, and roasted.
Wide range of flavors: Some oolongs are light and floral, similar to green tea, while others are dark and roasted, closer to black tea.
Multiple infusions: High-quality loose leaf oolong can be steeped multiple times, with each steeping revealing new flavors.
Health benefits: Oolong tea is packed with antioxidants, aiding digestion, boosting metabolism, and promoting relaxation.

Now that we understand oolong’s versatility, let’s learn how to brew oolong tea correctly.

A traditional blue and white porcelain teacup filled with freshly brewed oolong tea, resting on a woven mat. A sprig of fresh tea leaves lies beside the cup, enhancing the natural and authentic tea experience.

Oolong Tea Steeping Time & Temperature Guide

How Long to Steep Oolong Tea? A Complete Guide

The steeping time and water temperature for oolong tea vary depending on the type of oolong tea you are brewing. The oxidation level and processing method influence the ideal oolong tea brewing temperature and steeping time. Below is a breakdown of the different types of oolong tea and their optimal brewing conditions.

Light Oolong Tea (Greenish, Floral, Lightly Oxidized)

Examples: Tie Guan Yin, Taiwanese Baozhong
Water Temperature: 175-185°F (80-85°C)
Steeping Time:
- Western Brewing Method: 1-2 minutes
- Gongfu Style Brewing: 30 seconds for the first infusion, increasing by 5-10 seconds for subsequent infusions
Why? Light oolong teas have delicate floral notes that can become bitter if brewed at too high a temperature.

A delicate porcelain teacup filled with golden-hued oolong tea, placed on a rustic wooden table. The serene setting highlights the tea’s clarity and warmth, inviting a moment of calm and relaxation.

A traditional ceramic bowl filled with freshly steeped oolong tea, with tea leaves gently unfurling in the warm water. The bowl rests on a wooden tea tray, evoking the essence of a mindful tea ceremony.

Medium Oolong Tea (Balanced, Semi-Oxidized)

Examples: Taiwanese High Mountain Tea, Dong Ding Oolong
Water Temperature: 185-195°F (85-90°C)
Steeping Time:
- Western Brewing Method : 2-3 minutes
- Gongfu Style Brewing: 45 seconds for the first infusion, increasing slightly for each re-steep
Why? Medium oolong teas have a balance of floral, fruity, and creamy flavors that develop well with slightly longer steeping times.

Dark Oolong Tea (Roasted, Highly Oxidized)

Examples: Da Hong Pao (Big Red Robe), Wuyi Rock Tea
Water Temperature: 195-205°F (90-96°C)
Steeping Time:
- Western Brewing Method: 3-5 minutes
- Gongfu Style Brewing: 1 minute for the first infusion, adding 10-15 seconds for subsequent steeps
Why? Dark oolongs are rich, roasted, and complex, requiring higher temperatures and longer steeping times to extract their full-bodied flavor.

Multiple Infusions for Oolong Tea

Oolong tea is best enjoyed over multiple infusions. With each steeping, the flavors evolve and develop new layers:

First infusion: Fresh and aromatic.
Second infusion: Stronger, deeper flavors.
Third and subsequent infusions: Softer, more mineral or sweet notes.

For Gongfu brewing, start with short steeping times (around 30-45 seconds) and gradually increase the oolong tea steeping time with each infusion.

By following these oolong tea brewing temperature and steeping time recommendations, you can ensure a perfectly brewed oolong tea every time ! 🍵

How to Brew Oolong Tea: Step-by-Step Guide

The method you choose to brew your oolong tea will affect the flavor, aroma, and overall tea experience. Here are three common methods:

1. Traditional Gongfu Style Brewing

The best way to brew oolong tea for full flavor extraction is using the Gongfu method, a Chinese tea ceremony technique.

How to Properly Brew Oolong Tea Using Gongfu Style

Tea-to-water ratio: 5-7 grams of tea per 100ml (3.4 oz) of water.
Oolong tea brewing temp: 185-205°F (85-96°C).
Oolong tea steep time: Start with 30 seconds and gradually increase with each infusion.
Multiple infusions: Can be steeped 5-8 times, with flavor evolving in each brew.

A beautifully decorated porcelain bowl filled with freshly brewed oolong tea, with tea leaves floating on the surface. A traditional teapot and teacups are arranged on a wooden tea tray in a serene, sunlit room, evoking a peaceful tea-drinking experience.

A rustic ceramic tea cup filled with steaming oolong tea, with loose tea leaves and a fresh tea leaf placed beside it on a wooden surface. Another tea cup sits slightly blurred in the background, creating a warm and cozy tea-drinking atmosphere.

Steps:

Preheat your Gaiwan (small traditional teapot) with hot water.
Add the tea leaves and quickly rinse them with hot water for a few seconds (this wakes up the leaves).
Pour fresh hot water over the leaves and steep for 30-60 seconds.
Pour the tea into small cups and enjoy.
Re-steep the leaves, increasing the steeping time slightly with each brew.

Why Use This Method?

Extracts the most flavor.
Allows for multiple steepings.
Brings out the delicate nuances of oolong tea.

A steaming cup of freshly brewed oolong tea in a speckled ceramic bowl, with loose tea leaves scattered beside it on a textured blue surface. The warm steam rising from the tea creates a sense of relaxation and tranquility.

A traditional Chinese Yixing clay teapot with three matching teacups filled with warm oolong tea, arranged on a bamboo tea tray. The scene is set in a serene environment with soft natural lighting and green leaves in the background, evoking a sense of peaceful tea appreciation.

2. Western Teapot Method

If you’re wondering how to prepare oolong tea in a standard teapot, this method is convenient.

How to Brew Oolong Tea Using a Teapot

Tea-to-water ratio: 1 teaspoon per 8 oz (240ml) of water.
Water temperature for oolong tea: 185-205°F (85-96°C).
Oolong steeping time: 2-5 minutes depending on oxidation level.

Steps:

Boil fresh, filtered water to the right oolong brewing temperature.
Place the loose leaf tea in a teapot or infuser.
Pour hot water over the leaves and let it steep for 2-5 minutes.
Strain and enjoy!

Why Use This Method?

Simple and beginner-friendly.
Produces a mild, balanced tea.

A tall glass carafe filled with freshly brewed iced oolong tea, with ice cubes floating inside, creating a refreshing golden hue. In the background, a traditional glass teapot with warm tea sits on a marble surface, accompanied by a small ceramic cup, highlighting the contrast between hot and cold tea brewing methods.

A rustic glass jar filled with steeping loose-leaf oolong tea, showcasing the gentle infusion process as the tea leaves release their rich flavor into the golden liquid. Surrounding the jar, scattered tea leaves and additional glass bottles create a warm, artisanal setting, emphasizing the beauty of traditional tea brewing.

3. Cold Brew Oolong Tea

For a refreshing alternative, try cold brewing.

How to Cold Brew Oolong Tea

Tea-to-water ratio: 1 tbsp loose leaf tea per 16 oz of cold water.
Oolong tea steeping time: 8-12 hours in the refrigerator.

Steps:

Add loose leaf oolong tea to a jar or bottle.
Fill with cold, filtered water.
Let steep overnight in the fridge.
Strain and serve over ice.

Why Use This Method?

Naturally sweeter and smoother.
Reduces bitterness and astringency.

Oolong Tea Brewing Temperature: Key Takeaways

Light oolong: 175-185°F (80-85°C) for a delicate floral taste.
Medium oolong: 185-195°F (85-90°C) for a balanced brew.
Dark oolong: 195-205°F (90-96°C) for a full-bodied, roasted flavor.

Using the correct oolong tea water temp ensures you extract the right flavors while avoiding bitterness.

Final Tips for Making Oolong Tea

Use High-Quality Water – Filtered or spring water enhances the tea’s natural flavors.
Don’t Oversteep – If steeped too long, oolong tea can become bitter.
Re-Steep for Full Flavor – Oolong tea can be re-steeped multiple times, with each infusion offering a different taste.
Use a Glass or Clay Teapot – These materials help maintain the right oolong tea brewing temperature.

Final Thoughts on Oolong Tea Steeping

Mastering how to steep oolong tea requires understanding the correct oolong tea brewing temp, steeping time, and brewing method . Whether using Gongfu brewing, Western-style brewing, or cold brewing, the right oolong tea temperature and oolong steeping time will bring out the best flavors.

At Red Rock Tea House, we offer premium, organic loose-leaf oolong teas sourced directly from the finest tea regions. Browse our collection to experience the highest quality oolong tea.

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