Matcha isn't just about drinking! Introducing matcha recipes you can make at home
Before we discuss the different recipes you can create using matcha, let us first know its origin, what matcha is, and how it is made.
Matcha originated way back to the Tang Dynasty from the 7th to 10th centuries in China. They prepare the tea by roasting and crushing the leaves and then mixing with hot water and salt. Eisai, a Japanese Buddhist that studies Buddhism in China, brought the tea seeds and the Zen Buddhist method of how to prepare them back to Japan. After that, the Zen Buddhists developed a perfect method on how to cultivate the plant to maximize its benefits on our health.
The word matcha came from two Japanese words, “ma” means rubbed or ground and “cha” means tea. They also call the pure leaves “Tencha”. Tencha is the stage of the leaves when it has been freshly picked. Unlike other teas, matcha is a powdered tea. So when you drink Matcha Tea, you are drinking the whole actual leaves contrast from the tea bags that are discarded after you finish drinking your tea. Japanese Matcha tea is made from green tea leaves that have been dried then grinding it until it becomes a powder. Matcha tea tastes sweeter and creamier than ordinary green tea.
There are also two kinds of Matcha, ceremony-grade, and culinary-grade. Ceremony-grade is often used in drinking Matcha Tea and has a high quality. Culinary-grade is intentionally used for making recipes for baking and also cooking. You may still use ceremony-grade matcha but it has a less bitter flavor than the food-grade, but it will still depend on your desire.
In the past, making Japanese Matcha Tea has traditional tools you need to use. First is the “Chashaku” or the bamboo scoop, this is a measuring tool used to measure the correct amount of matcha powder. Next is “Chawan” or the Tea Bowl, where you will put all the ingredients and mix them. Lastly, is the “Chasen” or the tea whisk usually made from bamboo, it is used for whisking the matcha tea and the hot water. But since we’re in the modern time, you can use modern cooking utensils like spoons for measuring, mixing bowl and whisks.
Now we’ve learned the basics of matcha, we will now discuss the different recipes we can make using matcha. There’s a lot of recipes we can create using matcha, mostly beverages and desserts. For the following recipes, if you have chasen, you can use it since it is the most authentic and traditional way of preparing your matcha powder before adding it as an ingredient.
Matcha powder recommended recipe!
Authentic matcha latte
Our first recipe is very easy to make and its ingredients are all available in your nearby market! All you need is 2 grams of Matcha Powder, 30ml of Hot Water, and 160ml of Milk or if you have Soy Milk, you can also use it.
The first step is to use a fine-mesh sieve or a tea strainer to strain the matcha to avoid lumps in the matcha powder. Next, add the hot water and mix it using a small whisk. (It is recommended to use a Chasen but if you don’t have it, you may use a mini-sized whisk)
For a cold latte, in a glass or mug, pour your cold milk and some ice. Then next is to gently pour your matcha mixture into the mug and you will see two beautiful layers. This Iced Matcha Latte is best to enjoy in hot weather!
For a warm latte, just pour the matcha mixture on your mug and add your warm milk. You may also add latte art in your matcha latte if you have the tools.
You may also adjust the sweetness of your matcha according to your taste. You may use some ingredients like honey, maple syrup, sugar, etc.
Add a little bit to improve your elegance! Arrange recipe
Matcha cookie
Matcha has a lot of benefits to offer like boosting brain function, helping you to lose weight, help to prevent cancer, and many more. So combining a healthy ingredient like matcha into your cookie recipe will be amazing.
The ingredients in making this recipe are, a half cup of butter at room temperature, 150g of sugar, 2 tablespoons of matcha powder, 1 egg, half a teaspoon of vanilla extract, 190g of all-purpose flour, half a teaspoon of baking soda, a pinch of salt, and half cups of chopped nuts or white chocolate.
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and put on a baking tray with parchment paper. In a mixing bowl, add your butter and sugar. Next is to sift the matcha powder and add it to the mixture. Add your egg and vanilla extract then mix.
In another bowl, mix your flour, baking soda, and salt, and then add the mixture earlier. Add in your chopped nuts or chocolate. Scoop enough amount of your cookie dough and put it on your tray. Remember to leave enough space between the cookies because it will expand when you bake it. Bake your cookies between 8 to 10 minutes and cool it for at least 5 minutes on a wire rack after baking. Finally, you can enjoy your matcha cookies! It is best paired with milk.
Matcha Muffin
Are muffins or cupcakes your favorite dessert? Well, this recipe will be perfect for you! For the ingredients, you need half a cup of butter at room temperature, 1 egg, 1 cup of cake flour or all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon of matcha powder, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, ¼ cup of sugar, and also ¼ cup of milk.
First is to sift the flour, matcha powder, and baking powder into a mixing bowl. You also need to preheat your oven 356°F(180°C). Mix the butter and sugar into a separate bowl until the mixture became white. Beat the eggs and add it to your butter-sugar mixture 3 to 4 different times. Mix the mixture well every time the egg is added. After that, add the flour mixture to your batter. Pour now the muffin mixture into a cupcake or muffin mold. Bake it for 30 minutes at 170℃ (340℉). You may also add some toppings to your matcha muffin if you want.
Matcha Pound Cake
This next recipe is very easy to make but with a twist. A normal pound cake will be more exciting if you add matcha to it. For the recipe, we will be needing 2 sticks of unsalted butter at room temperature, a pinch of salt, 1 cup of sugar, 4 eggs, 2 cups of all-purpose flour, and also 2 tablespoons of matcha powder.
First, is to make sure that your oven is preheated at 175°C (350°F) for at least 10 minutes. Next you need to use a mixer on the unsalted butter and mix it until it becomes soft and creamy. Once it is done, add the sugar. The next step is to add the egg, but you need to add one egg at a time. You can add the next egg if the egg yolk of the current egg has disappeared. Sift the dry ingredients (flour, salt, and matcha powder) into the mixture.
Finally, add your cake mixture to a loaf pan and bake it at 165°C (325°F) for 10 minutes. Once finished, cool the cake at room temperature for at least 10 minutes. After that, you may now slice the cake into thick slices and serve it with some hot beverages like coffee.
Matcha Hot Cake
Pancake is a very popular dish served every morning because it is very easy and quick to make. But let us make it more delicious by adding matcha to it. We need a cup of all-purpose flour, a tablespoon of matcha powder, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, a pinch of salt, 1 cup of milk, 1 egg, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract.
This is very simple to make, just whisk the flour, matcha powder, and salt in a bowl. Then add your milk, egg, olive oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix it until the batter is smooth and ready. Lastly is to grease your pan with oil then pour enough pancake batter. Cook the pancake for 1 minute then flip it to cook it for another minute. After that serve it on a plate and add some maple syrup and butter on the top of it! A perfect breakfast for matcha lovers out there!
Matcha Steamed Bread
If you don’t have an oven in your home, this recipe is perfect for you. We will be using a steamer for this matcha recipe. Our ingredients will be 100g of Flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of matcha powder, 1 piece of egg, 50g of sugar, 80ml of milk, and lastly 1 teaspoon of oil.
First step is to prepare the steamer you will be using over medium-high heat. Next in a mixing bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and matcha powder. In a separate bowl, using a hand mixer, mix together the sugar and egg until fully dissolved. Then add our sifted ingredients and mix until thoroughly combined.
Pour your batter into a baking cup and steam it for 12 minutes. Turn off the heat then let it sit inside the steamer for 5 minutes. Carefully take off the lid of your steamer, be careful not to drop some steamed water on your bread. And it is done! This matcha steamed bread is best served with some coffee or hot chocolate.
Matcha Cream
There are some desserts or pastries that are best topped or added cream to it. But what if you add matcha to your cream, will it taste better? Well if you are curious enough then let us make this recipe.
This recipe only needs three ingredients so it is very easy to make. All you need is 100mL of heavy whipping cream, 2 teaspoons of matcha powder, and 2 teaspoons of sugar. Combine all of the ingredients in a bowl and dip the mixing bowl in cold water. Mix the mixture, use a hand mixer if you have some. Mix it until the mixture becomes a soft peak form. You can add this matcha cream with other desserts as a topping or filling like crepe, cupcakes, sweet buns, etc.
Matcha Tiramisu
This next matcha recipe is also a no-bake dessert. Tiramisu is a dessert that is made of ladyfingers dipped in coffee and then layered with some cream. But in this recipe, we will be adding matcha to it. The ingredients of this recipe are 3 egg yolks, 1 ½ teaspoon of matcha powder, 6 tablespoons of sugar, ¼ cup of milk, 8 ounces of mascarpone cheese, ½ cup and 2 tablespoons of heavy cream, 3 tablespoons of amaretto or marsala wine, ⅔ cup of coffee, and 12 ladyfingers.
First, you need to prepare your coffee so you can cool it at room temperature. Next is to mix your egg yolks and sugar and add sift your matcha into the mixture. Then heat your milk and add it to the egg yolk mixture. Add a small amount of milk just to temper the mixture before adding more. Next add your mascarpone cheese to the egg mixture. Whip heavy cream until stiff peaks. Fold the whipped cream into the mixture and then set aside. Add some of your wine into the coffee and stir well. To assemble the tiramisu, the first thing to do is to dip the ladyfinger into the coffee and line it into the container of your choice. The next layer will be your matcha cream and repeat the process until the container is filled. You may also dust the top of your tiramisu with matcha to add more matcha flavor! Lastly, if you want to enjoy your tiramisu more, you can put it in your fridge for like 30 minutes before serving.
Matcha Ice Cream
Ice cream and matcha lovers out there will definitely love this recipe. Matcha is mostly perfect with dessert recipes. The basic ingredients of this recipe are 1 tablespoon of matcha powder, 1 cup of whole milk, 2 cups of heavy cream, ¾ cup of white sugar, and 2 eggs.
First is you need to sift your matcha powder into a bowl to avoid any lumps. Then add a splash of your whole milk then mix it until the matcha powder is dissolved. Just mix and add the remaining milk to your mixture. Add your heavy whipping cream and matcha mixture to a pot in medium-low heat. Stir and cook for at least 5 minutes. In a separate mixing bowl, whisk the egg and sugar then pour half a cup of the warm matcha mixture into the egg and sugar mixture. Then after that, add it back to the pot. Cook and mix it in medium to low heat for an additional 3 minutes. Then remove it from the heat and let it sit at room temperature to lower the heat. Then put the cooked mixture in your fridge for at least 4 hours.
Then now ready your ice cream maker and pour down your cooled matcha mixture. Then finally, your matcha flavored ice cream is now done! You can drizzle some syrup on your ice cream if you want some additional flavor. Also, it is up to you how much matcha powder you will add to your ice cream.
Matcha Green Tea Mug Cake
You do not have a baking oven or maybe an ice cream maker but you want to make something that is matcha flavored? Well, this recipe is great for you since it only uses a microwave!
All you need is 4 tablespoons of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of matcha powder (Ceremony-grade preferred for deep color), ¼ teaspoon of baking powder, 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar, 3 tablespoons of nonfat milk, and half a tablespoon of vegetable oil.
Remember to use a microwave-safe mug for this recipe. In your mug, add your matcha powder, flour, baking powder, and your granulated sugar. Whisk it well until no lumps remain on the mixture. Make sure there are no lumps before adding your wet ingredients. Next, add in your non-fat milk and vegetable oil. Mix it until it is smooth and has a good color. Put it in your microwave and cook it in full power for 1 minute. Let it rest before eating as the mug itself is also hot.
This is best for people that have less time to prepare a snack. As it has fewer ingredients and very little time for preparation.
Green Tea Pudding
Here’s another sweet recipe that will satisfy your sweet tooth and is very easy that you won’t be needing an oven. We need 1 and a half tablespoons of matcha powder, 2 gelatin sheets or 5g of gelatin powder, 2 tablespoons of hot water, 1 ¼ cup of whole milk, ¼ cup of sugar, and 3 tablespoons of red bean paste. Whipped cream is just optional.
First, in a mixing bowl, fine-sift the matcha powder and make sure there will be no powder left. Next, put your gelatin in a heat-resistant mixing bowl, if you are using a gelatin sheet, cut it in half strips. In a saucepan, add some water and place the mixing bowl on the top. Let the steam dissolve your gelatin, stir it well to help it dissolve. After that, remove it from the saucepan and set it aside. In a separate saucepan, add your whole milk and bring it to almost boil. Then add your sugar and mix well until sugar is dissolved. Add just 3 tablespoons of your milk mixture to your matcha powder, whisk it well until it is smooth. Make sure the matcha mixture has no lumps before proceeding. Next, add your matcha mixture back to the milk mixture and mix it together. Then add your melted gelatin to the matcha-milk mixture. In a bowl, put your red bean paste and pour some of the matcha mixtures, and mix it well. The matcha mixture will release the red bean paste. Divide the red bean & green tea mixture into your cups. Pour the matcha mixture on top and put it on your fridge for at least 2 hours. Once your pudding is already solid, add your whipped cream to the top. You may also sprinkle some matcha powder on top before serving.
Matcha for meals! Arranged recipe!
Matcha Salt
Like what is mentioned earlier, matcha has a lot of recipes you can make. You may even add it on salt and sprinkle it on your favorite treats like popcorn, french fries, tempura, and other more. This is very easy to make and it only has 2 ingredients.
All you need is 2 tablespoons of sea salt and also 2 tablespoons of matcha powder. But it is up to you how much sea salt and matcha powder you need but just remember the ratio of salt and matcha powder is always 1:1. Just simply mix the 2 ingredients and you can use it now to your normal recipes like grilled meat, seafood, or even in your egg! If you have a mortar and pestle, you can grind your salt so the matcha salt will be smooth and has a better appearance.
Matcha Miso Soup
Are you craving for some hot soup but you are also craving for some matcha flavored food? Well if that is the case, this recipe is perfect for you! All you need is 800mL of dashi, 60mL of Hanumaruki miso paste (the dark one), 40g of soaked wakame algae, 1 tablespoon of soft tofu (diced), 1 teaspoon of scallion-rings, 1 teaspoon of bonito flakes, and lastly a pinch of matcha powder.
Preparing this recipe is very easy! First, we just need to cover the algae in hot water and let it soak. Next, boil the dashi and add the miso paste. Add the diced tofu and scallions into a bowl. Garnish it with bonito flakes and fine mesh sieve the matcha powder on the top.
Now you can finally serve the miso soup. It is best to serve while hot and perfect in cold weather and season.
Matcha Dressing
Matcha is also good as dressing in your salads! It is best for seafood salad, scallops, or even for some boiled or steamed vegetables. You may just add the matcha miso soup that you learned earlier but here is also another recipe for a matcha dressing.
We need 2 tablespoons of matcha powder, ¼ cup of olive oil. 2 tablespoons of rice vinegar, half tablespoon of soy sauce, and also half a tablespoon of lemon juice.
First, we need to combine all of the ingredients in a bowl, except for the matcha powder. Mix it well and then sift the matcha powder on the mixture. Let the dressing sit for just 5 to 10 minutes for the matcha to seep its flavor into the dressing. After that, you may now use this dressing on your favorite salads!
Why recommend matcha powder?
Matcha tastes so good that a lot of companies that manufacture sweets and snacks add matcha to some of their products. Also, matcha has a lot of health benefits so it is good for the human body.
One of its good benefits is it is high in antioxidants. The antioxidant prevents or helps to slow the damage on the cells of our body and help us look younger! Matcha is also rich in saponin, which helps to lower blood sugar, decrease blood lipids and even lower the cancer risk. It also has vitamin C, vitamin E, and even got some dietary fibers that can boost our immune system! Thanks to the EGCG or epigallocatechin gallate, the matcha leaves have.
It is also good for the skin! Some people also use matcha powder as a mask as it also has good benefits when directly applied to the skin. It is used for oily skins and dry skins. Just mix it with honey, coconut oil, or aloe vera gel and you are good to go.
You may also use matcha as an alternative in your coffee since it also has caffeine. But not like coffee that raises anxiety levels and makes you nervous, matcha helps to lessen stress and calm our mind. Matcha also helps in detoxifying our body. It helps our body to remove toxic substances and neutralize body chemicals.
Many people add matcha to their diets when they are trying to lose weight. Matcha helps a lot in burning some calories even when you’re not active. Also, it helps us boost our metabolism and stop the growth of fat cells.
That is why matcha is recommended for us to try. There are a lot of recipes out there and you can even experiment with some basic recipes and add matcha! It will be fantastic!
For more products and purchases at home, please visit Waka store.
https://waka-store.com/collections/matcha-green-tea-set
You can buy Matcha powder from Markyu Koyamaen in Uji, which has a history of over 300 years!
