Japanese Green Tea Recipe

As a matcha enthusiast who’s always on the hunt for that perfect cup of zen, let me share with you the ultimate guide to making your own ceremonial-grade matcha masterpiece at home—because why settle for anything less than green tea bliss?

The delicate blend of tastes and the lively green color seen in cups of Japanese green tea is something I adore. When you take top-notch matcha green tea powder and mix that with water, the resulting drink is the most potent form of green tea you can consume.

It has an amount of antioxidants far exceeding what you would get from—not only drinking other forms of green tea—but eating green tea in any form, including matcha lattes made with a touch of honey and steamed milk.

Japanese Green Tea Recipe Ingredients

• Matcha Green Tea Powder: Rich in antioxidants, boosts metabolism, enhances mood.
• Hot Water: Essential for dissolving matcha, releases aromatic compounds.
• Honey: Natural sweetener, adds depth, supports immune health.
• Steamed Milk: Creamy texture, balances matcha’s earthiness.

Japanese Green Tea Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 1 teaspoon of high-quality matcha green tea powder
• 2 ounces (about 60 milliliters) of hot water, ideally around 175°F (80°C)
• Optional: 1 teaspoon of sugar or honey, to taste
• Optional: 1/4 cup (about 60 milliliters) of steamed milk for a matcha latte

How to Make this Japanese Green Tea Recipe

1. Put 1 teaspoon of high-quality matcha green tea powder into a small bowl or cup. This helps to remove any clumps as well and ensures a smooth texture.

2. Heat 60 milliliters (about 2 ounces) of water to 80°C (175°F). Avoid using boiling water, as this can create a bitter taste.

3. Start with a small amount of hot water in the bowl with the matcha powder. Use a bamboo whisk (chasen) or a small whisk to blend the matcha into a smooth paste.

4. Slowly pour in the rest of the hot water, using a zigzag motion to whisk in the water until it is fully incorporated and the matcha is frothy.

5. Now is the time to taste the matcha and, if you like, to add 1 teaspoon of sugar or honey to sweeten it. Stir very well to dissolve.

6. To prepare a matcha latte, froth 1/4 cup (about 60 milliliters) of milk with a milk frother or heat it in a small saucepan until it is warm and has a good amount of foam.

7. Place the matcha in the bottom of the cup. Pour the steamed milk over the matcha and stir to combine.

8. Combine the milk and matcha in a gentle, thorough stir.

9. Present your matcha tea or matcha latte at an inviting temperature that beckons the drinker to enjoy the warm concoction. When it comes to the cup or bowl in which you serve your matcha, choose appropriately. A vessel fit for a warm embrace invites the drinker to pause and savor.

10. Savor now for ideal taste and scent.

Japanese Green Tea Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Small bowl or cup
2. Bamboo whisk (chasen) or small whisk
3. Small saucepan (if heating milk without a frother)
4. Milk frother (optional)
5. Teaspoon
6. Cup for serving

FAQ

• What is the best type of matcha powder to use?– Making delicious, vibrant green tea requires high-quality, ceremonial-grade matcha.
• How do I know if the water is the right temperature?– Aim for around 175°F (80°C) by heating the water until it is steaming but not boiling, or let boiling water cool for a minute before using.
• Can I use sweeteners in my green tea?– Yes, if you prefer a sweeter taste, you can add 1 teaspoon of sugar or honey.
• How can I make a matcha latte? – All you need to do is add roughly 1/4 cup of steamed milk to your matcha, which should already be prepared, and you will have a creamy latte.
• Why is my matcha clumpy?Matcha powder should be sifted before whisking, and a bamboo whisk (chasen) should be used for a smooth consistency.
• Is it necessary to use a bamboo whisk?– Although it’s a conventional method, using an electric frother or a small regular whisk is acceptable; however, a bamboo whisk gives the best texture.
• Can I prepare this recipe with cold water?To prepare iced matcha, first mix the matcha with a small amount of hot water, then you’re going to add cold water and ice.

Japanese Green Tea Recipe Substitutions and Variations

You can use high-quality sencha powder in place of matcha green tea powder. This gives you a different flavor profile while still providing high-quality green tea in powdered form.
If you would rather have a cold matcha drink, use filtered water at room temperature.
Think about replacing sugar or honey with something like agave syrup or maple syrup for a change in sweetness.
Replace steamed milk with almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk for a non-dairy option.

Pro Tips

1. Sift the Matcha Before adding water, sift the matcha powder through a fine sieve. This helps to remove any lumps and ensures a smoother, more pleasant texture.

2. Use a Bamboo Whisk (Chasen) A bamboo whisk is ideal for achieving a frothy matcha. Whisk in a W or M motion rather than stirring in a circular pattern for the best results.

3. Pre-Warm Your Bowl or Cup Before making your matcha, fill your cup or bowl with hot water to pre-warm it. This helps maintain the optimal temperature of your matcha drink once it’s prepared.

4. Adjust Sweetness and Milk If making a matcha latte, start with less sugar or honey and adjust to taste. Similarly, gradually add milk to reach your preferred creaminess.

5. Experiment with Water-to-Milk Ratios For a personalized matcha experience, try different ratios of water to milk. You might prefer a stronger matcha flavor with less milk or a creamier latte with more milk.