18 Matcha Food and Drink Recipes - Oh, How Civilized (2024)

Home Tea Recipes Matcha

By Jee Choe

on Feb 05, 2024

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From refreshing matcha drinks to decadent desserts, you’ll love these delicious recipes made with powdered green tea that are so easy to make at home.

18 Matcha Food and Drink Recipes - Oh, How Civilized (2)

Table of Contents

  • Homemade Matcha Recipes
  • Tea Sommelier’s Tips
  • 18 Matcha Recipes
  • Related

Homemade Matcha Recipes

Matcha is a powdered green tea that comes from Japan and can be added to drinks and food to make it matcha flavored.

When it comes to making homemade matcha drinks, you don’t need to get any special tools or equipment. Shaking matcha and water in a co*cktail shaker works beautifully and creates a lump-free matcha every time.

The green tea powder can also be used in other dishes and is often featured in desserts. Sweet ingredients like chocolate balance out the earthy, grassy flavor of matcha.

RELATED: 17 Tasty Recipes with Earl Grey Tea

Tea Sommelier’s Tips

Real matcha is produced in Japan.

When purchasing matcha, always read the label to check that it came from Japan. Many of the ones produced outside of Japan are cheap, low-quality, and often brown in color.

The brighter the color, the higher the quality.

If you’re looking for high-quality matcha, make sure to get one that’s a bright, vivid green. For recipes or matcha lattes, look for ones in the $20-$30 range.

Store matcha correctly to help it last longer.

Matcha should be stored at room temperature or placed in the refrigerator to help it last longer. Keep it in a dark tin and not a clear container since exposure to light and oxygen will cause it to lose freshness.

18 Matcha Food and Drink Recipes - Oh, How Civilized (3)

My Matcha Pick

Photo Credit: amazon.com

Great matcha for the quality and price. It's my go-to matcha for making matcha drinks.

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18 Matcha Recipes

1. Matcha Latte

Matcha lattes are easy to make at home with just 4 ingredients. It tastes even better than the ones sold in coffee shops since you can customize the ingredients.

A sweetener helps balance out any bitterness. This matcha latte recipe is made using honey, but you can also use alternatives like brown sugar or date syrup.

Good quality matcha is what gives the drink a really nice bright green color.

Ingredients: Matcha, milk, water, honey

MATCHA LATTE

2. Matcha Pancakes

These thick, fluffy Japanese-style matcha pancakes not only look pretty but taste delicious.

They're perfectly crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Syrup is optional because they’re so good on their own.

With this recipe, you can either make the pancakes the usual way, with the batter directly ladled onto a frying pan, or in the Japanese-inspired technique where a cookie cutter is used to make it nice and tall.

Ingredients: Matcha, all-purpose flour, milk, yogurt, sugar, baking soda, egg, olive oil

MATCHA PANCAKES

3. Butterfly Pea Flower Matcha Lemonade

The secret to this pretty, color-changing iced matcha lemonade is butterfly pea flower, which turns the drink from blue to purple.

Sugar is the key in keeping the bottom layer and the top layer separate. The recipe shows you the exact order to pour the ingredients in to make the distinct layers.

When ready to drink, make sure to mix everything together so you can blend the sweet and sour flavors from the lemonade with the matcha.

Ingredients: Matcha, butterfly pea flowers, lemon, sugar, water, ice

BUTTERFLY PEA FLOWER MATCHA LEMONADE

4. Matcha Banana “Ice Cream”

Just 3 ingredients are needed to make this creamy dessert. Use good quality matcha to get the vibrant green color.

Thaw frozen bananas for a few minutes so it’s easier to blend in the food processor. This recipe can easily be made dairy-free by replacing sweetened condensed milk with sugar or honey.

Top with diced strawberries, blueberries, or toasted almonds if you want to make it fancy.

Ingredients: Matcha, ripened bananas, sweetened condensed milk

MATCHA BANANA “ICE CREAM”

5. Matcha Milkshake

A rch, delicious matcha milkshake that takes just 4 minutes from start to finish!

The perfect milkshake ratio of ice cream to milk is used in this recipe made with matcha green tea.

Matcha tastes the best when something sweet is added, so ice cream perfectly balances out any bitterness from the matcha. It makes for a decadent and tasty dessert.

Ingredients: Matcha, vanilla ice cream, milk, sea salt

MATCHA MILKSHAKE

6. Matcha Ice Cubes

Matcha latte ice cubes are the secret to having a matcha latte ready in minutes.

These are made with just 3 ingredients and no special matcha tools like a bamboo whisk are needed to make the recipe. All you need is a co*cktail shaker or a jar with a tight lid.

Once frozen, just add milk and it’s an instant iced matcha latte!

Ingredients: Matcha, water, sweetened condensed milk

MATCHA ICE CUBES

7. Matcha Popcorn

Add a green tea twist to your popcorn with this easy recipe.

Follow the step-by-step instructions on how to make freshly made popcorn that’s then coated with a matcha topping.

The key to making perfectly buttery popcorn that doesn't get soggy is ghee, also known as clarified butter. A sprinkling of sea salt also gives it an irresistible sweet-salty flavor.

Ingredients: Matcha, clarified butter (ghee), popcorn kernels, sugar, sea salt

MATCHA POPCORN

8. Matcha Sugar Toast

Matcha sugar toast is a variation on cinnamon-sugar toast that features green tea.

A simple 3-ingredient matcha butter gets spread over toast for a simple but delicious breakfast. The hardest part of this recipe is waiting for the butter to soften.

You can use any bread but Japanese sliced white bread is thicker, softer and fluffier than regular white bread.

Ingredients: Matcha, salted butter, superfine sugar, Japanese-style thick bread

MATCHA SUGAR TOAST

9. Iced Matcha Watermelon

Refreshing and sweet, iced watermelon matcha is the perfect summer drink.

It’s easy to make layers since the watermelon is already naturally sweet and there's no need for additional sugar.

Matcha pairs well with any sweet fruit so it’s no surprise it tastes delicious when combined with watermelon.

The only tool you need to make this cold beverage is a wide-mouth water bottle or any airtight container.

Ingredients: Matcha, cubed watermelon, ice cubes

ICED WATERMELON MATCHA

10. Matcha Waffles

Light and crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, these matcha waffles are delicious and easy to make.

Make the entire batch (or two) over the weekend and freeze the waffles for a quick breakfast during the week. All you have to do is pop them in the toaster oven and they’ll warm up beautifully.

Or add a little ice cream and you’ve got a delicious dessert!

Ingredients: Matcha, all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, milk, vegetable oil, salt, milk, egg

MATCHA WAFFLES

11. Matcha Granita

What’s even more refreshing than an iced matcha latte on a hot day? A granita inspired by the drink.

This shaved ice treat is super easy to make. To freeze the granita quickly and make the scraping easiest, be sure to use a bigger baking dish.

Sift matcha to make the matcha latte smooth and free of clumps. Scraping the granita requires a little bit of elbow grease, but the end result is worth it.

Ingredients: Matcha, milk, water, sweetened condensed milk

MATCHA GRANITA

12. Matcha Soda

This refreshing matcha soda for all green tea fans. Fizzy water and matcha syrup are combined to make the bubbly tea drink.

The matcha syrup takes a bit of time to cool down so it's best to make it ahead of time. You can double the batch and store it in the fridge.

Matcha sodas are great for those who don’t drink alcohol but want a fun party drink.

Ingredients: Matcha, carbonated water, sugar, ice cubes

MATCHA SODA

13. Matchamisu = Matcha + Tiramisu

Put a spin on classic tiramisu by replacing the espresso with matcha.

These mini matcha treats are super fluffy and rich, with alternating layers of matcha cream and matcha sponge cake.

For the brightest green color, use a high quality matcha powder.

Ingredients: Matcha, sugar, eggs, all-purpose flour, confectioner’s sugar, rum, mascarpone cheese, heavy cream

MATCHAMISU

14. Matcha Affogato

Enjoy a luscious twist on an old Italian classic dessert with this 3-ingredient matcha affogato. All that's needed is vanilla ice cream and a coat of nice thick matcha.

Traditional matcha can be prepared thin (usucha) or thick (koicha). The thin matcha is what’s usually made for everyday drinking and thick matcha is for ceremonies and special occasions. This recipe uses thick matcha.

The matcha is slightly bitter but since the ice cream is so sweet and rich, it makes a great pairing of flavors.

Ingredients: Matcha, vanilla ice cream or gelato, water

MATCHA AFFOGATO

15. Matcha Ice Cream Bars

These matcha popsicles have a magic chocolate shell that hardens instantly. The gree tea and chocolate balance each other out perfectly.

To easily pop out the ice cream bars from the molds, run the frozen mold under hot water for a few seconds.

Dip the bar into the magic chocolate and toasted almonds at an angle for a pretty design.

Ingredients: Matcha, whole milk, heavy cream, sugar, egg yolks, vanilla extract, sea salt, cornstarch, chocolate chips, coconut oil, almonds

MATCHA ICE CREAM BARS

16. Matcha Hot Chocolate

Matcha is meant to be paired with something sweet.

This cozy drink combines green tea with white chocolate. It's made even better with toasted marshmallows.

Sifting matcha is the key to a smooth matcha beverage. Don’t skip this step otherwise you’ll have to deal with clumpy matcha.

If you like your hot chocolate to be thicker, add a little more white chocolate.

Ingredients: Matcha, milk, white chocolate, honey, salt, marshmallows

MATCHA HOT CHOCOLATE

17. Matcha Ginger Beer

Matcha and ginger beer are a surprisingly delicious flavorful combination, and this drink couldn’t be more refreshing.

Instead of using hot water to make matcha tea, ginger beer is used as the liquid. Just a little is needed to make the concentrate.

The better the matcha quality, the brighter the green your drink will be. The vibrant color of this drink is really what makes it stand out.

If you want to take this drink to the next level, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream and you’ve got yourself a decadent matcha ice cream float.

Ingredients: Matcha, ginger beer

MATCHA GINGER BEER

18. Matcha Truffles

Featuring chocolate on the inside and a matcha coating on the outside, these green tea truffles are pretty and delectable.

Tart freeze dried raspberries pair perfectly with the rich matcha green tea white chocolate.

These truffles are the perfect little afternoon treat, since they’re so rich and creamy.

Ingredients: Matcha, white chocolate, heavy cream, unsalted butter, salt

MATCHA TRUFFLES

  • Matcha Bubble Tea
  • Iced Matcha
  • Strawberry Matcha Chocolate Bark
  • Matcha (Green Tea) Latte Slushie

About Jee Choe

Welcome! I'm a certified Tea Sommelier and a self-proclaimed bubble tea and iced tea master. I'm all about making tea EASY and DELICIOUS.

Read More About Me

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18 Matcha Food and Drink Recipes - Oh, How Civilized (2024)

FAQs

What is the best way to drink matcha? ›

Here's a quick rundown on how to prepare it:
  1. Sift your matcha powder to avoid clumps. ...
  2. Add a small amount of hot water (not boiling, think around 175°F or 80°C).
  3. Whisk vigorously using a bamboo whisk (called a "chasen") in a zig-zag motion until the tea is frothy. ...
  4. Add more hot water to your desired strength and enjoy!
Dec 29, 2023

How drinking matcha changed my life? ›

After just a few days of enjoying matcha once a day, I immediately began to feel extra energy (note – I was already very healthy and fit!), without trying, I shed an inch around my waist. I feel, without a doubt, it's one of the reasons I seldom catch a cold.

How much matcha should you drink a day? ›

While you can drink matcha daily, it is high in caffeine and may contain traces of pesticides and other chemicals. The beneficial compounds it contains, such as catechins, may be harmful in high quantities. It's best to consume matcha in moderation, for instance, 1–2 cups of tea per day or up to 2 teaspoons of matcha.

Does matcha have a lot of caffeine? ›

A typical cup of green tea falls in the range of 25-45 mg of caffeine per 8oz cup. That's less than black tea, which is usually 45-75 mg per 8oz cup. And far less caffeine than coffee, which has between 80-110 mg per 8oz cup. But don't generalize too quickly, matcha green tea has 60-70 mg of caffeine per 8oz cup!

Is it OK to drink matcha everyday? ›

Having a daily dose of matcha is widely considered ok. And in many cases, it's encouraged due to an impressive nutrient profile that can support immunity, heart health, metabolism, alertness and energy (to name a few). But as with anything, it's important to consume matcha in moderation and do what works for YOUR body.

Is it better to drink matcha tea at night or in the morning? ›

Overall, there is no one best time to have Matcha. If you love Matcha, feel free to enjoy it whenever you feel like a cup! The only time to avoid Matcha is right before sleeping. The effects of caffeine take time to wear off, so if you like to have Matcha in the evening, make sure you drink it several hours before bed!

What does matcha do to the gut? ›

Matcha green tea is made from powdered green tea leaves. Unlike regular green tea, Matcha green tea is believed to exert beneficial effects on the gut microbiota, as it is richer in nutrients such as tea catechins and insoluble dietary fiber.

What are the cons of drinking matcha? ›

Here are some of matcha's potential downsides:
  • More expensive. Though prices vary depending on the quality, matcha tends to be more expensive than coffee.
  • Risk of liver toxicity. ...
  • Risk of contaminants.
Dec 15, 2020

Is matcha bad for anxiety? ›

Winning Combo. Even though matcha has a decent amount of caffeine, it will not give you the jitters. On the contrary, matcha reduces anxiety because of its high content of L-theanine. This amino acid lessens the stimulating effect of caffeine on the nervous system, producing an energized and focused state.

Is it OK to drink matcha on an empty stomach? ›

Everyone's physiological reactions are different and though most people drink matcha with no side effects, that health bomb can be a little bit of a shock to your system. It's best not to drink it on an empty stomach. Some people who are extremely sensitive to caffeine can find matcha has a similar effect to coffee.

What is the best time to drink matcha tea? ›

However, many people find that drinking matcha tea first thing in the morning is a great way to start their day. The energy and focus that matcha provides can help you get through your morning tasks with ease. If you're not a morning person, you can also try drinking matcha tea in the afternoon as a pick-me-up.

How often do Japanese drink matcha? ›

Amidst the many bad connotations of medicines and drugs at the pharmacy, when consumed properly, matcha does not have any side effects. Many people in Japan where matcha has traditionally been consumed the most have upwards of three, four, even five cups of matcha per day.

Does matcha help you lose weight? ›

You may be wondering how matcha can help you lose weight. Well, here's the thing: matcha contains a high concentration of EGCG, a powerful antioxidant that boosts your metabolism and stimulates fat burning. In addition, the caffeine in matcha provides more energy and alertness, which comes in handy during exercise.

Does Starbucks matcha have caffeine? ›

Caffeine Content of Starbucks Matcha

A standard Starbucks matcha powder scoop contains 27.5 mg of caffeine, which is relatively low compared to an espresso coffee's 65 mg of caffeine content.

What's the difference between matcha and matcha latte? ›

A matcha latte is a contemporary beverage that combines matcha powder with water and milk, creating a creamy and frothy drink. Unlike traditional matcha tea, which is prepared with water, the latte version includes milk or a milk alternative, providing a smoother taste and texture.

Is it better to drink matcha with milk or water? ›

absorption and the benefit of drinking Matcha for antioxidant content. ◾️If you do love drinking your Matcha in a latte style, pick a plant based milk (I'm using Almond Milk here) that won't affect the absorbtion of all those amazing antioxidants. ◾️Better still, drink Matcha straight up with just hot or cold water.

Do you drink matcha with water or milk? ›

Traditional matcha green tea is made with just green tea powder and water, but you can also easily make a latte by finishing your drink with steamed milk. I love to make mine with almond milk, coconut milk, or homemade oat milk. Whisk again until foamy, sweeten to taste, and enjoy!

What does matcha taste best with? ›

As promised, here are some of our favorite matcha flavor pairings you must try!
  • Dark Chocolate.
  • White Chocolate.
  • Banana.
  • It's easy to forget about bananas when it comes to sweet and earthy matcha flavor pairings. We're here to remind you! ...
  • Nuts.
  • Yogurt.
  • Peanut Butter.
  • Pineapple.
Oct 23, 2023

Is matcha better with cold or hot water? ›

So, is matcha more effective hot or cold? If you enjoy matcha for flavour, then you may prefer to brew it cold to avoid killing any of the taste. If you prefer drinking matcha for the health benefits it may offer, then those benefits may be more effective in your body if the matcha is brewed with hotter water.

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