25 Unexpected Ways To Use Matcha In Your Daily Cooking

Matcha is so ubiquitous that almost everyone has probably heard of it. From traditional Japanese tea to matcha latte, the brightly colored green powder is present everywhere. And there are a few matcha varieties out there, so not everything you buy will taste the same. Matcha and green tea come from the same plant, but matcha uses only some leaves. Furthermore, you can find culinary-grade matcha and ceremonial-grade matcha, and the two varieties have significant flavor differences. So, you should follow specific criteria when buying matcha tea.

But did you know that you can use matcha in cooking? While Eastern cuisines have been incorporating powdered green tea in different recipes, the ingredient is relatively new to Western cooking. Matcha has a strong, herbal flavor, similar to green tea, a tinge of bitterness, and a hint of sweetness, and it can lend all these aromas to almost any food you choose to incorporate. But, of course, certain flavors go best with matcha, so many foods will tend to pair them. Here are a few ideas to help you start cooking with matcha.

Matcha cookies are another delightful treat that combines the green tea's earthy, slightly bitter flavor with the sugar's sweetness and the spices' warmth. In this matcha cookies recipe, the cookies are made with a mix of rice flour, almond flour, and chestnut flour, giving them a unique texture that is crispy and chewy.

Matcha cookies can include baking soda, cinnamon, allspice, and black pepper, which all add to the complexity of the aroma. In addition, these spices bring depth to the flavor profile, making the cookies taste rich and full-bodied. Other matcha cookie recipes will also call for avocado or ginger, adding a creamy texture or a bit of zing.

Matcha truffles are a delicious mix of cocoa, matcha powder, and other ingredients that make the perfect sweet treat. These truffles combine melted chocolate with matcha powder to create a creamy ganache filling. You can refrigerate the ganache, cut it into chunks, and roll them in matcha powder. The result is an irresistible truffle with a rich flavor profile from the cocoa, sweetness from the sugar, and freshness from the matcha powder.

On the other hand, you can make chocolate-covered matcha truffles filled with matcha cream. These gourmet treats feature creamy white chocolate infused with green tea for an exquisite taste sensation. White chocolate coats each truffle before it's filled with a smooth matcha-infused cream center that's sure to please any palate.

Matcha energy balls are a delicious and healthy snack that simultaneously provides energy and satisfies your sweet cravings. The texture of matcha energy balls can vary depending on the recipe, but they are typically dense and chewy with a slightly gritty texture from the matcha powder. The flavor combines sweet and nutty with a subtle bitterness from the matcha.

Various ingredients can be added to matcha energy balls to enhance the flavor and texture. Common ingredients include nuts, such as almonds, cashews, and coconut; dried fruit, such as dates or raisins; and seeds, such as chia or hemp seeds. Other ingredients, such as vanilla extract or coconut flakes, can also be added.

Matcha waffles are a delightful twist on the classic breakfast dish, combining matcha's characteristic flavor with the waffles' crispiness. Matcha waffles are made with matcha powder, flour, sugar, eggs, milk, and butter and have a delicate and slightly bitter taste that perfectly balances the sweetness.

The texture of matcha waffles is light and fluffy, with a crisp exterior that adds a satisfying crunch to each bite. The matcha powder also adds a subtle graininess that complements the texture of the waffle. Matcha waffles can be enjoyed on their own or topped with various ingredients, such as fresh fruit, whipped cream, or maple syrup. They also pair well with savory toppings, such as bacon and eggs.

Matcha cheesecake is a delightful fusion of Japanese and Western tastes. This delicious dessert combines the cheesecake's rich creaminess with matcha green tea's delicate bitterness. The texture of matcha cheesecake is smooth and velvety, with a subtle crunch from the graham cracker crust made from a mixture of graham cracker crumbs, butter, cinnamon, and sugar.

The cheesecake filling is made with a blend of cream cheese, sugar, eggs, and sour cream, and it is infused with the flavor and health benefits of matcha green tea. The avocado adds a subtle creaminess and richness, while the lemon zest adds a refreshing citrus twist to the aroma.

Matcha buttercream is a unique and delicious frosting made with butter, heavy cream, white chocolate, and matcha powder. The addition of matcha powder adds a distinct, earthy flavor to the buttercream that is complemented by the sweet creaminess of white chocolate.

An excellent pairing for matcha buttercream is with squash cupcakes. The subtle sweetness of the squash cupcakes balances the earthiness of the matcha powder, while the cupcakes' light and fluffy texture contrasts with the buttercream's soft texture. The combination of aromas and textures creates a genuinely delightful dessert with the delicious combination of earthy matcha, sweet white chocolate, and milky butter.

Matcha-dusted nuts or almonds are a delicious and healthy snack that we love. Matcha creates a unique and tasty combination when dusted onto nuts or almonds. The nuts and almonds provide a hint of sweetness that pairs perfectly with their crunchy texture and matcha's bitterness. Chocolate-coated almonds are also available for those who prefer something sweeter. The combination makes for a snack that is both satisfying and energizing.

In addition to their health benefits, matcha-dusted nuts or almonds are also an excellent option for those looking for a tasty snack that is easy to prepare and transport. They can be made at home with just a few ingredients and stored in an airtight container for an on-the-go snack.

Matcha fudge is a delicious and unique treat that combines the delicate flavor of matcha green tea with the rich and creamy texture of fudge. The main ingredients in matcha fudge typically include condensed milk, sugar, white chocolate, and matcha powder. The condensed milk helps to give the fudge a smooth and creamy texture, while the sugar and chocolate add sweetness to balance the slightly bitter taste of matcha.

In the vegan matcha fudge version, coconut butter and cacao butter can be used instead of condensed milk. In addition, some recipes may include nuts, such as pistachios or almonds, for added texture and aroma. The taste of matcha fudge is unique and distinctive, with a slightly bitter yet sweet flavor profile.

Matcha oatmeal is like the love child of a Japanese tea ceremony and a cozy breakfast. It has warm, creamy oats infused with vibrant green matcha powder, creating a subtle earthy taste that'll make your taste buds dance.

As far as toppings go, try a sprinkle of coconut flakes, a drizzle of honey, and some sliced almonds for crunch. Or, add some fresh berries and a dollop of Greek yogurt for a tangy twist. Matcha also pairs well with other ingredients like ginger, lemon, and avocado. So, if you're feeling adventurous, go ahead and experiment. Who knows, you might discover your new favorite matcha-oatmeal combo.

Matcha popsicles are the ultimate treat for any matcha lover looking to cool off in style. They are not only refreshing (as are all popsicles) but also loaded with antioxidants. However, pairing matcha with other ingredients is where the real magic happens. For example, adding creamy coconut milk to the mix creates a tropical flavor explosion that'll transport you straight to a beach in Hawaii.

Alternatively, incorporating sweet honey into the recipe balances out the slight bitterness of the matcha and creates a delightful, harmonious taste. Add a tangy touch with fresh lime juice, or throw in chopped pistachios for an added crunch. The possibilities are endless, and you're in for a treat with matcha as the show's star.

Matcha hummus is the perfect blend of earthy chickpeas and fragrant matcha tea, resulting in a creamy and flavorful dip that will elevate your snack game. This unlikely combination may seem unconventional, but it works wonders. The nutty and slightly bitter flavor of the matcha powder complements the creamy and savory hummus base, creating a unique taste experience that's hard to forget.

Not only is matcha hummus delicious, but it's also versatile in terms of pairing. Spread it on toast or pita chips for a quick and easy breakfast or snack, or serve it alongside fresh veggies for a satisfying appetizer.

Move over dull butter; there's a new spread in town — matcha butter. This vibrant green butter perfectly blends creamy butter and earthy matcha tea powder. The nutty, slightly bitter taste of matcha is balanced perfectly with the richness of the butter, creating a harmonious combination of flavors.

Spread matcha butter on your toast in the morning for a deliciously different breakfast, or use it to top your pancakes for a fancy brunch option. It also pairs perfectly with baked goods like scones, muffins, and croissants. Finally, try incorporating matcha butter into your savory dishes, such as stir fries or grilled meats.