Sweet & Savory Matcha Recipes

Think matcha is just made for teas and lattes? We've got 7 unexpected ways to cook with this delicate, subtly-flavored green tea powder.

By: Food Network Kitchen

What's The Buzz?

No doubt you've heard all the buzz about matcha: the finely-ground tea powder that's been used in traditional Japanese tea ceremonies for centuries is definitely having a modern moment. And with its distinct earthy taste and color, high caffeine content and purported health benefits, it's no wonder it's so popular. Here, we lend matcha's sophisticated flavor to everything from sweet drinks and desserts to a savory soup and secret-ingredient rub for meat.

Photography by Kate Mathis

Matcha Lemonade

This refreshing blend of earthy matcha and tart lemon gains extra flavor from the pulp of the citrus fruit.

Get the Recipe: Matcha Lemonade

Matcha and Mushroom Soup

Shiitake mushrooms and spinach highlight the earthiness of matcha tea in this creamy, green soup. The butter and cream here are needed to balance the bitterness of the matcha and allow its fat-soluble flavors to bloom.

Get the Recipe: Matcha and Mushroom Soup

Matcha Roast Chicken with Leeks

The herbal, grassy undertones of matcha tea pair perfectly with fragrant leeks in this juicy one-pan roast chicken. The matcha's flavor blooms in the butter. Stuff the mixture under the chicken's skin for a deliciously crackly and crisp result.

Get the Recipe: Matcha Roast Chicken with Leeks

Matcha-Herb Scones

The herbaceous flavors of chives and tarragon enhance the floral notes of matcha tea, itself derived from a potent, aromatic green leaf. Parsley, cilantro, rosemary or thyme would make a great substitute for the tarragon, if you like, but chives are essential, as their flavor helps balance the bitter matcha with the rich dairy in these savory scones.

Get the Recipe: Matcha-Herb Scones

Matcha Blondies

These rich, smooth "blondies" are bright green and showcase matcha's complex, pleasantly bitter flavor, which reminds us of dark chocolate.

Get the Recipe: Matcha Blondies ("Matchies")

Coconut Matcha-Cream Pie

Matcha tea adds a shocking green color and delightful floral notes to a classic coconut cream pie filling made with coconut milk and chewy flakes of coconut meat. The tropical sweetness of the custard is the perfect foil for the tea's herbal bite.

Get the Recipe: Coconut Matcha-Cream Pie

Matcha-Poppy Seed Panna Cotta

Matcha and cream are an ideal pairing-the rich cream softens the matcha's bitter edge, bringing out its sweetness. Here, a little sugar and gelatin help set the two into a tender custard, served with bright strawberries and kiwi and topped with poppy seeds for crunch.

Get the Recipe: Matcha-Poppy Seed Panna Cotta

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