Matcha tea is renowned for its bright green color and health benefits. Though it’s generally used in sweet drinks and desserts, matcha works great in savory dishes, too. Its unique flavor, called umami, can make your meals taste more exciting. Whether you are a pro chef or just cooking at home, matcha can help you create delicious and healthy meals. Let’s look at some easy ways to use matcha in savory cooking.
Making Matcha Sauces and Dressings
One of the easiest ways to use matcha tea in savory dishes is to add it to sauces and dressings. Matcha’s earthy flavor goes well with olive oil, soy sauce, and lemon juice. For example, you can make a matcha vinaigrette by mixing a teaspoon of matcha powder with olive oil, lemon juice, honey, and a little salt. This dressing is perfect for salads, grilled vegetables, or as a marinade for chicken or fish.
If you want something creamier, try a matcha dipping sauce. Combine the matcha with mayonnaise, garlic, and lime juice for a tasty spread on sandwiches, burgers, or roasted potatoes. Matcha adds flavor and makes dishes bright green in color, looking amazing.
Using Matcha as a Seasoning
Matcha as a seasoning imparts flavor into savory food. For instance, mix it with salt and sprinkle it over fries, popcorn, or nuts. Mix matcha with spices like garlic powder, sesame seeds, or paprika for a meat or seafood seasoning. Seared tuna, for example, acquires crunch and strong flavor when encrusted with a crust of matcha and sesame.
Another great idea is using matcha in breading for fried foods. Mix matcha with breadcrumbs, flour, and a little salt to coat chicken or tofu before frying. This adds flavor, color, and gives your dishes a healthy boost.
Adding Matcha to Soups and Broths
Matcha adds flavor and nutrients to soups and broths. Its umami taste marries well with ingredients like miso, ginger, and garlic. In a simple miso soup, for instance, stir a teaspoon of matcha powder into the broth before adding tofu, seaweed, and green onions. Matcha gives richness to the soup without overpowering the traditional flavors.
Add at the end for creamy soups, whether potato or cauliflower soup; it offsets the creaminess by a bit of bitterness and healthy too. You can bring a unique taste even to ramen broths with matcha. A simple soup may just need a small amount of matcha to go from bland to grand.
Matcha in Pasta and Noodle Dishes
Matcha works well in pasta and noodle recipes. Mix into homemade pasta dough for making green noodles with a mild earthy taste. These noodles go well with light sauces like garlic and olive oil or lemon butter.
If using store-bought noodles, sprinkle matcha powder over cooked soba or udon noodles, tossing with soy sauce, sesame oil, and vegetables for a quick healthy meal. Matcha is also great in creamy pasta dishes like Alfredo or carbonara. It only takes a pinch of matcha to add a new layer of flavor and make the dish more interesting.
Matcha is not only good for beverages and desserts but also for savory dishes. Add it to sauces, seasonings, soups, and pasta to create meals that are delicious and healthy. Its unique flavor and bright color make it fun to experiment with. Next time you cook, try using matcha in your savory recipes and reap its many benefits.