Matcha recipe: how to prepare good traditional matcha at home
Want to enjoy the taste and traditional ritual of a good matcha made at home? With matcha, water at the right temperature and the right technique, you can get a smooth, lump-free drink. Here I walk you through the authentic matcha recipe step by step, to help you get the hang of your whisk.
Preparing traditional matcha: the quick recipe
To prepare a true matcha tea the traditional way, you need matcha, water, a chawan bowl and a chasen whisk. And here's the recipe:
- Take 1 to 2 g of matcha powder with the bamboo scoop.
- Sift the powder to avoid lumps.
- Add a little water and mix to get a smooth paste.
- Pour 80ml of hot water in gradually while whisking.
- Keep whisking until a foam forms.
- Enjoy straight from the bowl.
Traditional matcha recipe in detail
This recipe makes one bowl of traditional Japanese matcha, a light and foamy preparation.
| Prep time | Servings | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|
| 5 minutes | 1 person | Easy |
Ingredients
- 1 to 2 g of premium organic matcha
- 80 ml of hot water at 70-80 °C
Equipment
- 1 matcha bowl (chawan) or a wide-rimmed bowl
- 1 bamboo whisk (chasen) with 80 to 100 prongs
- 1 bamboo scoop (chashaku) or a standard teaspoon
- 1 small sieve
See the accessories for preparing matcha
Recipe steps
1. Measure the matcha
Place 1 to 2 g of matcha powder in your bowl. For a perfectly smooth texture, you can pass the powder through a small sieve to remove any lumps.
2. Add a small amount of water
Pour a small amount of water over the powder and gently mix with the chasen to get a smooth mixture. This step makes it easier to then blend in the rest of the water.
3. Pour in the hot water
Gradually add the 80 ml of hot water. The ideal temperature is between 70 and 80 °C.
Kumiko tip: avoid pouring water that is too hot or boiling directly onto the matcha. A temperature that is too high can bring out its bitterness. If you don't have a thermometer, simply let your water rest for a few minutes after boiling.
4. Whisk the matcha
Using the chasen, whisk quickly with a back-and-forth motion in a W or M shape. The movement comes from the wrist and the whisk should not scrape the bottom of the bowl.
5. Create the foam
Keep whisking until a fine foam forms on the surface. The small bubbles should gradually form a smooth, airy texture.
6. Enjoy
Your matcha is ready. Enjoy it immediately, straight from the bowl, to fully appreciate its aromas and texture.
The matcha recipe in video
The video lets you see the whisking technique and the motion to perform to get a beautiful foam. Pay particular attention to the position of the chasen and the quick wrist movement.
My tips for a successful matcha recipe
- Choose a quality matcha: a fine, fresh powder gives a smoother, more pleasant preparation on the palate.
- Respect the water temperature: water between 70 and 80 °C preserves the balance of flavors.
- Sift the powder if needed: this makes mixing easier and limits lump formation.
- Use a chasen: the bamboo whisk gives a fine texture and a more even foam.
What equipment do you need to prepare your matcha?
The traditional ritual relies mainly on three accessories: the chawan, the chasen and the chashaku.
The chawan is the bowl in which you prepare and enjoy your matcha. Its wide enough rim makes the whisking motion easier.
The chasen is the traditional bamboo whisk used to mix the powder and create the foam.
The chashaku is the small bamboo scoop traditionally used to measure the matcha. A teaspoon also works if you're just starting out.
Discover all the matcha accessories
Which matcha should you choose for this recipe?
For this traditional preparation, I recommend a premium organic matcha. Its fineness makes it easy to prepare a smooth, enjoyable drink.
You can also explore our selection of organic matchas to compare the different profiles and quality levels.
More matcha recipes to discover
Once you've mastered this traditional recipe, you can explore other ways to enjoy matcha, especially in more indulgent preparations.
FAQ: matcha recipe
How much matcha do you need for a recipe?
For this traditional matcha recipe, count 1 to 2 g of powder for 80 ml of hot water. You can adjust the amount slightly depending on the desired intensity.
What water temperature should you use for a matcha recipe?
A temperature between 70 and 80 °C is recommended. Avoid pouring boiling water directly onto the powder.
How do you avoid lumps in matcha?
Sift the powder before starting, then mix it with a small amount of water before adding the rest. The chasen also helps achieve a smooth mixture.
How do you get a fine foam with matcha?
Whisk quickly with a chasen using a back-and-forth motion in a W or M shape. Water at the right temperature and finely ground matcha also help create an even foam.
Without bitterness
Kyushu, Japan
Without bitterness
Kyushu, Japan
Explore our complete recipes here:
