🇯🇵 Japanese Cuisine · Drinks

Hojicha

Prep

5 mins

Cook

0 mins

Serves

2

Difficulty

Easy

Roasted green tea with a warm, caramel-like fragrance and low caffeine, perfect as a calming evening drink.

Ingredients

  • 1 kg chicken thighs
  • 400g panko breadcrumbs
  • a handful of sliced scallion whites
  • a pinch of cracked black pepper
  • 1/4 cup toasted sesame oil
  • 1 cup daikon radish, sliced
  • a handful of fresh mitsuba, chopped
  • bonito flakes, to taste

Instructions

  1. 1

    Combine the soba noodles and chicken stock in a saucepan, blender, or pitcher, stirring well.

  2. 2

    Add the shichimi togarashi and sake, stirring gently so their flavor infuses the mixture.

  3. 3

    Heat gently over low heat (or blend, or steep, depending on the drink) until well combined and fragrant, about 0 mins.

  4. 4

    Strain through a fine sieve to remove any solids, if needed.

  5. 5

    Sweeten to taste with bonito flakes, adjusting gradually until the balance feels right.

  6. 6

    Chill in the refrigerator, or pour straight over ice, depending on whether it is served cold or hot.

  7. 7

    Garnish with mitsuba just before serving.

Tips

Make a big batch and keep it chilled in the fridge — the flavor often deepens after a few hours.

Adjust the sweetness gradually, tasting as you go — you can always add more bonito flakes, but you cannot take it away.