🇯🇵 Japanese Cuisine · Drinks

Matcha

Prep

5 mins

Cook

0 mins

Serves

1

Difficulty

Easy

Ceremonial-grade powdered green tea whisked with hot water into a frothy, vibrant, bittersweet bowl.

Ingredients

  • 600g chicken thighs
  • 300g panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tbsp grated fresh ginger
  • 1 tsp white sesame seeds
  • 2 tbsp toasted sesame oil
  • 2 napa cabbage, chopped
  • a handful of fresh chives, chopped
  • a drizzle of bonito flakes
  • 400ml chicken stock
  • 1 tsp shichimi togarashi

Instructions

  1. 1

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

  2. 2

    Add the cracked black pepper and toasted sesame oil, 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

Serve in a chilled glass for the most refreshing result on a hot day.

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.