For some people it doesn’t worth buying a bamboo whisk. It clutters the kitchen and it’s expensive. That is why I want to share this post about making perfect matcha without using a bamboo whisk.
I had a love-hate relationship with matcha.
It’s weird that I am starting my writing that way, but it is true.
I love drinking matcha and usually, matcha time is my favorite time of the day.
It’s not just because of the drink itself, but also, along with it, I enjoy eating something sweet, like cake or pancakes, some homemade bread, pie, or just some cookies.
And I just enjoy the moment.
Now, what about the other side of the relationship?
The problem is that I never knew whether my matcha will turn out good or not (slimy, with lumps, too bitter… whatever).
Anyways, now I know.
And I want to share with you a couple of tips and steps that I’ve learned to make my matcha taste delicious without a bamboo whisk.
Which matcha powder to buy?
First of all, make sure that the country of origin is Japan.
Also, check for the intended use of the matcha. Some of them are just for baking, which means that probably they are too bitter to use them as a beverage or in smoothies.
Another thing to check is if matcha is verified as organic or non-GMO. Because you want to get as many nutrients out of this drink as possible and as fewer pesticides as well.
Here you have the matcha that I am using right now (I bought it on iHerb, a good site for vegans and those interested in organic, nutritive food. And you’ll have 5% off if clicking on the link above. Or use the code CAB7801 for 5% off for all iHerb products). It has excellent quality.
But even better matcha is this one. In my opinion, it’s not bitter at all, very delicious, you cannot make it taste awful. It’s more expensive, but it’s worth it.
Benefits of matcha
Matcha is very healthy. First of all, because it has tons of antioxidants.
To make a comparison, matcha has 360% more antioxidants than spinach per gram.
In case you don’t know, antioxidants help with fighting antiaging by protecting the cells of your body from some bad guys (free radicals).
Another benefit of matcha is that it boosts your immune system. Especially in the winter and spring, it is so important to stay healthy. And matcha is a great way to do that!
Oh, yeah, also matcha helps with losing weight; protecting the liver; fighting cancer, and heart problems.
When the coronavirus started, me and my sister were really into drinking matcha every day to boost our immune system. I assume that it has helped:)
Methods of making matcha
- With a bamboo whisk. It’s the classic and authentic way of making matcha, but also the most expensive one. That is why there are other methods.
- In a blender;
- Grandma method – using a spoon/whisk;
- With a milk frother;
- With a cocktail shaker or bottle.
Sincerely, I have never tried making matcha with a bamboo whisk, because I didn’t have one.
Instead, I use the grandma method combined with the milk frother. I find these methods the easiest ones because I don’t have to care about washing any additional dishes afterward.
But I’ve also tried to make matcha with a blender and with a spoon/whisk.
So, I will explain the methods that I personally know.
You can enjoy matcha with:
Tips on making matcha
- Use 1 – 1 ½ tsp of matcha powder per serving (around 1 ½ cups or 300 ml of plant-milk/water). It depends on how strong you want your matcha to be.
- You can make the matcha with water, plant-milk or half-half. I am doing it 1:1 plant-milk and water.
- The liquid should be heated at around 180 F or 80 C. It is better not to use hotter liquids.
- Use whichever plant-milk you like or have at home. Normally, I use one of these: soymilk (for health purposes), oat milk (because it’s creamier and sweeter), or almond milk to diversify.
- Enhance the sweetness of your matcha by adding maple syrup, stevia, sugar, or some other sweet options that you love.
- I also enjoy matcha with cinnamon on top or some whipped cream or both. But, for a period of time, I made my matcha with curcuma. After a while, I have realized that it tastes like soup. But at least it was healthy.
How to make matcha without a bamboo whisk?
Photo tutorial
1.In a relatively small bowl, add 1 tsp of matcha powder.
2.Next, pour in 1 tsp plant-milk/water (the liquid should be around 180 F or 80 C).
3.Whisk until all the lumps are dissolved. You could use a spoon, it’s gonna be even easier.
4.Add 1 more tsp of liquid and mix until combined. Be patient! Repeat the procedure 2 more times.
5.Pour in the matcha into the milk/water (the liquid should be at least warm, afterward you can add ice to cool it).
6.Whisk with a milk frother or a spoon.
How to make matcha with a blender?
- Pour into a blender the liquid (plant-milk or water) and then add the matcha powder (optional you could add a sweetener, cinnamon, nutmeg) and blend until it’s homogeneous.
Important: do not do it the other way around. So, liquid first and then matcha. Otherwise, you will end up with matcha stuck at the edges or bottom of your blender.
How to make matcha with a spoon or whisk?
- Add the matcha powder in your cup along with 1 tsp of hot (180 F or 80 C) liquid. Mix for 1-2 minutes until all the lumps are dissolved.
- Pour 1 more tsp of liquid and mix well again.
- Repeat the procedure 2 more times and then confidently pour in the rest of the liquid.
Important: you should be very patient when mixing. Do not add too much liquid at once because you will end up with lumps.
How to make matcha without a bamboo whisk?
Equipment
- Spoon
- Small bowl
- Cup
- Milk frother (optional)
Materials
- 1 tsp matcha powder
- 1 cup plant-based milk
- 1/2 cup water (or sub with more milk)
Instructions
- In a relatively small bowl, add 1 tsp of matcha powder.
- Next, pour in 1 tbsp plant milk/water (the liquid should be around 180 F or 80 C).
- Whisk until all the lumps are dissolved. You could use a spoon, it's gonna be even easier.
- Add 1 more tbsp of liquid and mix until combined. Be patient! Repeat the procedure 2 more times.
- Pour in the matcha into the milk/water (the liquid should be at least warm, afterward you can add ice to cool it).
- Whisk with a milk frother or a spoon.
Notes
- Make the matcha with only water or only plant-based milk.
- Add some sweetener to the matcha if you wish: maple syrup, agave syrup, or some coconut sugar.
- Top the matcha drink with some whipped cream and/or some cinnamon.
It is so easy to make matcha without a bamboo whisk. All you need is a bit of practice, but I truly hope that you will get it right from the first time.
Cheers and enjoy your day… hopefully with some delicious matcha:)
Please note that I may earn a small commission from Amazon and iHerb in case you decide to buy products from these sites.
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