Relish these green tea-infused dishes
What's the story
Green tea, long revered for its health benefits and delicate flavor, is stepping off the tea tray and onto the dinner plate.
Chefs and home cooks alike are getting creative with green tea, using it to add a unique twist to savory dishes.
This article explores five unexpected ways to incorporate green tea into your cooking, elevating flavors while adding a dose of antioxidants.
Cooking basics
Green tea infused rice
Steeping rice in green tea is a quick and easy way to infuse the delicate fragrance and flavor of green tea into a staple dish.
To make it, simply steep two cups of strong green tea and use it as the cooking liquid for one cup of rice.
The result is a fragrant, slightly earthy side dish that complements vegetables or tofu.
Soup base
Green tea broth for soups
A delicate and fragrant green tea broth makes a surprisingly good base for many soups.
Simply simmer your choice of veggies in water, then add a few bags of green tea or loose-leaf green tea wrapped in cheesecloth.
Allow it to steep until you reach the desired flavor, then remove the bags or leaves.
This broth is especially delicious in Asian-inspired soups.
Seasoning twist
Green tea salt rub
Making a green tea salt rub provides a creative way to flavor meat substitutes such as tofu or tempeh.
Simply combine finely ground dried green tea leaves and sea salt in equal proportions.
Apply this mixture as a rub before baking or grilling your choice of protein.
It adds a unique depth of flavor while also infusing your meal with beneficial antioxidants.
Flavor enhancement
Steamed vegetables with green tea butter
Level up your steamed vegetables with a secret ingredient: green tea butter!
To make it, simply combine softened unsalted butter with finely ground green tea leaves (think powder consistency).
Aim for about one teaspoon of green tea powder per four tablespoons of butter.
Smear that green goodness on hot-off-the-steamer veggies like carrots, broccoli, or asparagus for a flavor upgrade.
Innovative pasta
Green tea noodles stir fry
If you've ever wanted to add a touch of green tea flavor to your pasta dishes, try using noodles made from dough that incorporates powdered green-tea leaves (or matcha) for a unique twist.
Available at specialty stores or online markets, these noodles serve as the perfect foundation for stir-fry dishes, complementing mixed vegetables and soy sauce-based seasonings with their subtle, earthy notes.