Matcha Pudding Recipe ( 抹茶プリン )

Photo: Uncut Recipes

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If you've ever strolled through the bustling streets of Tokyo or Kyoto, you've likely been enticed by the delicate aroma and striking green hue of Matcha. This finely ground green tea powder, deeply rooted in Japanese culture, has won over the hearts of both tea lovers and food enthusiasts around the world. Its unique, grassy sweetness has found its way into various culinary delights, and today, we'll explore one of its most enchanting manifestations: Matcha Pudding.

Imagine a fusion of ancient tea ceremonies, where the noble Samurai would savor a bowl of Matcha, with the modern fascination for texture-rich desserts. That's where Matcha Pudding (抹茶プリン) comes into play, encapsulating the elegance of Japanese tradition within a spoonful of creamy indulgence.

Making Matcha Pudding isn't just a process; it's a poetic experience. The gentle whisking of the Milk, Sugar, Cornstarch, and Matcha Powder echoes the traditional preparation of the tea, where every movement is a symphony of precision and mindfulness. As the mixture thickens into a velvety consistency, it invites you into a culinary waltz that marries the traditional with the contemporary.

This recipe is like an art form that connects you with something bigger than just a dish; it's a piece of Japan's culinary tapestry that you can create right in your kitchen. With every whisk, every stir, and every taste, you'll be transported to a land where simplicity meets sophistication, and where each ingredient tells a tale.

As the pudding sets and cools, envision the tranquil Japanese gardens, where every rock, every plant has its purpose. Just like that, your Matcha Pudding will emerge as a harmonious blend of flavors and textures, waiting to be adorned with whipped cream or the authentic touch of Red Bean Paste Anko.

Whether you're a long-time fan of Matcha or a curious newcomer, this Matcha Pudding is more than just a dessert; it's an experience, a delightful journey into a world where the old meets the new, and where you can craft your own edible masterpiece. Get ready to explore, create, and of course, enjoy your very own homemade Matcha Pudding. Happy whisking!

JUMP TO:

INGREDIENTS:

Matcha Powder Selection: The quality of matcha powder is perhaps the most crucial ingredient in this recipe. Look for a high-grade, ceremonial matcha that has a vibrant green color and a fresh, grassy aroma. Lower quality matcha may result in a bitter or dull flavor.

Matcha Quality Grades: Matcha is generally classified into two main grades: ceremonial grade and culinary grade.

Ceremonial Grade: Ceremonial grade is the highest quality of matcha and is typically used in traditional Japanese tea ceremonies. It's made from the youngest tea leaves, with stems and veins entirely removed. The flavor is sweet, delicate, and rich in umami. For a luxurious Matcha Pudding, this is the preferred grade.
Brands: Some top brands for ceremonial grade include Ippodo, Matcha Konomi, and Encha.

Culinary Grade: Culinary grade is more robust and slightly more bitter, designed for cooking and baking. It can be further divided into premium, cafe, ingredient, and kitchen grades, each with varying quality and price. While still good for Matcha Pudding, the flavor won't be as refined.
Brands: Aiya, Jade Leaf, and Kiss Me Organics are respected brands offering various culinary-grade options.

Color and Texture: Look for a vibrant green color as a sign of freshness and quality. The texture should be finely ground, almost like baby powder. If the matcha appears yellowish or coarse, it's likely old or of lower quality.

Storage and Handling: Matcha should be stored in an airtight container, away from light, oxygen, and humidity, as it can quickly lose its flavor and color. Upon opening, use it within 3-4 weeks for optimum taste.

Taste Testing Different Brands: If possible, taste test several brands to find one that suits your palate and the specific needs of your Matcha Pudding. Preferences can vary widely, so finding the one that resonates with you is key.

Organic vs. Non-Organic: Organic matcha ensures that no synthetic fertilizers or pesticides were used. While it may provide peace of mind for some, it might not always guarantee better taste. Both organic and non-organic high-grade matcha can produce excellent results.

MAIN STEPS:

Whisking Technique and Consistency: The whisking process in steps 02 and 03 ensures a smooth consistency without lumps. It must be steady and rhythmical. Whisking too fast might create unwanted bubbles, while too slow can lead to a clumpy texture.

Egg Temperatures and Combining: Gradually adding the hot milk mixture to the whisked eggs is vital to prevent them from cooking and curdling. Continually whisk as you add to ensure an even blend.

Straining for Smoothness: Using a fine-mesh strainer in step 07 helps catch any solid bits, resulting in a smooth texture. Don't skip this step if you want your pudding to have a professional, silky finish.

Butter for Richness: The butter adds a luxurious richness to the pudding. Make sure it's thoroughly mixed in, as uneven mixing can cause inconsistency in texture and flavor.

Air Bubble Removal: Gently tapping the ramekins helps remove air bubbles, which can affect the visual appeal and texture of the pudding. Do this with care to ensure a uniform look.

Chilling Time: Allowing the pudding to chill for the full 4 hours ensures that it sets properly. Shortening this time might lead to a pudding that hasn't fully set, while over-chilling might affect the texture.

Topping Choices: The choice of whipped cream or traditional Red Bean Paste Anko offers two distinct flavor profiles. Choose based on your taste preference, but don't overwhelm the delicate matcha flavor with too much topping.

SERVED WITH:

Starter: Avocado and Shrimp Salad (United States): A refreshing salad made with ripe avocados, succulent shrimp, mixed greens, and a light citrus dressing. The freshness of this dish will contrast the rich creaminess of Matcha Pudding.

Side Dish: Steamed Jasmine Rice with Furikake (Japan): Fragrant Jasmine rice topped with Furikake, a Japanese seasoning mix that often includes seaweed, sesame seeds, dried fish, and salt. It's a simple dish that complements the complexity of Matcha Pudding.

Main Course: Teriyaki Salmon (Japan): Salmon marinated and glazed with teriyaki sauce, then grilled to perfection. The sweetness and umami flavors of the teriyaki provide a nice balance to the bitter notes in Matcha Pudding.

Second Course: Tofu and Vegetable Stir Fry (China): A flavorful dish with stir-fried tofu, vegetables, and a savory sauce. This dish, filled with textures and flavors, will pair well with the smooth and subtle Matcha Pudding.

Dessert: Fresh Mango Slices (Thailand): Juicy, ripe mango slices served chilled. The tropical sweetness of the mango contrasts the earthiness of the Matcha Pudding, offering a refreshing palate cleanser.

Cake: Earl Grey Tea Cake (United Kingdom): A moist and flavorful cake infused with Earl Grey tea. The citrusy notes of bergamot in the tea harmonize with the green tea flavor of Matcha Pudding.

Drink: Cold Brewed Oolong Tea (China): A cold and refreshing oolong tea that is floral, slightly creamy, and a touch smoky. It complements the Matcha Pudding by staying within the tea theme, yet offers a contrasting flavor profile.

ALTERNATIVES:

Dessert: Matcha Ice Cream (Japan): Creamy and rich ice cream infused with matcha green tea powder. It captures the essence of matcha pudding but in a frozen form, offering a refreshing twist.

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Beverage: Matcha Latte (United States): A smooth and soothing blend of matcha powder, steamed milk, and a touch of sweetener. This popular cafe drink replicates the creamy texture of Matcha Pudding but in a comforting beverage form.

Cake: Matcha Cheesecake (Japan): A delicious cheesecake made with matcha powder, offering a unique blend of the earthy taste of matcha with the richness of cream cheese. It presents a baked alternative to the pudding texture.

Dessert: Matcha Mochi (Japan): Glutinous rice cakes filled with matcha-flavored sweet bean paste. This traditional Japanese sweet offers a chewy texture, contrasting the smoothness of the pudding, yet embracing the flavor of matcha.

Snack: Matcha Almond Cookies (China): Crispy and delightful cookies made with matcha powder and crushed almonds. They reflect China's tea culture and love for almond-based desserts, providing a crunchy counterpart to the creamy pudding.

Dessert: Matcha Tiramisu (Japan): An Italian classic with a Japanese twist, this tiramisu is layered with matcha-soaked ladyfingers and mascarpone cheese. It offers a multicultural blend of flavors, echoing the creamy texture of the original Matcha Pudding.

Bread: Matcha Milk Bread (South Korea): A soft and fluffy bread made with matcha and milk. Often enjoyed as breakfast or a snack, it brings the comforting flavor of matcha into a daily staple, contrasting the dessert nature of Matcha Pudding.

HISTORY:

Matcha, or finely ground green tea, has a rich history in Japan, tracing back to the Heian period (794 to 1185). It played a central role in the traditional Japanese tea ceremony, or "chanoyu," a ritualistic preparation of tea emphasizing aesthetics, manners, and etiquette.

Pudding, on the other hand, is a concept introduced to Japan more recently, likely through the influence of Western cuisine in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Matcha pudding is an innovative culinary creation that emerged from the blending of Eastern and Western cultures. Though the exact origins are not well-documented, it is a result of modern culinary experimentation. Combining the rich flavor of matcha with the smooth texture of pudding created a unique dessert that appeals to both traditional and contemporary palates.

Matcha itself holds a special place in Japanese culture. It is not just a tea but a symbol of hospitality, tranquility, and mindfulness. By incorporating matcha into a pudding, it infuses these values into a new form, adapting tradition to contemporary tastes.

Today, matcha pudding can be found in many Japanese restaurants and dessert shops, as well as globally in establishments specializing in Japanese cuisine. It is often served chilled and may be garnished with sweet red bean paste or a sprinkle of matcha powder, adding visual appeal and complementary flavors.

The growth of interest in Japanese food and the global trend toward health-conscious eating has likely contributed to the popularity of matcha pudding. Matcha is rich in antioxidants and is known for its potential health benefits.

TIPS:

Using Ceremonial-Grade Matcha: Opt for the highest quality, ceremonial-grade Matcha powder. This grade of Matcha offers the purest, most vibrant green color and a delicate, profound flavor that's perfect for dessert applications.

Infusing the Milk: Before adding other ingredients, consider infusing the milk with flavors like vanilla bean or even a touch of yuzu zest. Infusion imparts a subtle layer of complexity to the final flavor.

Temperature Control with Eggs: Practice precise temperature control when combining the hot milk mixture with the egg and yolk. Use a kitchen thermometer and add the hot mixture gradually to prevent curdling. Professionals often refer to this as "tempering" the eggs.

Whisking Technique: Develop your whisking technique to ensure a smooth, lump-free mixture. This involves a constant, even whisking motion to incorporate ingredients uniformly.

Straining Multiple Times: Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve multiple times to achieve an incredibly silky texture. This level of finesse requires patience but results in a superior mouthfeel.

Customize Butter Type: Experiment with cultured or brown butter for a nuanced flavor that enhances the richness of the pudding. Cultured butter adds tangy notes, while brown butter imparts a nutty flavor.

Sous Vide Cooking Method: For ultra-precise temperature control, consider using a sous vide technique to cook the pudding. This method ensures an evenly cooked and texturally perfect pudding.

Create a Matcha Caramel: For an elegant twist, you could create a Matcha-infused caramel to pour over the pudding before serving, adding a rich, sweet contrast to the earthy Matcha flavor.

Artisanal Garnishes: Think beyond traditional garnishes. Candied yuzu peel, gold leaf, or even Matcha-infused sugar crystals can add a touch of sophistication.

Experiment with Dairy Alternatives: For a different taste profile, experiment with various dairy alternatives like almond milk or coconut cream, each adding unique flavors to the pudding.

Serve with Traditional Japanese Sweets: Pair the Matcha pudding with traditional Japanese sweets like mochi or wagashi for a well-rounded dessert experience.

Embrace Molecular Gastronomy: Utilize techniques like spherification to create Matcha "pearls" or gels to adorn the pudding. These modern touches can create a visually stunning and texturally intriguing dessert.

Create Matcha Powder Stencils: For an artistic finish, create stencils from paper and sift Matcha powder over the top in intricate patterns. This adds a gourmet touch to each serving.

Utilize Japanese Ceramics: Serving in traditional Japanese ceramic bowls or cups can enhance the visual appeal and tie the dish to its cultural roots.

Ingredients:

Conversions and Servings: Cups (1 Person or 1 Pudding) Cups (2 People or 2 Puddings) Cups (3 People or 3 Puddings) Cups (4 People or 4 Puddings) Cups (5 People or 5 Puddings) Cups (6 People or 6 Puddings) Cups (8 People or 8 Puddings) Imperial (1 Person or 1 Pudding) Imperial (2 People or 2 Puddings) Imperial (3 People or 3 Puddings) Imperial (4 People or 4 Puddings) Imperial (5 People or 5 Puddings) Imperial (6 People or 6 Puddings) Imperial (8 People or 8 Puddings) Metric (1 Person or 1 Pudding) Metric (2 People or 2 Puddings) Metric (3 People or 3 Puddings) Metric (4 People or 4 Puddings) Metric (5 People or 5 Puddings) Metric (6 People or 6 Puddings) Metric (8 People or 8 Puddings)

Directions:

01 - Begin by placing a pot on medium heat.

02 - Add the Milk, Sugar, Salt, Cornstarch, and Matcha Powder. Whisk these ingredients together in a steady rhythm, ensuring that everything is blended smoothly.

03 - Keep whisking until the mixture starts to boil. Then, turn the heat down to low and continue to cook, whisking all the while until the mixture thickens. It will gradually become a creamy of velvety consistency.

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04 - In a separate, medium-sized bowl, whisk together an Egg and the Egg Yolks until they're well combined.

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05 - Now, gradually add the hot Milk mixture you've just cooked in STEP 03, whisking as you add. This ensures the Eggs blend without cooking too quickly.

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06 - Once everything's combined, pour this new mixture back into the pot. Cook on medium heat, continually whisking, until it reaches a gentle boil. This should take about 2 minutes.

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07 - Now you'll need a strainer to make the pudding super smooth. Pour the mixture through the strainer, catching any bits, and resulting in a silky texture.

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08 - Add the Butter, and mix it in thoroughly. This adds a luxurious richness to the pudding.

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09 - Time to create individual servings! Pour the mixture into your ramekins or small cups.

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10 - Gently tap the ramekins on the counter to remove any air bubbles.

11 - Then, place all the ramekins in the refrigerator and let them chill and set for 4 hours.

12 - Once the puddings are set, they're ready to be adorned with toppings! You can choose whipped cream or, if you want to embrace a traditional Japanese flavor, Red Bean Paste Anko. Sprinkle a little Matcha powder on top for a beautiful, gourmet touch. Your homemade Matcha Pudding is ready to be enjoyed. Serve chilled, and enjoy the delightful blend of flavors and textures that you've expertly crafted!

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Notes:

Whisking: Continuous whisking is essential throughout the process to ensure a smooth consistency and to avoid lumps in the mixture.

Temperature Control: Careful control of the temperature is crucial, especially when introducing the eggs into the hot milk mixture. Slow incorporation helps prevent scrambling of the eggs.

Straining: The straining step ensures a smooth and creamy texture, removing any lumps that may have formed. Using a fine-mesh strainer is best for this step.

Chilling: The chilling time of 4 hours is essential to allow the pudding to set. It should be undisturbed during this time.

Vegan Alternatives: For a vegan version, plant-based milk can be used in place of dairy milk, and an egg substitute (like silken tofu or agar-agar) can be used to replace eggs. Vegan butter can also be utilized.

Matcha Quality: High-quality ceremonial-grade Matcha powder is recommended for a richer flavor and vibrant green color.

Sweetener Options: Different types of sugar or sweeteners can be experimented with depending on personal preference and dietary needs.

Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in the refrigerator in a covered container. Typically, they should be consumed within 2-3 days for the best texture and taste.

Freezing: Although not commonly done, if you want to keep the pudding longer, you could freeze it without the topping and thaw in the refrigerator before consuming.

Toppings: While whipped cream and red bean paste are suggested, other traditional or creative toppings like fresh fruit or a sprinkle of sesame seeds can be used.

Serving Size: The recipe is designed to be divided into 6 ramekins or small cups. Ensure even distribution for consistent servings.

Serving Temperature: This pudding is best served chilled, as indicated, to enjoy the texture and flavor fully.

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