Matcha is quite popular in Australia now, especially in lattes and sweets. But have you ever tried matcha as a savoury seasoning?
In Japan, one simple way to enjoy matcha is matcha salt. It is just matcha powder mixed with salt, but the gentle bitterness and aroma of matcha make it a lovely savoury seasoning. The classic way to enjoy it is with tempura, but there are many other simple ways to use it at home too.
What Is Matcha Salt?
Matcha salt is a simple Japanese seasoning made by mixing matcha powder with salt. The gentle bitterness and aroma of matcha combine with the saltiness of the salt, helping bring out the flavour of foods you lightly dip into it or sprinkle it over.
The light bitterness and aroma of matcha can balance fried foods nicely, which is why matcha salt is often served with tempura in Japan.
What Salt Should I Use?
You can make matcha salt with different types of salt, such as sea salt or rock salt. Sea salt often has a clean, gentle saltiness, while rock salt can have a sharper or more mineral flavour. The taste will change slightly depending on the salt you choose, so it is worth trying with the salt you already enjoy using at home.
Before mixing, grind the salt until it becomes a little finer so it blends more evenly with the matcha powder. This helps the matcha coat the salt and gives the mixture a more even flavour.
Simple Matcha Salt Ratio
A simple place to start is a 1:1 ratio of salt and matcha powder. If you want a stronger salty finish, add a little more salt. If you want more matcha aroma, add a little more matcha powder.
Make a small amount first. Matcha has a delicate aroma, so the mixture tastes best while it still smells fresh.
How to Make Matcha Salt
- Grind the salt. Place the salt in a Japanese mortar (suribachi) and gently grind it with a pestle until it becomes a little finer. If you do not have a mortar, place the salt in a small resealable bag and gently crush it with a rolling pin.
- Add the same amount of matcha powder as salt.
- Mix well until the colour looks even.
- Store in a small airtight jar and use a little at a time.
How to Use Matcha Salt
The classic way to enjoy matcha salt is with tempura. It also works beautifully with other crispy foods, such as karaage or even hot chips.
Japanese Fried Chicken Karaage
A crispy savoury recipe that would be lovely with a small pinch of matcha salt on the side.
You can also use it as a finishing salt for simple Japanese dishes. Try a small pinch with grilled fish, sashimi, rice balls or freshly cooked rice.
It also works well with meat dishes. Try it with crispy karaage, grilled chicken wings, pork belly or steak. The gentle bitterness of matcha helps balance the richness of the meat and gives it a fresh Japanese-style finish.
For a quick salad idea, mix a little matcha salt with olive oil and drizzle it over simple greens. It gives the salad a light Japanese-style flavour without needing a full dressing.
A Few Fun Ways to Try It
Matcha salt is usually used with savoury foods, but you can also try it in very small amounts with sweets. The gentle bitterness of matcha and the saltiness can balance sweetness and make desserts taste a little more grown-up.
Try a tiny pinch over vanilla ice cream, chocolate ice cream or a piece of dark chocolate. Start with a very small amount, because matcha salt is quite strong.
For a simple snack, sprinkle matcha salt over freshly made popcorn. It gives the popcorn a Japanese-style flavour with almost no extra work.
Where to Buy Matcha in Australia
You can usually find matcha powder at Japanese grocery stores, some health food shops or online. For matcha salt, you do not need expensive ceremonial matcha. A Japanese matcha made for cooking is enough here, because matcha salt is used as a seasoning in small amounts.
A few Japanese matcha options
- WAKABA Premium Organic Matcha (best for matcha salt) This is the matcha I used for the matcha salt in these photos. It is good quality, but still practical for mixing with salt, and you can also use it for lattes.
- Teafy Organic Ceremonial Grade Matcha Green Tea Powder (organic Japanese option) A nice option if you also want to use matcha for drinks or sweets.
- Hello Matcha Premium Matcha Powder (premium option) A lovely choice if you want something a little more special.
Avoid sweetened matcha powders for matcha salt. Choose matcha powder where the ingredient is just matcha powder. Sweetened matcha latte powders will not work well here.
How to Store Matcha Salt
Keep matcha salt in a small airtight container away from heat, light and moisture. Matcha's colour and aroma can fade over time, so it is best enjoyed while it still smells fresh.
Matcha salt is a simple way to bring matcha into everyday meals. You only need matcha powder and salt, but it can make a simple dish feel a little more special. Start with a small amount and enjoy finding your favourite way to use it.
- Tomoka