What Is Matcha Salt? A Simple Japanese Seasoning for Tempura, Karaage and More

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.

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.

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.

1. 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.
2. Add the same amount of matcha powder as salt.
3. Mix well until the colour looks even.
4. Store in a small airtight jar and use a little at a time.

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.

Karaage

You can also use it as a finishing salt for simple Japanese dishes. Try a small pinch with grilled fish, sashimi, rice balls or even freshly cooked rice.

It also works well with grilled meat. Try a small pinch with grilled chicken wings, pork belly or steak. The gentle bitterness of matcha helps balance richer foods and gives them 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.

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.

It can also be nice on simple onigiri.

You can usually find matcha powder at Japanese grocery stores, Japanese cafes that sell matcha powder, or online. For matcha salt, you do not need expensive ceremonial matcha. A Japanese matcha made for cooking is enough.

Avoid sweetened matcha latte powders here. Choose matcha powder where the ingredient is just matcha powder.

Store matcha salt in a small airtight container away from heat, light and moisture, and use it while the aroma is still 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