Why not add a touch of elegance to your dishes with Matcha Salt, rich in the aroma and umami of matcha? This Japanese seasoning is incredibly easy to make—with just two simple ingredients and no complicated steps.
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What is Matcha Salt?
Matcha Salt is a Japanese seasoning made by blending fine-grained salt with matcha powder. The rich umami and subtle bitterness of matcha perfectly complement the saltiness, enhancing the flavor of dishes while also adding a vibrant green hue. In Japan, it is mainly used for tempura and is a familiar seasoning at tempura restaurants.
While it is often associated exclusively with tempura in Japan, many people assume it has limited uses—but it is actually quite versatile. It can be used as a substitute for regular salt, and it pairs especially well with oily foods like grilled fish or French fries thanks to its ability to tone down greasiness.
Salt helps mellow the matcha’s natural bitterness while highlighting its umami, making it more than just a visually striking seasoning. While store-bought versions are available, homemade matcha salt provides a noticeably more flavorful experience. Try making it at home and enjoy this unique flavor!
Choosing the right salt texture
This seasoning is easy to make by simply mixing salt with matcha powder, but there is one important thing to keep in mind: the salt should have a fine texture, similar to that of matcha powder.
Matcha is made by drying tea leaves known as tencha, which are specially processed, and then grinding them into a fine powder. Therefore, if you mix it with coarse salt, the two ingredients may feel mismatched, resulting in a lack of harmony.
For the best results, use finely ground salt. If you only have coarse salt available, grind it with a mortar and pestle (or another tool) until it reaches a fine consistency.
Ratio of salt to matcha
The basic ratio for matcha salt is 1:1—equal parts salt and matcha powder. If you want a stronger salty flavor, increase the amount of salt. If you prefer a more pronounced matcha flavor, add more matcha powder instead.
That said, in my experience, using too much salt can diminish the unique character of matcha salt, while using too much matcha powder can make the texture overly powdery. So, even if you adjust the ratio, I recommend keeping it within a 60:40 range in either direction.
Dishes that pair well with Matcha Salt
Here are some dishes that are commonly paired with matcha salt. See if you can find a favorite, or try adding it to dishes from your own local cuisine—it might add an interesting twist.
- Tempura
- Kakiage (mixed vegetable tempura)
- Grilled fish
- Sashimi (sliced raw fish)
- Hiyayakko (chilled tofu)
- Onigiri (rice balls)
- French fries
- Steak
- Roast beef
- Grilled vegetables
- Salad
- Popcorn
📋Step-by-step recipe
Ingredients
- 1 tsp fine salt (If you only have coarse salt, grind it with a mortar and pestle until finely ground.)
- 1 tsp matcha powder
Instructions
🕒 Total: 1 min
Step 1
In a small dish, mix salt and matcha powder.
To store
You can store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks, or in the refrigerator for up to a month. These storage times are based on the recommended guidelines for freshly opened matcha powder. After this period, the flavor may gradually deteriorate, but as long as there are no noticeable changes in color, smell, or taste, it is generally safe to consume.
If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear what you think. Please consider leaving a review and star rating in the comments below. If you enjoyed it, I’d really appreciate it if you shared it with your friends.
FAQ
Yes, it is—but not just any green tea leaves. While both matcha and other types of Japanese green tea come from the same plant, they are grown and processed quite differently. As a result, they also differ in their composition.
Recipe card
Matcha Salt
Ingredients
- 1 tsp fine salt (If you only have coarse salt, grind it with a mortar and pestle until finely ground.)
- 1 tsp matcha powder
Instructions
- In a small dish, mix salt and matcha powder.
Notes
- You can store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks, or in the refrigerator for up to a month. These storage times are based on the recommended guidelines for freshly opened matcha powder. After this period, the flavor may gradually deteriorate, but as long as there are no noticeable changes in color, smell, or taste, it is generally safe to consume.
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