Green Tea Ice Cream is a delicious treat that is becoming more popular around the world. Also known as matcha ice, it is very popular in Japan and East Asia. The ice cream is usually sold in the form of monaka, or powdered green tea
Green Tea Ice Cream Recipes
Matcha Ice cream
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 Tbsp salt
- 6 eggs large
- Cup sugar
- 2 tbsp Japanese green tea powdered (Matcha)
Instructions
- Place milk, cream, and salt in a saucepan (heavy 4-quart) and bring to a boil then remove from heat.
- Whisk sugar, eggs, and Matcha in a bowl. Make sure matcha is not dissolved completely.
- Add 1 cup hot cream mixture in a stream (slow) while vigorously whisking.
- Whisk in custard to the remaining cream mixture in the saucepan then cook over medium-low heat. Constantly stir with a spoon (wooden) until it registers 1700F. Make sure it doesn’t boil.
- Pour the custard through a sieve (fine) to a bowl (metal). Cool to room temperature while constantly stirring and cover.
- Rest for about 1 hour until cold then place in a freezer to harden.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
© Food And Meal
This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. Nutrition data is gathered primarily from the Spoonacular Database, whenever available, or otherwise other online calculators.
Alternative Method: Green Tea Ice Cream with an Ice Cream Maker
Ingredients:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons matcha (ceremonial-grade)
- 4 large egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Mix Matcha and Milk: In a mixing bowl, whisk the matcha powder into the whole milk until it dissolves. Ensure there are no lumps, and the mixture is smooth.
- Create Matcha Base: In a saucepan, heat the heavy cream and sugar over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugar dissolves. Avoid boiling; we’re looking for a scalding temperature, where tiny bubbles form at the edge of the mixture. Once done, remove from heat and stir in the matcha-milk mixture and vanilla extract. Allow it to cool slightly.
- Whisk Egg Yolks: In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks until they become slightly paler in color.
- Temper the Eggs: Slowly pour the warm matcha-cream mixture into the egg yolks, whisking constantly. This tempers the eggs, preventing them from curdling when we return the mixture to the heat.
- Return to Heat: Pour the combined mixture back into the saucepan. Cook over low-medium heat, stirring constantly until it thickens. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the mixture coats the back of a spoon, and you can draw a line with your finger through the coating.
- Strain and Cool: Remove the mixture from heat and strain it through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean bowl to remove any possible lumps or bits of cooked egg. Let it cool to room temperature.
- Chill the Mixture: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for a minimum of 4 hours, or ideally overnight. Chilling the mixture thoroughly is crucial for the best ice cream texture.
- Churn the Ice Cream: Once the mixture is properly chilled, pour it into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions. It usually takes about 15-20 minutes.
- Transfer and Freeze: Transfer your freshly churned ice cream into a lidded container and place it in the freezer for at least 4-6 hours or until firm.
- Serve and Enjoy: Scoop your homemade Green Tea Ice Cream into bowls or cones, and enjoy the silky, matcha-infused goodness.
Tips for making Green Tea Ice Cream
Cooking Tips
- Quality Matcha Matters: Invest in high-quality matcha powder for the most authentic and vibrant green tea flavor. Ceremonial-grade matcha is the best choice for this recipe.
- Temper the Eggs: When combining the warm matcha-cream mixture with egg yolks, pour the mixture slowly and whisk constantly. This technique, called tempering, ensures your ice cream base remains smooth and velvety.
- Proper Chilling: Allow your ice cream base to chill for a minimum of 4 hours or, even better, overnight. This step is essential to achieve the right texture.
- Ice Cream Maker: An ice cream maker is the ideal appliance for creating the creamiest ice cream. The constant churning prevents ice crystals from forming, resulting in a smoother treat.
- Variations: Get creative with mix-ins. You can add white chocolate chips, toasted coconut, or even red bean paste to your ice cream for extra flavor and texture.
Serving Suggestions
1. Sides and Garnishes:
- Fresh Berries: Serve with a medley of fresh berries like strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries for a delightful contrast of flavors.
- Mochi: Enjoy it with chewy and sweet mochi pieces for an authentic Japanese dessert experience.
- Toasted Coconut: A sprinkle of toasted coconut adds a delightful crunch and complements the matcha taste.
- Red Bean Paste: A dollop of sweet red bean paste on top is a classic Japanese pairing.
2. Beverages:
- Matcha Tea: For an ultimate matcha experience, pair your ice cream with a cup of warm matcha tea.
- Iced Coffee: The contrast of the rich ice cream with a refreshing iced coffee is a match made in dessert heaven.
3. Serving Styles:
- In a Cone: Scoop your Green Tea Ice Cream into a crispy sugar cone for a hand-held treat.
- Sundaes: Create sundaes with chocolate sauce, whipped cream, and a cherry on top.
- Affogato: For an adult twist, pour a shot of hot espresso over a scoop of Green Tea Ice Cream.
FAQs About Green Tea Ice Cream
- Can I use culinary-grade matcha for this recipe? While ceremonial-grade matcha offers the best flavor, culinary-grade matcha can be used. Just be prepared for a slightly different taste.
- What can I use if I don’t have an ice cream maker? If you don’t have an ice cream maker, you can pour the mixture into a lidded container and freeze it, stirring vigorously every 30 minutes until it’s set.
- Is it possible to make this ice cream dairy-free? Yes, you can make a dairy-free version by substituting the heavy cream and whole milk with coconut cream and almond milk. The texture might differ slightly.
- How long can I store Green Tea Ice Cream? When stored in an airtight container in the freezer, Green Tea Ice Cream can last for up to two months. Make sure it’s well-covered to prevent freezer burn.
- Can I make this in advance for a party? Absolutely! In fact, preparing Green Tea Ice Cream in advance allows it to develop a more robust matcha flavor. Just remember to store it properly in the freezer until your event.
Create Green Tea Ice Cream at home with our delightful recipe. Indulge in the soothing essence of matcha with this homemade treat. Get ready to savor the ultimate matcha experience!
I'm James F Anderson, a noted sous chef from London and a Le Cordon Bleu alumnus. My career began in a Michelin-starred Parisian eatery, where my blend of classic and contemporary cooking, using seasonal ingredients, earned accolades. Recognized in culinary publications and on cooking shows, I’m committed to mentoring aspiring chefs and delivering memorable dining experiences, marking me as a standout talent in the culinary world.