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As a fellow foodie and a fan of Keith’s no-nonsense style, I was inspired to try his viral matcha recipe myself. I figured, if Keith Lee can have his taste buds dancing over a cup of matcha, maybe I could too. Let me take you through the simple steps, my little tweaks, and what actually happened when I sipped that first creamy green sip of my version of Keith Lee’s Matcha.
Table of Contents
What Is Keith Lee’s Matcha?
The Keith Lee Matcha is actually a limited-edition matcha latte, officially called the Keith Lee Latte. created by TikTok food influencer Keith Lee in collaboration with La La Land Kind Café.
Ingredients:
- 1–2 teaspoons matcha powder (preferably high-quality, ceremonial-grade for best flavor)
- 2–3 tablespoons hot water (not boiling; about 175°F/80°C)
- 1 cup milk of choice (regular, oat, almond, or soy all work wonderfully)
- 1–2 teaspoons honey or sweetener of choice (like agave, simple syrup, or maple syrup)
- Ice (optional, if you prefer it iced)
- Vanilla extract (optional, for added flavor).
Instructions:
- Sift the Matcha: Use a small sifter or fine mesh strainer to sift 1-2 teaspoons of matcha powder into a bowl or a large mug. This prevents clumps and ensures you get a smooth, even blend.
- Add Hot Water: Pour in 2-3 tablespoons of hot water (not boiling—boiling water can make matcha taste bitter). The water should be hot enough to dissolve the powder but gentle enough to keep the flavor balanced.
- Whisk Until Frothy: Use a traditional bamboo matcha whisk (chasen) or a small handheld milk frother to whisk the matcha and water vigorously until it’s frothy and the powder is fully dissolved. Whisk in an “M” or “W” motion for best results.
- Sweeten to Taste: Drizzle in your honey or sweetener, and add a splash of vanilla extract if you’re using it. Whisk or stir again to combine.
- Add Milk: Heat your milk (if enjoying hot matcha) until steaming but not boiling, or keep it cold for an iced matcha latte. Pour the milk slowly into your whisked matcha.
- Serve Over Ice (Optional): If you’re making an iced matcha, add ice cubes to a tall glass, pour the matcha over the ice, and give it a gentle stir.
- Taste and Adjust: Everyone’s sweetness and matcha preference differ! Taste your drink and adjust the sweetness or amount of milk as needed.
Keith Lee’s Matcha Tips:
- Use Quality Matcha: The better the powder, the smoother and sweeter your drink will taste. Ceremonial-grade is best for drinking.
- Don’t Skip Sifting: Even the best matcha can get clumpy. Sifting creates a silky smooth beverage.
- Water Temperature Matters: Avoid bitter matcha by using water that’s just under boiling—about 175°F/80°C is just right.
- Experiment With Milk: Oat milk and almond milk both make the matcha extra creamy and add subtle flavors.
- Personalize: Keith loves tweaking recipes. Try adding cinnamon, coconut cream, or even a shot of espresso for a matcha latte twist!
What To Serve Keith Lee’s Matcha With
Savory Pairings:
- Avocado Toast: The creaminess of ripe avocado on crusty sourdough balances the slightly grassy, umami edge of matcha. Top with a sprinkle of chili flakes, sesame seeds, or even a soft-boiled egg for extra protein.
- Japanese-Inspired Sandwiches: Simple sandwiches, like tamago sando (egg salad), katsu sando (fried chicken or pork cutlet), or even a veggie poke bowl, pair beautifully with matcha’s earthy notes.
- Smoked Salmon Bagels: A lightly toasted bagel with cream cheese, smoked salmon, and capers makes a savory, slightly tangy backdrop for your matcha.
Sweet Pairings:
- Fresh Berries or Fruit Salad: Juicy strawberries, blueberries, or sliced peaches are a refreshing match for matcha’s rich taste, and their natural sweetness balances any lingering bitterness.
- Pastries and Baked Goods: Try croissants, almond biscotti, or scones (especially those with white chocolate or lemon) for a contrast of textures with your creamy drink. Japanese treats like dorayaki (pancakes filled with sweet bean paste) or mochi pair exceptionally well.
- Pancakes or Waffles: A stack of fluffy pancakes or crispy waffles (especially those with a touch of vanilla or citrus zest) is a brunch dream with a glass of iced matcha. Add berries, honey, or whipped cream for extra flavor.
Light Bites & Snacks:
- Rice Crackers or Seaweed Snacks: A handful of crispy rice crackers or nori seaweed snacks brings out the savory “umami” in Keith Lee’s matcha, great for mid-afternoon munching.
- Nut or Seed Mixes: Lightly salted almonds, pistachios, or a homemade granola bar complement both hot and iced matcha lattes and give you lasting energy.
- Dark Chocolate: Keith Lee’s matcha and chocolate are a match made in heaven! A square of good-quality dark chocolate or even matcha-flavored chocolate elevates the experience.
Health Benefits
- Rich in Antioxidants: Matcha is famously high in antioxidants, especially a group called catechins. One specific catechin, EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate), is known for its powerful disease-fighting properties. Antioxidants help your body fight off free radicals, which are unstable molecules that can cause cell damage and accelerate aging. A single cup of matcha can deliver more antioxidants than other green teas or superfoods like blueberries and spinach!
- Boosts Focus and Calm: Unlike traditional brewed green tea, matcha uses the whole ground leaf, so you’re getting a more concentrated dose of compounds. Matcha is unique because it contains both caffeine and L-theanine. Caffeine gives you a gentle energy boost, but L-theanine brings a calm, focused feeling—think alert, not jittery. Many people (Keith Lee included!) enjoy matcha for its ability to help you concentrate on whatever you’re working on, whether it’s reviewing food or tackling your daily to-do list.
- Supports Metabolism and Weight Management: Research suggests that matcha can naturally boost your metabolism and help your body burn calories more efficiently. Some studies show that drinking green tea, especially matcha, may enhance fat burning during exercise. While it’s no magic weight loss solution, incorporating matcha into an active, balanced lifestyle might help you meet your fitness goals.
- Natural Detoxification: Matcha’s vibrant color comes from chlorophyll, which also acts as a natural detoxifier. Chlorophyll can help cleanse your body of heavy metals and other unwanted toxins. That’s why many wellness experts recommend matcha as a gentle, everyday detox drink.
- Immune System Support: Matcha contains vitamin C, selenium, chromium, zinc, and magnesium—all nutrients that help keep your immune system strong. Plus, the polyphenols (a type of antioxidant) are thought to help fight bacteria and viruses, making your body more resilient to everyday illness.
- Heart Health: Regular consumption of green tea with matcha included, has been linked to improved heart health. The catechins in matcha may help lower LDL (“bad”) cholesterol, reduce blood pressure, and improve blood vessel function. All of these factors combine to support a healthier cardiovascular system.
- Mood Boost: Some people find that the L-theanine and caffeine in matcha put them in a better mood. Improved focus and relaxation can make you more productive and positive—two things Keith Lee often credits for his balanced approach to life and work.
Final Thoughts
After giving Keith Lee’s matcha recipe a try, I get the hype. It’s more than just a pretty green drink—it’s a whole experience that brings a calming energy boost, delicious flavor, and a dash of daily wellness into your routine. Whether you love a creamy, sweetened latte or prefer your matcha straight up and earthy, Keith’s approachable style shows there’s no right or wrong way to enjoy this superfood sip.
More Latte Recipes:
- Copycat Dutch Bros Mudslide Mocha Recipe
- Copycat Dutch Bros Strawberry Colada Recipe
- Copycat Starbucks Raisin Con Crema Espresso Recipe
- Copycat Dunkin’ Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe
Ingredients
- 1–2 teaspoons matcha powder (preferably high-quality, ceremonial-grade for best flavor)
- 2–3 tablespoons hot water (not boiling; about 175°F/80°C)
- 1 cup milk of choice (regular, oat, almond, or soy all work wonderfully)
- 1–2 teaspoons honey or sweetener of choice (like agave, simple syrup, or maple syrup)
- Ice (optional, if you prefer it iced)
- Vanilla extract (optional, for added flavor).
Instructions
- Sift the Matcha: Use a small sifter or fine mesh strainer to sift 1-2 teaspoons of matcha powder into a bowl or a large mug. This prevents clumps and ensures you get a smooth, even blend.
- Add Hot Water: Pour in 2-3 tablespoons of hot water (not boiling—boiling water can make matcha taste bitter). The water should be hot enough to dissolve the powder but gentle enough to keep the flavor balanced.
- Whisk Until Frothy: Use a traditional bamboo matcha whisk (chasen) or a small handheld milk frother to whisk the matcha and water vigorously until it's frothy and the powder is fully dissolved. Whisk in an "M" or "W" motion for best results.
- Sweeten to Taste: Drizzle in your honey or sweetener, and add a splash of vanilla extract if you're using it. Whisk or stir again to combine.
- Add Milk: Heat your milk (if enjoying hot matcha) until steaming but not boiling, or keep it cold for an iced matcha latte. Pour the milk slowly into your whisked matcha.
- Serve Over Ice (Optional): If you're making an iced matcha, add ice cubes to a tall glass, pour the matcha over the ice, and give it a gentle stir.
- Taste and Adjust: Everyone's sweetness and matcha preference differ! Taste your drink and adjust the sweetness or amount of milk as needed.
