peipei's recipe | red bean matcha latte

Hey, fellow home cafe enthusiasts! I've been getting so many questions about my red bean matcha latte, and I totally get why – it’s one of my absolute favorites! That unique blend of earthy matcha and sweet, creamy red bean is just heavenly. If you’ve ever wanted to recreate that cafe vibe right in your kitchen, you’re in the right place. I'm going to walk you through how I make my go-to red bean matcha latte, step by step, so you can enjoy this delicious red bean matcha latte anytime. Forget those expensive coffee shop runs; let’s make some magic at home! First things first, let's talk about the red bean. You can totally use canned sweet red bean paste for convenience – no judgment here! But if you're feeling a bit more adventurous, making your own is super rewarding. Just soak some red beans overnight, boil them until soft, then mash them with a little sugar. For my latte, I usually put about 1-2 tablespoons of the paste at the bottom of my glass. It creates that beautiful layered effect and gives you a burst of sweetness with every sip. Next up is the star: matcha! Quality really makes a difference here. I always sift my 2 teaspoons of matcha powder into a small bowl to avoid any clumps. Then, I add about 2-3 tablespoons of hot (but not boiling!) water – around 175°F (80°C) is perfect. Whisk it vigorously with a bamboo whisk (chasen) until it's smooth and frothy. This is essential for a silky, lump-free matcha layer. Trust me, a good whisk makes all the difference! Now for the milk. My recipe calls for almond milk, which I love for its subtle nuttiness that complements both the matcha and red bean so well. You can use any milk you prefer – oat milk for extra creaminess, soy milk, or even regular dairy milk. Pour about 1 cup of your chosen cold milk over the red bean paste. If you're making an iced red bean matcha latte, add ice cubes before the milk. For a hot version, warm your milk gently. Finally, gently pour your whisked matcha over the milk. Watch how it cascades down, creating those beautiful green and white layers, with the red bean peeking through at the bottom. Give it a gentle swirl with a spoon right before you drink it to mix all those wonderful flavors together. And there you have it – your very own delicious red bean matcha latte! Tips & Variations for Your Perfect Red Bean Matcha Drink: Sweetness Control: If you like your red bean matcha latte sweeter, you can add a touch of maple syrup or agave to your milk before pouring, or mix it directly into the red bean paste. Hot or Iced: This recipe works perfectly for both! Just adjust your milk temperature and add ice if you prefer it cold. Matcha Red Bean Milk Tea: If you prefer a 'milk tea' style, simply use less milk and a bit more hot water when whisking your matcha. You can also add some black tea concentrate (like hojicha or genmaicha) with your milk for an extra layer of flavor. Toppings: I sometimes top mine with a sprinkle of extra matcha powder, a dollop of whipped cream, or even a few whole red beans for garnish. It makes it feel extra special, like a true cafe indulgence! Making a red bean matcha latte at home is a simple pleasure that feels incredibly luxurious. It's the perfect pick-me-up or a relaxing treat. I hope you enjoy making (and drinking!) this delightful creation as much as I do. Let me know if you try it and what your favorite variations are!