Making matcha dalgona
Making matcha dalgona is a easy Korean recipe that serves 2. 75 calories per serving. Recipe by Ethan Rode on YouTube.
Prep: 8 min | Cook: PT0M | Total: 13 min
Cost: $1.40 total, $0.70 per serving
Ingredients
- 2 tsp Matcha Powder (culinary grade, sifted)
- 2 tbsp Granulated Sugar (white granulated)
- 2 tbsp Heavy Cream (cold, for best froth)
- 1 cup Milk (cold, any type (dairy or plant‑based))
Instructions
Prepare Ingredients
Sift the matcha powder into a mixing bowl, then add the granulated sugar and cold heavy cream.
Time: PT1M
Whisk into Froth
Using a whisk or electric mixer, whisk vigorously for 3–5 minutes until the mixture becomes thick, glossy and holds stiff peaks.
Time: PT5M
Assemble Drink
Fill a glass with cold milk, leaving room at the top, then spoon the whipped matcha over the milk as a fluffy topping.
Time: PT1M
Add Optional Flavors
Garnish with fresh sliced strawberries, mango cubes, or a drizzle of honey for extra flavor.
Time: PT1M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 75
- Protein
- 0g
- Carbohydrates
- 12g
- Fat
- 3g
- Fiber
- 0g
Dietary info: Vegetarian, Can be made vegan by using coconut cream and plant‑based milk
Allergens: Dairy
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Matcha Powder: green tea powder, matcha latte mix
- Instead of Granulated Sugar: coconut sugar, honey (use less)
- Instead of Heavy Cream: whipping cream, coconut cream (vegan)
- Instead of Milk: almond milk, soy milk, oat milk
Equipment Needed
- Mixing Bowl
- Whisk
- Spoon
- Glass
- Fine Mesh Sieve (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Whisk until the mixture holds stiff peaks; this ensures the characteristic airy texture of Dalgona
- Sift the matcha powder before whisking to avoid gritty clumps
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use ceremonial‑grade matcha for a smoother, less bitter flavor
- A metal bowl retains cold better than glass
- If you have an electric frother, it can achieve stiff peaks in about 2 minutes
Troubleshooting
The mixture does not become thick or stays watery
Make sure the cream is very cold and the bowl is chilled; whisk longer or increase the amount of matcha slightly.
Gritty texture from matcha particles
Sift the matcha powder before adding it to the bowl to remove clumps.
Too sweet for taste
Reduce the amount of sugar or use a lower‑sweetness sweetener such as stevia.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store any leftover whipped matcha in an airtight container for up to 2 hours; stir gently before using
Freezer: Not recommended; texture will change
Room temperature: Not recommended; the froth will collapse quickly
Make-Ahead Tips
- Whip the matcha mixture up to 2 hours ahead and keep it chilled; give it a quick stir before topping the drink
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Dalgona coffee in Korean cuisine?
Dalgona coffee originated in South Korea during the 2020 pandemic as a simple, Instagram‑friendly drink made by whisking instant coffee, sugar and water into a frothy foam and topping milk. It quickly became a symbol of home‑bound creativity and spread worldwide as a viral trend.
How did the trend of Dalgona coffee spread globally and influence variations like matcha Dalgona?
The visual appeal of the thick foam and the ease of preparation made Dalgona coffee popular on TikTok and Instagram, inspiring home cooks to experiment with different flavors such as cocoa, caramel, and matcha, creating new twists while keeping the signature frothy texture.
What traditional Japanese beverage does matcha Dalgona draw inspiration from?
Matcha Dalgona echoes the Japanese tradition of matcha‑based drinks like matcha latte and matcha foam desserts, combining the ceremonial green tea powder with a modern whipped technique that mirrors the airy texture of traditional wagashi fillings.
In what occasions is Dalgona coffee traditionally enjoyed in Korea?
While Dalgona coffee began as a home‑café treat during lockdowns, it is now enjoyed at casual gatherings, brunches, and as a refreshing dessert‑like beverage during the warm summer months in Korea.
How does matcha Dalgona fit into the broader Korean and Japanese fusion beverage trends?
Matcha Dalgona blends Korean viral coffee culture with Japanese matcha heritage, exemplifying the growing fusion trend where iconic drinks are re‑imagined with cross‑cultural ingredients to appeal to a global palate.
What are authentic traditional ingredients for Dalgona coffee versus acceptable substitutes in a matcha version?
Traditional Dalgona coffee uses instant coffee, granulated sugar and hot water. In the matcha version, high‑quality matcha powder replaces coffee, sugar remains the same, and cold heavy cream (or a plant‑based cream) substitutes the water to create a richer foam.
What other Korean or Japanese drinks pair well with matcha Dalgona?
Matcha Dalgona pairs nicely with classic Korean milky drinks like sujeonggwa (cinnamon punch) or Japanese beverages such as cold barley tea (mugicha) and yuzu soda, offering contrasting flavors and textures.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making matcha Dalgona at home?
Common errors include using warm cream (which prevents proper foam), whisking for too short a time, and neglecting to sift the matcha, all of which result in a thin or gritty topping.
How do I know when the matcha Dalgona mixture has reached the right froth consistency?
The mixture should become thick, glossy and hold stiff peaks when the whisk is lifted—similar to a well‑whipped meringue. It will no longer be runny and will sit on the spoon without collapsing.
What does the YouTube channel Ethan Rode specialize in?
The YouTube channel Ethan Rode focuses on quick, approachable home‑cooking tutorials, often featuring trendy recipes, simple ingredient swaps, and clear visual step‑by‑step guidance for everyday cooks.
Last updated: August 21, 2026
