National Dish Japan: Matcha Dorayaki (Recipe)
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Treat yourself to Matcha Dorayaki, a charming twist on one of Japan’s best-loved sweets! Two soft, fluffy little pancakes are sandwiched together with a smooth, earthy matcha red bean paste, balancing the gentle bitterness of green tea against the mellow sweetness of anko. They make a delightful afternoon snack for tea lovers and bring a quiet touch of Japan to your kitchen with every bite.
About Matcha Dorayaki
Matcha Dorayaki are a delicious and traditional Japanese speciality made from two fluffy pancakes sandwiched around a fine matcha red bean paste. This sweet treat marries the distinctive flavour of matcha with the gentle sweetness of red beans for a truly memorable mouthful. Matcha is prized not only for its taste but also for its many wellbeing benefits, from antioxidants to a slow, steady release of energy. Whether enjoyed as a snack or alongside a relaxed tea break, matcha dorayaki are the perfect way to bring a little of Japan into your home.
Ingredients (serves 1–2)
- 100 g plain flour
- 30 g sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp matcha powder
- 150 ml milk
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 150 g red bean paste (or anko)
- 1 pinch of salt
Shopping for the ingredients
When shopping for matcha dorayaki, it is worth choosing good-quality ingredients to get the best possible result. Ideally, the matcha powder should come from Japan and be of the highest grade, as both the flavour and the colour can vary considerably. The red bean paste can be found in an Asian grocery or ordered online. Look for a paste made from quality ingredients, as this will improve both the sweetness and the overall flavour of the finished dorayaki.
Preparing the dish
Preparing matcha dorayaki is simple and straightforward. First, measure out and lay all your ingredients ready so the cooking runs smoothly from start to finish. It also helps to warm the red bean paste in advance, which makes it far easier to spread over the pancakes. Finally, keep a non-stick pan to hand to stop the pancakes from sticking as they cook.
Step-by-step instructions
- In a bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, matcha powder, baking powder and the salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the egg and stir in the milk.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix to a smooth batter.
- Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat and add a spoonful of the batter.
- Cook the pancakes for about 2 minutes, until bubbles begin to form on the surface.
- Flip the pancakes and cook for a further 1–2 minutes, until golden brown.
- Spread the warm red bean paste over a pancake and sandwich a second one on top.
- Repeat with the remaining batter and filling.
Gluten-free / lactose-free version
For a gluten-free version of matcha dorayaki, you can use rice flour or a gluten-free flour blend instead. These help you achieve the same light, airy result without conventional wheat flour. The milk can also be swapped easily for a plant-based alternative such as coconut or almond milk. Just check that every product you use is certified gluten-free to get the best results and to keep the recipe safe for anyone with an intolerance.
Tips for vegans and vegetarians
Vegans can adapt this recipe with ease by replacing the egg with a mixture of ground flaxseed and water, or with mashed banana. Use 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed to 2½ tablespoons of water as an egg substitute. Be sure to use a plant-based milk so the dish is suitable for a vegan diet. A little agave syrup or coconut sugar can help reduce the sugar content in a more wholesome way. With these swaps, matcha dorayaki become a tasty treat for vegans too.
More tips and tricks
To bring out the ingredients even more, you can stir small pieces of fruit such as pineapple or mango into the red bean paste for an extra touch of freshness. A squeeze of lemon also brightens the flavour and balances the sweetness of the beans beautifully. If you fancy a more adventurous batter, add spices such as cinnamon or vanilla for a special note. A little natural food colouring can lift the visual appeal in a creative way too. For more sweet inspiration, take a look at classic Dorayaki.
Adapting the recipe to your taste
There are countless ways to adapt the matcha dorayaki recipe. You can adjust the sugar to suit your own taste, or swap the red bean paste for other fillings such as chocolate cream or hazelnut spread. For a fruity twist, add fresh banana slices or berries. Be creative and try new combinations to build a flavour that is entirely your own — much like the warming sweetness found in a bowl of Zenzai.
Ingredient substitutions
If you do not have every ingredient to hand, there are a few easy swaps to consider. In place of flour, you could use almond flour or oat flour for a nuttier note. Instead of milk, a combination of water and oil can give you a similar consistency. Plant-based options such as hemp milk or soya milk are also excellent alternatives for a nourishing batter and filling.
Drink pairing ideas
Matcha dorayaki go wonderfully with a cup of freshly brewed green tea, which echoes and complements the matcha in the filling. A mild floral or herbal tea also makes pleasant company. For a sweeter accompaniment, a soya latte or a lightly foamed coffee are good choices. The right drink simply makes the snack all the more enjoyable.
Serving and presentation ideas
Presentation can lift the whole matcha dorayaki experience considerably. Serve the pancakes on a pretty plate and garnish with a fruit coulis or mint leaves to add colour and freshness. A light dusting of icing sugar or a touch of matcha powder on top adds an elegant finishing flourish. And do not forget a smart napkin or a decorative toothpick to make them well and truly Instagram-worthy.
A bit of history
The roots of dorayaki reach back to the 19th century, when they first appeared as a popular snack in Japan. Originally they were simple pancakes filled with sweet bean paste. The pairing of matcha and dorayaki is a more modern variation, blending a traditional Japanese sweet with today’s love of green tea. This fine combination has helped matcha dorayaki gain a following well beyond Japan, making them a sought-after dessert in cafés and restaurants around the world. They sit happily within the wider tradition of Japanese cuisine and its many refined sweets.
More recipe ideas
Summary: Matcha Dorayaki
In short, matcha dorayaki are a unique and delicious fusion of traditional Japanese craft and modern tastes. Easy to make and endlessly adaptable, they are the perfect snack or sweet indulgence at any time of day. Whether you enjoy them just as they are or serve them at a tea ceremony, this recipe is sure to delight your taste buds and impress your guests. Give them a try and let the fascinating world of Japanese sweets win you over.
