my dear friend, my next cookbook, 108 Asian Cookies, is coming this October, and if you preorder now, you will receive a year-long subscription to my premium substack (worth $70) and access to new recipes all year long! Preorders mean so, so much to underrepresented authors like me and show publishers and retailers that voices like mine deserve prominent spaces on the bookshelves! Thank you!
END OF ANNOUNCEMENT
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dear friend,
I’ve been trying to incorporate more protein into my diet, but it’s been difficult as a carb lover. Like, I could eat pasta every day and be the happiest girl in the world. Or bread with butter. On my quest to increase protein intake in my diet, I discovered a quick and easy microwave bread (or cake) that is not too sweet, matcha-flavored, and packed with protein from silken tofu.
The best part is this recipe is one-bowl, ready in minutes, and perfect for when it’s too hot to use your oven. This bread can also be eaten as a cake, so it’s perfect as an anytime snack or as dessert.
It tastes like something between a steamed matcha cake with a chew that is lighter than mochi’s. To the batter, I added miso for savory depth. Maple syrup provides gentle sweetness. For a sugar-free version, use allulose or monk fruit syrup. Matcha gives the bread/cake its beautiful verdant shade and nutty/grassy deliciousness. Then a crown of chocolate chips adds elegance. While optional, I highly recommend adding them or your favorite toppings, like nuts or dried cranberries.
Trust me, this recipe hits the spot when it’s sweltering outside and you need something nourishing but comforting.
Kat Lieu’s one-bowl not-too-sweet microwave matcha bread/cake recipe inspired by @dis_is_ruruka on Instagram
Note on adaptation of @dis_is_ruruka’s recipe: Mine is vegan and gluten-free; it has no eggs, added miso, added oil, and I added chocolate chips.
Ingredients:
300 grams silken tofu
3 tablespoons maple syrup (if you want sweeter, add another tablespoon or a tablespoon of sugar)
1 tablespoon red or white miso
1 tablespoon neutral oil
105 grams rice flour (not glutinous rice flour)
2 teaspoons to 1 tablespoon matcha
1 heaping teaspoon baking powder
Chocolate chips or other toppings, for topping
Yield: One small cake/bread
Prep time: About 5 minutes
Cook time: About 5 to 6 minutes
Storage: Store in an airtight container or wrap in plastic wrap for up to 2 to 3 days and warm up by steaming for a few minutes or microwaving for 20-30 seconds.
Instructions:
Crumple and unfurl a piece of parchment paper, then line a small microwave-safe bowl or container (like a glass Pyrex).
Add the tofu, maple syrup, miso, and oil to a mixing bowl and mix until well combined (use a whisk).
Add the rice flour, matcha, and baking powder to the bowl. Fold or mix until well combined and no dry trails remain. Don’t overmix.
Transfer the batter to the prepared bowl and microwave until the center is set. This takes about 5 to 6 minutes in my microwave. The center will darken and puff up when it’s ready.
Test for doneness using a toothpick or bamboo skewer—insert it into the center; if it comes out clean, it’s ready.
Top with chocolate chips and allow to cool before slicing and serving.
Hope you give this not-too-sweet matcha treat a try. She’s quick, packed with protein, and totally satisfying. If you make it, tag me @katlieu so I can smile like a proud baking fairy godmother.
And don’t forget to preorder 108 Asian Cookies. Your support means the world to me. Let’s prove our flavors and stories deserve a spot on every bookshelf and in every kitchen.
Love you, —Kat Lieu of Kathleen’s Kitchen, Modern Asian Baking, and Subtle Asian Baking
“One day, I will be the Asian Julia Child…”- Kat Lieu <3 And you are paving the path for me to achieve this dream, dear friend <3
This recipe looks so good but I’ve never bought matcha before. Is there a brand you recommend? And would I find it in a regular market or would HMart have it, too? (I shop at both.) Thank you! :)
Hi Kat,
This recipe looks so good but I’ve never bought matcha before. Is there a brand you recommend? And would I find it in a regular market or would HMart have it, too? (I shop at both.) Thank you! :)
congrats on 108 Asian Cookies!! Looking forward to its release Kat!