Transport yourself to a serene Japanese garden with this enchanting roasted rice tea. Genmai-cha, born from humble origins, elevates simple ingredients into a comforting and subtly nutty brew. What was once a resourceful way to extend precious tea leaves has become a beloved beverage in its own right.
Prepare the Rice: In a small, heavy-bottomed skillet, toast the brown rice over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to prevent burning. (5-7 minutes) Continue until the rice turns golden brown and develops a fragrant, toasted aroma. Be patient, as this step is crucial for the tea's signature flavor.
Infuse the Broth: Transfer the toasted rice to a small saucepan. Pour in the water and bring to a gentle boil over medium heat. Immediately reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1 minute. This allows the rice to release its nutty essence into the water.
Steep the Tea: Remove the saucepan from the heat and let it steep, covered, for an additional 3 minutes. This further develops the rice flavor.
Incorporate Green Tea: Add the green tea leaves to the saucepan. Cover and let steep for another 3 minutes. The green tea will add a layer of vegetal complexity to the broth.
Strain and Serve: Gently strain the tea through a fine-mesh sieve to remove the rice and tea leaves. Discard the solids. Serve the Genmai-cha hot in your favorite teacup. (2 minutes)
Elizabeth Deckow
Jun 19, 2025“This recipe is so comforting and easy to make. It’s become a staple in my afternoon routine.
Ari Bashirian
May 4, 2025“I never knew something so simple could taste so complex! The roasted rice adds such a unique flavor.
Lindsey Jenkins
Mar 26, 2025“I tried this with different types of green tea, and sencha was definitely the best! Experimenting is key.”