As a chef at Food And Meal, I’m always seeking out new flavor combinations to surprise and delight readers. During a recent trip to Hawaii, I discovered a wonderfully unique and refreshing treat – shaved ice topped with sweet adzuki beans. The first sweet-salty bite transported me back to childhood summers spent devouring mounds of fluffy ice drenched in syrups. But the addition of the rich, nutty beans added a new dimension that left me craving more.
Eager to recreate this exceptional dessert, I began experimenting with recipes as soon as I returned home. After testing different ice textures, bean varieties, and topping ideas, I finally crafted the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Creamy ice that melts in your mouth, subtly sweet beans that pop with each bite, and homemade fruit syrups that tie it all together.
With summer heat on the horizon, I can’t wait to share my tropical spin on this classic chilled dessert. The sweet bean topping lends just enough substance and hearty contrast to make it incredibly craveable. I hope it brings back fond memories of carefree days enjoying icy treats in the sunshine for you as well! Let me know what unique shaved ice combinations you’d like me to try next!
Korean Shaved Ice with Sweet Beans Recipe
SHAVED ICE WITH SWEET BEANS
Equipment
Ingredients
- 3 cups shaved ice
- 1/4 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 cup sweet red bean paste
- 1 kiwi, peeled, halved, and sliced
- 3 strawberries, sliced
- 1/2 cup rice cakes, cubed (injulmi or mochi)
- 1/2 banana, sliced
- Green tea powder, for garnish
- Scoop of Green Tea Ice Cream (here), for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Put the shaved ice in a serving bowl.
- Mix the condensed milk and regular milk together in a small bowl and pour over the ice.
- Top with the bean paste, kiwi, strawberries, rice cakes, banana, and a generous shake of green tea powder.
- Top with a scoop of green tea ice cream, if desired.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
© Food And Meal
This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. Nutrition data is gathered primarily from the Spoonacular Database, whenever available, or otherwise other online calculators.
Cooking Tips
The first time I tried this cooling, creamy treat was at a small shop in Tokyo’s bustling Shinjuku district on a sweltering summer day. With the first sweet and nutty bite, I was transported back to childhood memories of eating similar snowy concoctions.
Over the years, I’ve picked up some tips for making superb bingsu at home. Using a food processor to shave the ice creates ethereally fine, powdery flakes that almost seem to disappear on the tongue. Mixing in just a splash of condensed milk amplifies the lush texture. And when it comes to the bean paste, I highly recommend making it from scratch instead of using store-bought – it makes all the difference!
As I heap mounds of freshly shaved ice into bowls and drizzle on that glossy red bean topping, I can’t help but smile. This dessert brings such nostalgia and joy. I hope these little suggestions help you create some special memories of your own! Let me know if you have any other bingsu-making secrets.
Serving Suggestions
Try the Japanese Aburasoba Shaved Ice, where a savory aburasoba sauce gracefully complements the sweetness. For a taste of autumn, opt for the Pumpkin Porridge Shaved Ice, blending velvety pumpkin goodness with the chilled sensation of shaved ice. Mung Bean Pancake Shaved Ice introduces a crispy twist, while the Cranberry Cobbler variation brings a tangy burst to the icy mix. Dive into tradition with Matcha Ice Cream Shaved Ice, balancing bitter matcha notes with the lusciousness of sweet beans. Experiment further with the savory crunch of Cheese Donkatsu or the rich decadence of Vanilla Oreo Cake Shaved Ice. To add a tropical touch, savor the Coconut Date Bites Shaved Ice, combining the coolness of ice with the chewy allure of coconut and dates.
List of 9 FAQs of Shaved Ice with Sweet Beans
- What are azuki beans on shave ice? Azuki beans, also known as red beans, are a common topping for shaved ice desserts like Patbingsu. These sweetened and cooked beans add a rich, earthy flavor to the icy treat.
- What is Korean shaved ice made of? Korean shaved ice, known as Patbingsu, typically consists of finely shaved ice topped with a variety of ingredients. Common toppings include sweetened red bean paste, fruit (such as strawberries and kiwi), sweet rice cakes (tteok), condensed milk, and occasionally ice cream.
- How do you eat Patbingsu? To enjoy Patbingsu, use a spoon to mix and blend the toppings into the shaved ice. Ensure each bite captures a combination of flavors and textures. It’s a communal dessert often shared among friends or family.
- What is the difference between bingsu and shaved ice? While both terms refer to frozen desserts, the main difference lies in the texture and preparation. Korean Bingsu, like Patbingsu, involves shaved ice that is finely shaved, resulting in a light and fluffy texture. Traditional shaved ice may have a coarser texture and is often topped with various syrups or flavored juices.
- Can I store leftover “Patbingsu” for later enjoyment? Yes, you can store leftover “Patbingsu” in an airtight container in the freezer. However, keep in mind that the texture may change upon thawing, so it’s best enjoyed fresh.
- What are some common toppings for “Patbingsu”? Popular toppings for “Patbingsu” include red bean paste, fruit (like strawberries and kiwi), sweet rice cakes (tteok), and condensed milk. Get creative and mix and match to suit your taste.
- Is “Patbingsu” a year-round dessert? While “Patbingsu” is particularly popular in Korea during the summer months, it’s enjoyed year-round. In the winter, it may be served with warm toppings like roasted chestnuts.
- Can I make a vegan version of “Patbingsu”? Absolutely! You can make a vegan “Patbingsu” by using coconut milk or another plant-based milk and opting for vegan-friendly toppings such as coconut whipped cream.
- Are there any gluten-free variations of “Patbingsu”? Yes, you can easily make a gluten-free “Patbingsu” by ensuring that the toppings and sweet bean paste you use are gluten-free. Most of the dish’s ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Conclusion
As I bring this post about shaved ice with sweet beans to a close, I hope you’ll take some time to try this classic Japanese summertime treat. The interplay of the flaky shaved ice and the rich, creamy sweet bean paste is simply delightful on a hot day. The Food and Meal test kitchen went through countless iterations to develop the perfect balance of flavors and textures for our recipe. We settled on using high quality adzuki beans cooked down with brown sugar to achieve a smooth, decadent topping. And we found that shaving the ice as fine as possible results in the best mouthfeel with each bite simply melting away. The vibrant matcha syrup adds a pop of color and earthy bitterness that cuts through the sweetness perfectly. This is one chilled dessert that never fails to transport me back to lazy afternoons spent people watching in Japanese cafes. I’d love to hear your feedback if you give our shaved ice a try this summer! Please tag @foodandmeal and let me know your favorite flavors to pair with the sweet adzuki bean paste. Stay cool, friends!
