Authentic Korean Bingsu: A Refreshing Summer Delight

Ingredients

  • 2 cups of shaved ice
  • 1 cup of sweetened condensed milk
  • 1/2 cup of sweet red beans (adzuki beans)
  • 1/4 cup of chopped fruit (like strawberries, kiwi, or bananas)
  • 2 tablespoons of sweet rice cakes (mochi)
  • 2 tablespoons of mixed nuts (like almonds, walnuts, or peanuts)
  • 1 scoop of vanilla ice cream
  • 1 teaspoon of matcha powder (optional)

Steps and instructions

  1. Gather all your ingredients in one place.
  2. Shave the ice until it's fluffy using an ice shaver. You can also use a food processor or blender, but make sure not to over-process it.
  3. In a large bowl, assemble your bingsu. Start with a layer of the shaved ice.
  4. Drizzle a quarter of the sweetened condensed milk over the top of the ice.
  5. Spread half of the sweet red beans over the top of the milk.
  6. Add another layer of the shaved ice on top of the red beans.
  7. Drizzle another quarter of the sweetened condensed milk over the new layer of ice.
  8. Arrange the chopped fruit and sweet rice cakes on top of the milk.
  9. Add the rest of the sweet red beans over the top of the fruit and rice cakes.
  10. Add one last layer of the shaved ice on top of the red beans.
  11. Drizzle the rest of the sweetened condensed milk over the top of the ice.
  12. Top with the scoop of vanilla ice cream.
  13. Sprinkle the mixed nuts over the top of the ice cream.
  14. If desired, dust the top of the bingsu with the matcha powder.
  15. Serve immediately with a spoon. Enjoy your homemade bingsu!

Tools for making

  • Ice shaver - Used to shave the ice into fluffy texture.
  • Food processor or blender - Alternative to an ice shaver, used to shave the ice if an ice shaver is not available.
  • Large bowl - Used to assemble the bingsu.
  • Spoon - Used to serve and eat the bingsu.

Recipe variations

  • Use different flavored syrups or sauces instead of sweetened condensed milk, such as chocolate syrup or caramel sauce.
  • Experiment with different fruit combinations, like mango and pineapple or blueberries and raspberries.
  • Add a layer of cereal or granola for extra crunch.
  • Replace the sweet red beans with other sweet fillings like Nutella, peanut butter, or jelly.
  • Try using different flavored ice creams like green tea, strawberry, or chocolate.
  • Swap out the shaved ice for frozen yogurt or sorbet.
  • Add a layer of crushed cookies or graham crackers for a cookie crumb texture.
  • Add flavored powders or extracts to the shaved ice, such as strawberry or coconut.
  • Top with whipped cream and a cherry for an extra indulgent touch.
  • Create a themed bingsu by using ingredients that match a certain flavor profile, like a tropical bingsu with pineapple, coconut, and passion fruit.

Recipe overview

Discover the refreshing joy of a homemade Bingsu, a popular Korean dessert that's perfect for hot summer days. This layered delight is a symphony of flavors and textures, featuring fluffy shaved ice, sweet condensed milk, chewy rice cakes, and the unique taste of sweet red beans. The dish is crowned with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a sprinkle of mixed nuts for added crunch. For a fancy twist, a dusting of matcha powder is the perfect finish. As you dig in, each spoonful combines some or all of these ingredients, making for an ever-evolving and enjoyable eating experience. Making Bingsu at home is straightforward, and this recipe breaks down the process into simple steps. Even though it's simple, the final product is as visually stunning as it is delicious, making it great for impressing guests or treating yourself to a special dessert at home. Enjoy crafting this sweet treat!

Common questions

  1. Can I use crushed ice instead of shaved ice? - Yes, you can use crushed ice as a substitute for shaved ice, but the texture of the bingsu may be slightly different.
  2. Can I use other types of beans instead of sweet red beans? - Yes, you can use other types of beans like kidney beans or black beans, but the traditional choice is sweet red beans (adzuki beans) for authentic flavor.
  3. Can I use other fruits instead of the ones mentioned? - Absolutely! You can use any fruits of your choice to customize your bingsu. Popular options include strawberries, mangoes, blueberries, or peaches.
  4. Can I omit the nuts? - Yes, you can omit the nuts if you have allergies or personal preferences. The nuts add a crunchy texture, but the bingsu will still be delicious without them.
  5. Can I use a different flavor of ice cream? - Yes, you can use any ice cream flavor you prefer. While vanilla is commonly used, feel free to experiment with flavors like chocolate, green tea, or even fruity sorbets.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Ice Shaver - Used to shave the ice into fluffy texture for the bingsu.
  • Large Bowl - Used to assemble and serve the bingsu.
  • Spoon - Used to scoop and eat the bingsu.
  • Food Processor or Blender - Optional, can be used as an alternative to an ice shaver to shave the ice.

Origin stories

Bingsu, a delectable, cool treat, hails from the heart of South Korea and has a deep-rooted history that goes all the way back to the Joseon Dynasty. Originally, Bingsu (also known as 'Patbingsu') was quite simple, consisting of just ice shavings and sweetened red bean paste. It was considered a luxury item enjoyed by the royal court and the aristocracy, largely due to the fact that ice was hard to come by in those days, especially in summer. The dish has now evolved and transformed into a popular dessert enjoyed by all, far beyond the confines of the palace walls. Modern versions of Bingsu come in a myriad of flavors and toppings, from fruits to nuts and even matcha, showcasing the creativity and evolution in Korean cuisine. This humble dessert, once enjoyed by kings and queens, has become a sweet, refreshing escape for everyone from the scorching summer heat.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.