Strawberry Bingsu is a delightful and refreshing Korean dessert that combines shaved ice with sweet condensed milk and juicy strawberries. The addition of red bean paste and mochi pieces gives it a chewy texture, making it both light and satisfying. This dessert is not only a treat for your taste buds but also a feast for the eyes, thanks to the beautiful, vibrant colors.
Whether you’re enjoying it on a hot summer day or as a fun treat after a meal, this dessert is sure to become a favorite. Its versatility also makes it easy to customize—add more fruits, nuts, or toppings based on what you like! Perfect for sharing with friends or family, Strawberry Bingsu is a simple yet indulgent dessert you can enjoy all year round.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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2 cups ice
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1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
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1/4 cup evaporated milk
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1 tablespoon honey
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1/2 cup strawberries, chopped
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1 tablespoon sweet red bean paste (optional)
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1 tablespoon mochi pieces (optional)
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1 tablespoon toasted almonds or peanuts (optional)
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Mint leaves for garnish
Directions:
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Begin by preparing the ice. Shave the ice into a fine snow-like texture using an ice shaver, or you can crush the ice into small pieces if you don’t have a shaver.
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Once the ice is ready, fill a bowl with the shaved ice.
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Drizzle the sweetened condensed milk and evaporated milk over the ice.
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Add a drizzle of honey to enhance sweetness.
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Top with chopped strawberries, sweet red bean paste, mochi pieces, and toasted almonds or peanuts if using.
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Garnish with a sprig of mint and serve immediately.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 0 minutes | Total Time: 10 minutes Kcal: 200 kcal | Servings: 2 servings
Strawberry Bingsu: A Summer Staple
Strawberry Bingsu is one of the most popular varieties of this classic dessert. It’s a delightful and refreshing way to enjoy summer strawberries, with shaved ice topped with a rich strawberry sauce, fresh fruit, and a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The combination of creamy milk ice and tangy strawberries makes it a sweet, indulgent treat for hot days. With a quick preparation time and few ingredients, Strawberry Bingsu is a simple yet impressive dessert that will impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth.
This dessert is ideal for summer, as it not only cools you down but also provides the perfect balance of creamy and fruity flavors. You can adjust the sweetness of the dish based on your preferences by controlling the amount of sugar in the strawberry sauce and milk mixture. The toppings are also customizable, offering plenty of room for creative variation.
How to Make Fluffy Milk Ice
One of the key components of Strawberry Bingsu is the fluffy milk ice, which is what sets bingsu apart from regular shaved ice. To make the milk ice, whole milk is combined with sweetened condensed milk. The mixture is then poured into an ice cube tray and frozen for several hours until solid. Once frozen, the ice cubes are blended or pulsed in a food processor until they become fluffy and snow-like in texture.
The secret to achieving the perfect fluffy consistency lies in the milk mixture. Sweetened condensed milk is crucial not only for adding sweetness but also for preventing the milk from freezing too hard, which allows the ice to be easily blended into a soft, airy texture. The key is to avoid blending the ice for too long, as this can cause the ice to lose its light texture and become mushy.
Strawberry Sauce: The Perfect Topping
For the strawberry sauce, fresh or frozen strawberries are combined with granulated sugar and cooked down to create a thick syrup-like consistency. The sauce is then cooled completely before being drizzled over the fluffy milk ice. The sweetness of the strawberry sauce adds a vibrant burst of flavor that pairs wonderfully with the creamy milk ice.
You can also experiment with the level of sweetness in the strawberry sauce, depending on the ripeness of the strawberries. For a more tart flavor, you can reduce the sugar, or if you prefer a sweeter treat, increase the sugar amount. The sauce provides both flavor and color to the dish, making it visually appealing as well as delicious.
Serving Suggestions and Variations
Strawberry Bingsu is typically served in a large bowl, topped with fresh strawberries, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and the strawberry sauce. The vanilla ice cream adds a creamy texture that complements the coolness of the shaved ice, creating the perfect balance of sweet, creamy, and refreshing.
Aside from the traditional toppings, you can customize your bingsu by adding other ingredients to suit your taste. Some popular options include mochi (Korean rice cakes), cornflakes, wafer cookies, or even drizzling extra condensed milk on top for an added richness. You can also experiment with different fruits, such as mango, blueberries, or peaches, to give the dessert a personal twist. Each fruit has its own unique flavor and texture, so feel free to get creative.
The Best Time to Enjoy Strawberry Bingsu
Strawberry Bingsu is best enjoyed during the summer months when strawberries are in season and the weather is hot. It’s a perfect dessert to serve at outdoor gatherings, barbecues, or after a day of fun in the sun. The dessert is light and refreshing, making it an ideal way to cool off after a long day.
You can make the strawberry sauce and frozen milk ice in advance, which allows for quick assembly when you’re ready to serve. This makes Strawberry Bingsu a convenient and crowd-pleasing dessert for any occasion.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does this last?
Since this dessert involves frozen milk, it’s best to consume it right after it’s prepared. Once you blend the frozen milk into the fluffy texture, assemble the dessert quickly and enjoy it immediately to prevent the ice from melting.
Can I make this in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the milk ice and strawberry sauce ahead of time. Simply freeze the milk mixture, cook the strawberry sauce, and store them separately in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble and serve.
Why isn’t my shaved ice fluffy?
There are a few common reasons why your ice might not turn out fluffy. First, ensure that the milk mixture is frozen enough before blending it. Second, be mindful not to blend the ice for too long, as this can cause the texture to become too mushy. Lastly, assembling the bingsu too slowly after blending may result in the ice melting and losing its fluffiness.
Can I use a different fruit?
This recipe is highly versatile, and you can substitute the strawberries with other fruits, such as mango, blueberries, or peaches. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time for the sauce, as different fruits release different amounts of juice. The sauce should thicken to a syrup-like consistency.
What other toppings can I add?
The beauty of bingsu lies in its customization. Other popular toppings include mochi (Korean rice cakes), injeolmi (Korean soybean mochi), cornflakes, wafers, cookies, sweetened condensed milk, chocolate, caramel sauce, and sprinkles. The possibilities are endless!
Conclusion: A Simple Yet Delicious Summer Treat
Strawberry Bingsu is a fun, refreshing, and customizable dessert that brings a touch of Korean tradition to your table. With its fluffy milk ice, sweet strawberry sauce, and creamy ice cream, this dessert is perfect for warm days when you need something light yet indulgent. Whether you’re enjoying it alone or with friends and family, Strawberry Bingsu is sure to become a go-to summer treat that everyone will love.
With just a few ingredients and simple preparation, you can make this delightful dessert at home. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different toppings and fruits, and make it your own. Enjoy the cool, creamy sweetness of Strawberry Bingsu any time you need a refreshing, fun, and delicious treat!