HOW TO MAKE BINGSU: KOREAN SHAVED ICE RECIPE

Shave ice desserts are popular throughout the world and Asia is no exception. Japan has kakigori, China and Taiwan, baobing, the Philippines has halo-halo and Korea has bingsu. Like its counterparts, bingsu – patbingsu or bingsoo – as it’s also known, starts with a base of shave ice, but what sets this treat apart is its decadent toppings. Discover more about making your own bingsu at home by learning how to turn any KitchenAid® stand mixer1 into an easy-to-use shave ice maker with the versatile KitchenAid® Shave Ice Attachment.

 

1. Sold separately

 

WHAT IS BINGSU?

This Korean “snow” dessert is typically made with a mound of shaved ice topped with condensed milk, fruit, tteok (rice cakes) and other confections. Although the dessert has been around for centuries, the addition of red beans in the 20th century resulted in patbingsu (“pat” refers to sweetened adzuki beans) —a uniquely Korean dessert.

Over the decades, increased globalization has brought western influences to bingsu, including the additions of ice cream, whipped cream, fruit cocktail, maraschino cherries and even breakfast cereal.

Shaved ice dessert with red beans and matcha powder beside bowl of match powder Shaved ice dessert with red beans and matcha powder beside bowl of match powder

BINGSU SHAVED ICE RECIPE

A great icy treat begins with great shaved ice. The Shave Ice Attachment from KitchenAid attaches easily to any KitchenAid® stand mixer2 to bring a new dimension to your frozen desserts. With a little shaved ice and some delicious toppings, you’ll have everything you need to create an authentic Korean shaved ice recipe.

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yields3

A typical serving of bingsu calls for 2 cups of shaved ice. Make up to 2 servings quickly with the KitchenAid® Shave Ice Attachment which allows you to shave over 1 pint (500mL) in under 60 seconds.4

3. Exact yields will vary based on recipe

4. Excludes prep time, based on plain ice using fine blade

 

INGREDIENTS5

  • Chopped fruits – the possibilities here are limited only by your imagination, but some popular fruits for bingsu recipes include kiwi, strawberry, mango and fruit cocktail.

  • Shave ice

  • Sweetened red beans

  • Sweetened condensed milk

  • Tteok (Korean rice cakes that have been steamed and pounded for a chewy flavor)

  • Ice cream (optional)

  • Special flavorings like matcha powder – or add a contemporary twist – lemon, lavender, or cappuccino (optional)

  • Candies (optional)

5. Exact type and ingredient amounts will vary by taste or by recipe 

 

KitchenAid® stand mixer with shave ice attachment dispensing shave ice in clear bowl KitchenAid® stand mixer with shave ice attachment dispensing shave ice in clear bowl

Tools

  • KitchenAid® stand mixer

  • KitchenAid® Shave Ice Attachment

  • Bowls, spoons, straws for serving

Prep Time - 12-24 hours

  • Ice will need to be frozen in the molds provided with the KitchenAid® Shave Ice Attachment for 12-24 hours.

  • Chill any toppings ahead of time to keep shaved ice its snowy, frozen best.

 

TOTAL TIME - 12 hours and 5 minutes

Once ice has been frozen, fruits are chopped – and all other ingredients are prepped and ready to go – the bingsu will come together quickly.

Ice being released from shave ice mold

STEP 1: FREEZE

Fill ice molds and freeze 12-24 hours before shaving. Make extra and keep the unmolded frozen ice in large freezer bags for a great last minute dessert or to satisfy frozen treat cravings.

KitchenAid® stand mixer with shave ice attachment dispensing shave ice in clear bowl

Step 2: Shave

Before you begin the shaving process, temper your ice on the countertop until it glistens. Place the ice in the attachment, turn the stand mixer on high and catch the bingsu “snow” in a bowl.

Shaved ice dessert with chopped fruit, nuts and tteok

STEP 3: CREATE

This is an opportunity to put a unique spin on a frozen bingsu dessert. Garnish it with any number of sweet and savory toppings including sweetened condensed milk, chopped fruits, bits of earthy red bean paste, sliced Korean rice cakes, dustings of matcha or nut powders, a handful of crushed cornflakes, and finish with a scoop of homemade ice cream – or a few sweet jellied candies.

MAKE COLD TREATS WITH KITCHENAID®SHAVE ICE ATTACHMENT

The KitchenAid® stand mixer and Shave Ice Attachment consistently create a snow-like ice texture to elevate a variety of drinks and desserts, including bingsu.

Shaved ice dessert with chopped fruit, pomegranate seeds and other toppings Shaved ice dessert with chopped fruit, pomegranate seeds and other toppings

WHAT ARE SOME TIPS FOR MAKING THE BEST BINGSU?

The beauty of bingsu is you can add your unique twist to them to suit your own taste. Love a decadent treat? Pile on the ice cream and add whipped cream. Want something less sweet? Try a traditional misugaru roasted grain powder to add nutty, savory notes that can help cut through the sugar.

Experiment with ingredients and flavors and when your bingsu masterpiece is complete, traditionalists like to stir the whole delicious concoction together before indulging. Unlike an ice cream cone, bingsu isn’t designed to be eaten alone. Grab a friend or family member and a couple of spoons and let the shared enjoyment begin!

WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN BINGSU AND BAOBING?

Both baobing and bingsu are served in shallow bowls with toppings – nearly always involving fruit. The difference is in a few details. Bingsu is a ball of light, snowy ice, while baobing is a tower of thinly shaved sheets, or ice flakes. In addition to red beans, baobing may be topped with lychees, taro, rice balls and peanuts. 

Like bingsu, baobing is often doused in something sweet and creamy, like sweetened condensed milk or coconut milk and is meant to be shared with a friend or loved one.

You can customize the ice for different shave ice desserts with the KitchenAid® Shave Ice Attachment. For light, fluffy shave ice, try the included fine blade. Swap over to the included coarse blade for a heavier, crunchier texture.

Shop for KitchenAid®Stand Mixers, Attachments and Accessories

The road to a wide variety of exciting frozen treats begins with the iconic KitchenAid® stand mixer. Add a versatile KitchenAid® stand mixer attachment or an accessory and suddenly a whole new world of inspiring dessert possibilities is at your fingertips.

 

DISCOVER HOW TO MAKE MORE SWEET TREATS WITH KITCHENAID brand