Bingsu, a refreshing Korean dessert made with crushed ice and milk, is easy to realise with just a few ingredients. Here's what you need and the essential steps to realise this dessert successfully:
The Bingsu recipe in a nutshell
Main ingredients:
- Ice cream base: Whole milk, sweetened condensed milk.
- Fillings: Sweet red bean paste, fresh fruit, mochi pieces, soy powder, whipped cream.
Quick steps:
- Prepare the ice cream: Mix whole milk and condensed milk, then freeze.
- Blend the ice cream: Achieve a fine, snowy texture.
- Assemble: Add the red beans, fruit, mochi, and a drizzle of condensed milk.
Tip:
Try a variant of this matcha recipe for a unique Japanese touch.
Bingsu is a fun and customizable dessert. Whether you choose the classic version or matcha, follow these steps for a successful and delicious result!
For more detailed explanations of this recipe, see the section "Step-by-step preparation of Bingsu" further down in the item.
About Bingsu
The essential components of Bingsu
Bingsu is not just an iced dessert, it's an experience. Its base is made of crushed milk ice, offering a light and smooth texture. The classic version, patbingsu (팥빙수), takes its name from "pat," which refers to sweet red beans, a central ingredient in this specialty.
Here are the main ingredients that make up this dessert:
- Sweetened condensed milk
- Pieces of mochi
- Fresh fruit
- Whipped cream
- Cereals or nuts
Each bowl of Bingsu embodies a blend of flavours and textures, while registering in a long culinary tradition.
Bingsu in Korean society
Bingsu occupies an important place in Korean food culture.
"Bingsu (빙수), also known by the name bingsoo, is a Korean dessert made with shaved ice and topped with a variety of sweet toppings, such as fruit, rice cakes, sweet red beans, condensed milk, ice cream, whipped cream, and more." - Two Checkered Aprons
Traditionally designed to be shared between two or three people, Bingsu reflects the collective and convivial spirit of Korea. Its evolution in the market is also fascinating: the famous mango Bingsu at the Shilla Hotel, sold for 27,000 won (approximately $25) in 2008, now costs 102,000 won (approximately $95) in 2024. This transformation illustrates both the evolution of tastes and the dessert's adaptation to modern consumption patterns, with individual servings available in stores and high demand via delivery services.
Step-by-step preparation of Bingsu
Required ingredients
To prepare a delicious Bingsu, here's what you need:
For the ice cream base :
- 4 cups of whole milk
- ½ cup sweetened condensed milk
- An ice cube tray
For classic fillings :
- Sweet red bean paste
- Pieces of mochi
- Roasted soy powder
- Fresh fruit of your choice
- Extra sweetened condensed milk for topping
Preparation of the ice cream base
The key to a good Bingsu lies in the quality of the shaved ice. As Stéphanie Loo points out:
"A good bingsu starts with the ice cream: a smooth, snowy, and flavoursome ice cream base is of the utmost importance."
To achieve a perfect foundation:
- Mix the whole milk and sweetened condensed milk.
- Pour this mixture into an ice cube tray.
- Place the freezer in the freezer compartment overnight.
- Place your serving bowls in the freezer one hour before you start assembling.
Assembling the Bingsu
Assembly is essential to achieve balanced flavours and textures:
1. Prepare the foundation
Blend the frozen milk cubes for about 20 seconds until you get a fine, snowy texture. If you're using a food processor, use the grater attachment for best results.
2. Stack the sofas
Place about 2 cups of crushed milk ice in a chilled bowl. Then add:
- A layer of red bean paste
- Pieces of mochi
- Fresh fruit of your choice
- A pinch of sifted soy powder
3. Finalize the dessert
Add a generous drizzle of sweetened condensed milk on top and serve immediately. Stir gently before enjoying.
Helpful tip: Prepare all your ingredients in advance, as ice cream melts quickly.
Discover now how to add a Japanese touch with a matcha version later in the item.
Add matcha to Bingsu
Once you've mastered the classic version, why not try adding matcha? This Japanese green tea has a subtle, fragrant flavour that pairs perfectly with this Korean dessert. It's a combination that adds a whole new dimension to this frozen treat.
Preparation of Matcha Bingsu
Here's how to prepare a matcha ice cream base:
Steps for the ice cream base:
- Heat 180 ml of water to approximately 80°C and sift 1 to 2 teaspoons of matcha.
- Whisk the matcha until it has a smooth texture.
- Mix this preparation with 4 cups of whole milk and ½ cup of sweetened condensed milk.
- Let cool, pour into an ice cube tray, then freeze overnight.
Assembly: Follow the same steps as for classic Bingsu:
- Mix the matcha ice cubes until you get a light, snowy texture.
- Pour the crushed ice into a well-chilled bowl.
- Add a layer of red bean paste (anko).
- Top with pieces of fresh mochi, seasonal fruit, and/or scoops of ice cream according to your taste.
- Finish with a drizzle of sweetened condensed milk for a final touch.
"Matcha Bingsu is a refreshing way to cool down on a hot day. It's a light and fluffy shaved ice flavoured with matcha green tea, topped with red beans, soft mochi, and sweetened condensed milk." - Michelle, Sift & Simmer
Kumiko Matcha: A Selection of Exceptional Matcha
To make a successful matcha bingsu, the quality of the green tea powder is essential. Kumiko Matcha offers a selection of premium organic matcha, perfect for frozen desserts. Their culinary matcha is distinguished by:
- A vibrant and intense green colour.
- A balanced taste, without any noticeable bitterness.
- A fine texture that blends easily.
The Matcha Starter Set, available for $57.90, contains everything you need: premium matcha and traditional accessories for perfect preparation.
Helpful tip: Store your matcha in an airtight container in the refrigerator to preserve its aroma and freshness for longer.
Conclusion
Whether you opt for the classic recipe or a matcha version, this guide gives you all the steps you need to make the perfect Bingsu. This iconic frozen dessert can be customized to suit all tastes: fresh seasonal fruit, high-quality matcha, or gourmet toppings such as red bean paste.
The possibilities are endless, and pastry chefs continue to reinterpret this dessert in their own unique ways. From vegan versions to modern creations, Bingsu adapts to all tastes while remaining true to its refreshing character.
With Kumiko Matcha's matcha, with its subtle vegetal notes, Japanese refinement is brought to this Korean specialty. Combined with red fruits such as strawberries or raspberries, it brings a harmony of flavours that enhances the preparation.
For perfect results, remember to prepare your ingredients in advance and place your bowls in the freezer. These small steps will make all the difference in enjoying your Bingsu to the fullest, whether it's classic or revisited with matcha.
Do you like matcha desserts? Discover the best recipe for our Japanese matcha mochi.
