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Korean Patbingsu Recipe
Traditional shaved ice with red beans, rice cakes, and fruit toppings - the classic Korean summer dessert that started the bingsu tradition.
Ingredients
For the Red Beans:
- 200g dried red beans (adzuki beans)
- 100g granulated sugar
- 1/4 tsp salt
- Water for cooking
For the Shaved Ice:
- 4 cups ice cubes
- 2 tbsp condensed milk
- 1 tbsp simple syrup
For the Toppings:
- 6-8 Korean rice cakes (tteok), cut into pieces
- 6 fresh strawberries, sliced
- 2 kiwi fruits, peeled and sliced
- 3 tbsp sweetened condensed milk
- 2 tbsp chopped almonds
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
- Fresh mint leaves
Optional Traditional Toppings:
- Jujube pieces
- Pine nuts
- Chestnuts
Instructions
Prepare Red Beans:
- Soak red beans in water overnight.
- Drain and rinse beans.
- Boil beans in fresh water for 45-60 minutes until tender.
- Drain, reserving some cooking liquid.
- Add sugar and salt to beans while warm.
- Simmer for 10 minutes, adding cooking liquid if needed.
- Cool completely before using.
Prepare Other Components:
- Cut rice cakes into bite-sized pieces.
- Slice all fresh fruits.
- Prepare shaved ice using ice machine or blender.
- Mix shaved ice with condensed milk and syrup.
Assemble Patbingsu:
- Mound shaved ice mixture in a large serving bowl.
- Generously top with sweetened red beans.
- Arrange rice cake pieces around the ice.
- Add fresh fruit slices decoratively.
- Drizzle with condensed milk.
- Sprinkle with chopped almonds and sesame seeds.
- Garnish with mint leaves.
- Serve immediately with spoons.
Patbingsu Tradition
Red Bean Quality
Cook red beans until tender but not mushy. They should hold their shape while being sweet and creamy inside.
Traditional Balance
Patbingsu should have a good balance of red beans to ice. The beans are the star ingredient in this classic version.
Serving Style
Traditionally shared among 2-3 people, patbingsu is meant to be a communal dessert enjoyed together.