If you’ve ever craved a dessert that feels like a cool, refreshing hug on a hot day, the Strawberry Bingsu Recipe is your new best friend. This Korean shaved ice treat layers fluffy ice with juicy strawberries and creamy condensed milk, creating a magical harmony of textures and flavors that’s both light and indulgent. Whether you’re new to bingsu or a longtime fan, this recipe is a delightful way to enjoy the freshness of strawberries in a fun, simple dessert that’s perfect for sharing or savoring solo.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is key to capturing the authentic charm of the Strawberry Bingsu Recipe. Each element plays its part, from the vibrant red strawberries adding brightness and tang, to the silky condensed milk that brings sweetness, and the fluffy shaved ice that makes everything feel just right. Here’s what you’ll want to gather before you start:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced: Choose ripe, fragrant berries for the best natural sweetness and color.
- 4 cups shaved ice: Finely shaved ice creates that signature fluffy texture essential to a great bingsu experience.
- 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk: This adds creamy sweetness, balancing the tartness of the strawberries beautifully.
- 1 scoop vanilla ice cream (optional): For an extra touch of indulgence and smooth creaminess.
- 2 tbsp red bean paste (optional): A traditional Korean addition that complements the fruit with a mellow sweetness.
- Fresh mint leaves for garnish: Adds a pop of color and a refreshing herbal hint.
How to Make Strawberry Bingsu Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Strawberries
Start by washing your strawberries thoroughly under cold water. Slice them evenly to ensure every spoonful delivers a juicy burst of flavor. Keeping the slices uniform helps with presentation and makes every bite consistent.
Step 2: Get Your Shaved Ice Ready
Shaved ice is the heart of this recipe, so either freeze water ahead of time to shave it finely or opt for store-bought shaved ice if pressed for time. The goal is to have light, fluffy ice that melts gently on your tongue rather than large crunchy chunks.
Step 3: Build the Base Layers
Fill your serving bowls with a generous mound of shaved ice. Don’t be shy—this dessert shines with plenty of fluffy texture to soak up the condensed milk and contrast the fresh fruit.
Step 4: Drizzle with Sweetened Condensed Milk
Pour the sweetened condensed milk over the ice layers. This adds sweetness and a creamy mouthfeel that ties the entire dessert together. The milk will soak into the ice, creating a beautiful melting effect while you enjoy.
Step 5: Add Toppings
Scatter the sliced strawberries across the top in an inviting pattern. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a spoonful of red bean paste can elevate your Strawberry Bingsu Recipe to a next-level treat.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve Immediately
Finish with a few fresh mint leaves for a burst of refreshing color and aroma. Serve your bingsu right away so the ice stays fluffy and the flavors the freshest. This dessert is meant to be enjoyed the moment it’s assembled.
How to Serve Strawberry Bingsu Recipe
Garnishes
While fresh mint leaves are classic, consider adding a light dusting of powdered sugar or a few edible flowers to make your bingsu even more special. These little touches brighten the look and add subtle flavors that complement the strawberries perfectly.
Side Dishes
Strawberry Bingsu Recipe pairs wonderfully with light, crisp finger foods like toasted rice crackers or simple Korean rice cakes (tteok). These sides provide contrasting textures and mild flavors that won’t overpower your cool dessert.
Creative Ways to Present
Try layering your Strawberry Bingsu in clear glasses or mason jars for a charming parfait effect. You could also create mini individual servings for parties or use heart-shaped bowls to give a cute, personalized touch for special occasions.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Bingsu is best enjoyed fresh but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the freezer. Watch out for the ice melting and refreezing, as it can affect the delicate texture by turning crunchy.
Freezing
If you want to prepare shaved ice in advance, freeze pure water in a flat container to get thin sheets that are easier to shave. The fruit and toppings are best kept fresh until the moment you serve to preserve vibrant flavor and texture.
Reheating
Since Strawberry Bingsu Recipe is a cold dessert, reheating is not recommended. Instead, enjoy it immediately for optimal flavor and texture, or make a fresh batch when you’re ready for seconds.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Frozen strawberries can work in a pinch, but fresh strawberries give the best texture and flavor. If you do use frozen, let them thaw briefly and drain any excess juices to prevent your bingsu from becoming soggy.
What’s the best way to shave ice at home?
If you don’t have a specialized machine, freezing water in a flat shallow pan and then scraping it with a fork or grater can create fine ice shavings. Alternatively, some high-speed blenders have ice shaving functions that work well.
Can I make Strawberry Bingsu Recipe vegan?
Absolutely! Swap the sweetened condensed milk for a coconut or almond milk sweetened condensed alternative, and choose dairy-free ice cream or omit it altogether. The strawberries and shaved ice remain just as delightful.
Is red bean paste necessary for this recipe?
The red bean paste is optional and adds a nice traditional Korean element to the dessert. If you’re not a fan or can’t find it, your bingsu will still be fantastic without it.
How long does Strawberry Bingsu last after making?
Because it’s made of shaved ice, it’s best enjoyed immediately. If left out too long, the ice melts, and the texture becomes watery. Plan to serve and eat it quickly for the best experience.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the joy of spooning into a bowl of homemade Strawberry Bingsu Recipe that marries fruity brightness with creamy sweetness and icy delight. It’s a dessert that’s as fun to make as it is to eat, perfect for hot days or any time you want a taste of something wonderfully fresh and special. Give it a try—you’ll be hooked on its charm in no time.
Print
Strawberry Bingsu Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Korean
Description
Strawberry Bingsu is a refreshing Korean shaved ice dessert featuring fluffy ice topped with fresh strawberries, sweetened condensed milk, and optional vanilla ice cream or red bean paste. Perfect for a quick, cool treat in just 15 minutes.
Ingredients
Fruits
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
Base
- 4 cups shaved ice
Toppings
- 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1 scoop vanilla ice cream (optional)
- 2 tbsp red bean paste (optional)
- Fresh mint leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare Strawberries: Wash and slice the fresh strawberries, then set them aside in a bowl to keep them ready for topping the dessert.
- Make Shaved Ice: Prepare the shaved ice by freezing water overnight and shaving it, or use pre-shaved ice for convenience.
- Assemble the Base: In serving bowls, layer the shaved ice to create light and fluffy mounds as the foundation of the dessert.
- Add Sweetened Condensed Milk: Drizzle the sweetened condensed milk generously over the piled shaved ice to add creaminess and sweetness.
- Top with Strawberries and Extras: Arrange the sliced strawberries on top of the ice and milk. Optionally, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a spoonful of red bean paste for extra richness and flavor.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish the bingsu with fresh mint leaves to add a pop of color and freshness, then serve immediately to enjoy the best texture.
Notes
- Shaved ice can be made at home using a blender or ice shaver, or purchased pre-shaved for convenience.
- Optional toppings like vanilla ice cream and red bean paste enhance texture and flavor but can be omitted for a simpler dessert.
- Serve immediately after assembly to prevent the ice from melting and losing its fluffy texture.
- Adjust the amount of sweetened condensed milk to suit your preferred sweetness level.
