If you have a sweet tooth and a love for refreshing treats, then you absolutely must try this delightful Strawberry Bingsu Recipe. This Korean-inspired shaved ice dessert bursts with fresh strawberries, creamy condensed milk, and fluffy ice that melts in your mouth with every bite. It’s the perfect balance of fruity sweetness and cool texture, making it an irresistible summer favorite that you can whip up in just 15 minutes. Whether you’re treating yourself or impressing friends, this Strawberry Bingsu Recipe is sure to become your go-to for beating the heat in the most delicious way possible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, everyday ingredients is the key to making this Strawberry Bingsu Recipe so approachable and irresistibly good. Each one plays a special role in building the perfect dessert experience—from the freshness of the strawberries to the rich creaminess of the condensed milk, every ingredient shines through.
- Fresh strawberries (2 cups, sliced): Use ripe, juicy strawberries for the best natural sweetness and vibrant color.
- Shaved ice (4 cups): Fluffy, finely shaved ice creates the signature light texture central to bingsu.
- Sweetened condensed milk (1/2 cup): This adds creamy sweetness and binds the flavors beautifully.
- Vanilla ice cream (1 scoop, optional): Adds an indulgent richness that complements the refreshing ice.
- Red bean paste (2 tbsp, optional): A traditional touch that pairs wonderfully with strawberries in Korean desserts.
- Fresh mint leaves (for garnish): Provides a refreshing aroma and a pop of green color.
How to Make Strawberry Bingsu Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Strawberries
Start by giving your strawberries a good rinse to remove any dirt, then slice them evenly. Setting these aside in a bowl lets them stay fresh and makes layering easier later on. The fresh berries will deliver that bright, juicy burst in every bite.
Step 2: Get Your Shaved Ice Ready
For the silky smooth texture that defines bingsu, you can either freeze water overnight and shave it finely at home or simply use store-bought shaved ice. The goal is to create feathery ice flakes that practically melt on your tongue.
Step 3: Build the Layered Base
In your serving bowls, gently spoon the shaved ice into fluffy mounds. It’s important not to pack the ice too tightly or you’ll lose that airy texture that makes bingsu so delightful.
Step 4: Drizzle with Sweetened Condensed Milk
Pour the sweetened condensed milk generously over the ice. This adds a luscious creaminess that ties together the fruit and ice, creating a harmonious balance of flavors and a beautiful glaze over the white ice.
Step 5: Add the Toppings
Layer the sliced strawberries on top of your condensed milk-draped ice. To elevate the dessert further, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a spoonful of red bean paste. Both options add depth and richness, making each spoonful feel like a special treat.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Finally, add a few fresh mint leaves for a burst of color and a refreshing hint of herbal brightness. Serve your Strawberry Bingsu Recipe immediately to keep the ice from melting too quickly and enjoy every luscious bite right away.
How to Serve Strawberry Bingsu Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh mint leaves aren’t the only way to brighten up this dessert. You can also sprinkle toasted almond flakes or add a dusting of powdered sugar for extra texture and a touch of elegance. Garnishes should complement the strawberry’s sweetness without overpowering it.
Side Dishes
Strawberry Bingsu pairs wonderfully with light and simple Korean tea like barley or green tea, which cleanse the palate beautifully. If you want to add a bit more substance, consider pairing it with delicate rice cakes or sweet mochi balls that echo the dessert’s gentle sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Presentation can turn your Strawberry Bingsu Recipe into a showstopper. Try layering strawberries and condensed milk in clear glass bowls or parfait glasses for a visually stunning effect. For gatherings, a large communal bowl with assorted toppings lets guests customize their own portions.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Sadly, Strawberry Bingsu is best enjoyed fresh, as the shaved ice melts quickly and strawberries lose their freshness. If you have leftovers, store the components separately—the strawberries and condensed milk in airtight containers in the fridge. Reassemble just before serving.
Freezing
While you can freeze shaved ice, it won’t retain its fluffy texture once thawed. Instead, freeze excess strawberries to have ready-to-use fruit for your next Strawberry Bingsu Recipe. Freeze them spread out on a tray first, then transfer to a bag to avoid clumping.
Reheating
Reheating isn’t applicable here since this is an ice-based dessert. The magic of Strawberry Bingsu Recipe lies in its cold, refreshing nature, and warming it up will simply turn it into a mushy mess rather than a delightful treat.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Frozen strawberries can work in a pinch, but fresh strawberries really make a difference in flavor and texture. If using frozen, thaw them completely and drain any excess juice to prevent soggy ice.
Is there a substitute for sweetened condensed milk?
You could try using a mixture of heavy cream and sugar, but sweetened condensed milk offers a unique richness and sweetness that’s hard to replicate exactly in this recipe.
How can I make this recipe vegan?
For a vegan version, swap the sweetened condensed milk with a coconut condensed milk alternative and replace the vanilla ice cream with a plant-based version. The shaved ice and strawberries are naturally vegan!
What kitchen tools do I need to make shaved ice?
A specialized shaved ice machine is ideal, but you can also crush ice in a blender or food processor to get a similar texture. Just be careful not to over-blend and turn it into water.
Can I add other fruits besides strawberries?
Absolutely! While this Strawberry Bingsu Recipe shines with its namesake fruit, you can experiment with mango, kiwi, or blueberries for different fruity spins.
Final Thoughts
This Strawberry Bingsu Recipe is a wonderful way to bring a little slice of Korea’s sweet dessert culture right into your own kitchen. Its refreshing combination of fresh fruit, light ice, and creamy condensed milk makes it an instant crowd-pleaser, especially on warm days. I genuinely hope you have as much fun making and savoring this recipe as I do every time I prepare it. Don’t wait for a special occasion—grab those strawberries and get started on this delightful treat today!
Print
Strawberry Bingsu Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Korean
Description
A refreshing and visually appealing Korean dessert, Strawberry Bingsu features fluffy shaved ice topped with fresh strawberries, sweetened condensed milk, and optional treats like vanilla ice cream and red bean paste. Perfect for a quick and delightful summer treat.
Ingredients
Fruit
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
Main
- 4 cups shaved ice
- 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
Optional Toppings
- 1 scoop vanilla ice cream
- 2 tbsp red bean paste
- Fresh mint leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare Strawberries: Wash and slice the fresh strawberries, then set them aside in a bowl to keep them fresh and ready for assembly.
- Make Shaved Ice: Prepare shaved ice by freezing water overnight and shaving it, or use pre-shaved ice from the store for convenience.
- Assemble the Base: In serving bowls, layer the shaved ice to form light, fluffy mounds that will serve as the base of the dessert.
- Add Condensed Milk: Generously drizzle sweetened condensed milk over the shaved ice to add sweetness and creaminess to the dessert.
- Top with Strawberries and Optional Ingredients: Arrange the sliced strawberries on top of the ice, and optionally add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of red bean paste for extra flavor and texture.
- Garnish and Serve: Finish by garnishing with fresh mint leaves for a pop of color and freshness, then serve immediately to enjoy the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- For best results, serve the dessert immediately to prevent the shaved ice from melting.
- Adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of condensed milk used.
- Red bean paste and vanilla ice cream are optional but add traditional Korean Bingsu flavors and extra indulgence.
- Fresh mint leaves enhance the presentation and add a subtle refreshing note.
- You can substitute strawberries with other fresh fruits like mango or blueberries for variety.
