Injeolmi Bingsu is the sweet Korean dessert you'll love on a hot summer day! This delightful treat combines fluffy shaved ice with chewy, nutty rice cakes called injeolmi. The melt-in-your-mouth texture is topped with creamy sweetened milk and crunchy roasted soybean powder, creating an unforgettable flavor explosion. It's no wonder Injeolmi Bingsu is a beloved favorite in Korea, perfect for sharing with friends and family. The refreshing qualities and Instagram-worthy presentation make it a must-try dish that will transport you to the vibrant culture of Korea. If you want to learn more about this delightful dessert, keep reading!
Key Takeaways
- Injeolmi Bingsu is a traditional Korean shaved ice dessert featuring shaved ice, chewy injeolmi (rice cake), and roasted soybean powder.
- It has a unique flavor profile with a balance of sweetness, nuttiness, and refreshing coolness, making it a must-try treat.
- The dessert's cultural significance lies in its representation of Korean cuisine and its ability to bring people together during social gatherings.
- Injeolmi Bingsu's popularity has spread beyond Korea, with food bloggers and social media highlighting its Instagram-worthy presentation and distinctive taste.
- The versatile dessert can be customized with various toppings, such as fresh fruits and nuts, adding to its appeal.
History
Though the origins of injeolmi bingsu can be traced back to traditional Korean desserts, its popularity has soared in recent decades. This sweet treat has become a beloved summertime delight, cooling off folks across the Korean peninsula.
Injeolmi bingsu is a variation of the classic bingsu, a shaved ice dessert. The key ingredient, injeolmi, is a type of glutinous rice cake that's been coated in roasted soybean powder. This adds a delightful nutty flavor and chewy texture to the fluffy ice.
Over the years, injeolmi bingsu has evolved, with creative toppings like fresh fruit, condensed milk, and red bean paste. It's the perfect balance of refreshing and indulgent, making it a favorite among both young and old.
Whether you're strolling through a bustling market or relaxing in a cozy café, the sight of this colorful dessert is sure to put a smile on your face.
Recipe
Injeolmi Bingsu is a refreshing Korean dessert made with shaved ice, sweetened red beans, and a variety of toppings. The combination of the soft, chewy injeolmi (glutinous rice cake) and the cool, refreshing shaved ice creates a delightful contrast of textures and flavors.
Traditionally, injeolmi is made by steaming and pounding glutinous rice into a soft, pliable dough, which is then coated with toasted soybean powder. This simple yet flavorful ingredient serves as the base for the bingsu, providing a chewy and nutty element to the dish.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup glutinous rice flour
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup toasted soybean powder (alternatively, use roasted soybean flour)
- 1 cup sweetened red bean paste (or canned red beans)
- 4 cups shaved ice
- 1/4 cup sweetened condensed milk (optional)
- 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
- Fresh fruit (such as strawberries, kiwi, or mango), sliced (optional)
Instructions:
Mix the glutinous rice flour and water in a bowl until a soft, sticky dough forms. Knead the dough for a few minutes, then shape it into small bite-sized pieces. Coat the dough pieces in the toasted soybean powder and set aside.
In a separate bowl, mix the sweetened red bean paste with the shaved ice. Assemble the bingsu by layering the injeolmi pieces, red bean-shaved ice mixture, and optional toppings such as sweetened condensed milk, toasted sesame seeds, and fresh fruit.
Tip: For a more authentic texture, you can steam the glutinous rice flour before mixing with water to create the dough. This will result in a chewier and more pliable injeolmi. Additionally, you can experiment with different toppings, such as condensed milk, chocolate syrup, or even ice cream, to personalize your injeolmi bingsu experience.
Cooking Steps
Soak the Injeolmi in warm water to soften it up.
Once softened, drain the Injeolmi and chop it into bite-sized pieces.
Next, shave the frozen milk directly onto your Bingsu base, creating a fluffy, snowy texture.
Top it off with your favorite toppings and enjoy this refreshing Korean dessert!
Step 1. Soak Injeolmi in Warm Water
To begin the process, you'll want to soak the injeolmi in warm water. This softens the chewy rice cakes, making them easier to work with.
Grab a shallow bowl and fill it with just enough warm water to submerge the injeolmi. Let them soak for about 10-15 minutes, gently pressing down on them occasionally to ensure they're fully saturated.
Once the injeolmi have softened, it's time to drain the water and get ready for the next step. Carefully remove the injeolmi from the bowl, squeezing out any excess moisture.
Place them on a clean surface, ready to be assembled into the delightful Injeolmi Bingsu. The soft, pliable texture of the soaked injeolmi will make building your bingsu a breeze.
Get excited, because the best part is yet to come!
Step 2. Drain and Chop Injeolmi
After draining the softened injeolmi, go ahead and chop them into bite-sized pieces. You'll want them to be small enough to easily scoop up in your spoon, but not too tiny that they'll get lost in the shaved ice.
Grab a sharp knife and carefully cut the injeolmi into 1/2-inch cubes. Don't worry if they're not perfectly uniform – the rustic look adds to the charm of this traditional dessert.
Once you've chopped up all the injeolmi, it's time to move on to the next step. Gather the chopped pieces and set them aside, ready to be layered with the fluffy shaved ice and sweet toppings.
This part might take a little elbow grease, but the payoff will be a delightful bingsu that's bursting with flavor and texture. Keep those taste buds primed – the best is yet to come!
Step 3. Shave Frozen Milk Into Bingsu Base
Next, you'll need to shave the frozen milk into the base of your bingsu. Grab your sharpest knife and get ready to create a fluffy foundation for your delightful dessert.
Carefully run the blade across the frozen milk block, creating delicate, snow-like flakes that will form the base of your bingsu. Work quickly to ensure the milk stays frozen and doesn't start to melt.
Once you've shaved enough milk to fill your serving bowl, it's time to start building your bingsu masterpiece. Evenly distribute the frozen milk shavings, creating a smooth, cloud-like base.
This foundation will provide the perfect canvas for all the sweet toppings you'll be adding next. Be gentle as you layer the ingredients, ensuring the bingsu maintains its light and airy texture.
With the base ready, you're one step closer to enjoying the refreshing and indulgent flavors of traditional injeolmi bingsu.
Step 4. Top With Desired Toppings
With the fluffy foundation of shaved frozen milk in place, it's time to start building your injeolmi bingsu masterpiece. The possibilities for toppings are endless, so let your creativity shine!
Top your bingsu with the classic injeolmi, or sweet Korean rice cakes. These chewy, nutty treats add the perfect contrast to the icy shaved milk. Don't forget the red bean paste, a staple in Korean desserts, which provides a rich, creamy complement. For an extra layer of flavor, drizzle on some condensed milk or a scoop of matcha or vanilla ice cream to truly elevate your bingsu experience. Pair this delightful dessert with a savory dish like a Korean style tonkatsu recipe to create the ultimate balance of flavors in your meal. Whether you’re indulging solo or sharing with friends, this combination is sure to impress your taste buds.
For a refreshing twist, add fresh fruit like juicy strawberries or tangy kiwi. Sprinkle on some roasted soybean powder for a nutty crunch, and finish with a drizzle of honey or condensed milk.
If you're feeling extra indulgent, try adding a scoop of ice cream or a handful of crunchy cereal bits. The combinations are endless, so have fun experimenting to find your favorite flavor profile.
Top it all off with a sprinkling of colorful sprinkles or a dusting of cocoa powder for a picture-perfect presentation. Get ready to dive into a sweet and satisfying injeolmi bingsu!
Step 5. Enjoy the Refreshing Bingsu
Take delight in savoring the refreshing bingsu as you begin to indulge in its frosty goodness. The shaved ice base, light and airy, melts delicately on your tongue, releasing a burst of sweetness.
Top it off with the chewy, nutty injeolmi and you've got a winning combination that'll have your taste buds dancing.
Don't forget to scoop up every last bit of the sweet condensed milk sauce – it's the perfect complement to the icy treat.
And be sure to savor the crunchy roasted soybean powder, sprinkled generously over the bingsu, for a delightful textural contrast.
As you dig in, feel the refreshing coolness on a warm day. Each spoonful is a delightful escape, transporting you to a serene Korean garden.
Enjoy the harmony of flavors and textures that make injeolmi bingsu such a beloved dessert. Indulge in this sweet, frozen delight and let it transport you to a world of pure bliss.
Final Thoughts
What're your final thoughts on the delightful Injeolmi Bingsu? This sweet Korean shaved ice dessert has certainly captivated your taste buds!
From the fluffy, powdery snow-like texture to the rich, nutty flavor of the injeolmi topping, every bite has been a delight. You can't help but marvel at the perfect balance of sweetness and refreshing coolness that makes Injeolmi Bingsu so irresistible.
The chewy mochi pieces and the creamy sweetened condensed milk just take it to the next level of yumminess.
Now that you've experienced the joy of this traditional Korean treat, you can't wait to share it with your friends and family. Imagine their faces lighting up as they dive into the colorful, Instagram-worthy creation.
Injeolmi Bingsu is a true celebration of flavor and tradition that's sure to leave a lasting impression. Get ready to be the talk of the town!
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Best Way to Store Leftover Injeolmi Bingsu?
The best way to store leftover injeolmi bingsu is to place it in an airtight container and refrigerate it. This will help preserve the texture and flavor of the shaved ice and toppings until you're ready to enjoy it again.
Can Injeolmi Bingsu Be Made in Advance for a Party?
Yes, you can make injeolmi bingsu in advance for a party. Prepare the components separately – the shaved ice, toppings, and syrups – then assemble right before serving to maintain the perfect texture and flavor.
Are There Any Dietary or Allergy Considerations for Injeolmi Bingsu?
Regarding dietary or allergy considerations, injeolmi bingsu may contain dairy, rice, and beans, which could pose issues for those with lactose intolerance, gluten sensitivities, or nut allergies. It's best to check the ingredients and accommodate any specific dietary needs.
How Long Does It Take to Prepare the Ingredients for Injeolmi Bingsu?
Preparing the ingredients for this dessert takes about an hour. You'll need to soak the rice and then grind it into a paste, which takes some time. Once that's done, you can assemble the bingsu quickly.
Can Injeolmi Bingsu Be Served as a Main Dessert or a Side Dish?
Injeolmi bingsu can be served as a main dessert or a side dish. It's a versatile treat that can be enjoyed on its own or paired with other dishes, depending on your preference and the occasion.
Ji-hoon is a skilled chef specializing in traditional and modern Korean cuisine. From savory bulgogi and kimchi to hearty stews and sizzling bibimbap, Ji-hoon’s recipes bring Korea’s bold, spicy, and umami-rich flavors to your kitchen. He focuses on authentic techniques and fresh ingredients that make Korean food so vibrant and flavorful.
