Korean shaved ice, or “Bings,” is a popular and cherished treat that is ideal for cooling off on hot days. Bings, which originated in South Korea, is a refreshing delicacy prepared from finely shaved ice and topped with a variety of ingredients such as sweetened condensed milk, fresh fruits, red beans, nuts, and other delicious toppings. The texture of the ice is extremely delicate and fluffy, almost like snow, making Bings a one-of-a-kind and delicious dessert experience.
Bings has progressed from a simple dessert with basic ingredients to a gourmet delight with several varieties to suit every taste. In this article, we’ll look at some of the most delectable and must-try Korean shaved ice dessert varieties, guaranteed to excite your taste buds and inspire your next handmade dessert creation.
1. Classic Patbingsu (Red Bean Shaved Ice)
The traditional form of Bings is Patbingsu, which is topped with sweetened red beans (pat), mochi pieces, and sometimes fruits or nuts. This classic version has been enjoyed in Korea for centuries and remains a favorite due to its simple yet satisfying combination of flavors.
Ingredients:
- Shaved ice
- Sweetened red beans
- Mochi (rice cake) pieces
- Condensed milk
- Sliced almonds
- Fresh fruits like strawberries or kiwi (optional)
Preparation:
- Begin by creating a bed of shaved ice in a basin.
- Pour a generous spoonful of sweetened red beans over ice.
- Add mochi pieces, drizzle with condensed milk, and top with sliced almonds.
- Garnish with fresh fruits to increase taste.
Patbingsu combines a balanced sweetness from red beans and condensed milk with chewy textures from mochi, making it a comfortable and nostalgic option for many.
2. Fruit Bings
Fruit Bings is one of the most popular varieties, known for its vivid and refreshing flavors. It normally consists of a mix of fresh fruits such as mango, strawberry, kiwi, and blueberries, topped with condensed milk and, on occasion, yogurt or ice cream.
Ingredients:
- Shaved ice
- A selection of fresh fruits (mango, strawberry, kiwi, blueberries)
- Condensed milk
- Vanilla ice cream or yogurt (optional)
- Mint leaves for garnish
Preparation:
- Place shaved ice in a serving basin.
- Arrange fresh fruits on top of the ice in an eye-catching design.
- Drizzle with condensed milk and top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of yogurt, if desired.
- Garnish with mint leaves for a splash of color.
Fruit Bings is light, refreshing, and full of natural sweetness, making it an ideal choice for a healthy dessert that nevertheless feels luxurious.
3. Matcha Bings
Matcha Bings, with its deep and earthy flavors from green tea powder, adds a Japanese twist to the Korean treat. This variant is ideal for matcha enthusiasts, mixing the mild bitterness of matcha with the sweet creaminess of condensed milk and red beans.
Ingredients:
- Shaved ice
- Matcha powder
- Condensed milk
- Sweetened red beans
- Mochi pieces
- Green tea ice cream (optional)
Preparation:
- In a bowl, combine shaved ice and matcha powder, then sprinkle evenly over the top.
- Drizzle with condensed milk to smooth out the bitterness of the matcha.
- For added texture, stir in sweetened red beans and mochi pieces.
- A scoop of green tea ice cream on top adds an extra touch of matcha.
The end result is a stunning green treat that is both refreshing and rich of matcha’s distinct flavor, providing a nuanced flavor profile.
4. Injeolmi Bings
Injeolmi Bings was inspired by injeolmi, a traditional Korean rice cake coated in roasted soybean flour. This variant mixes injeolmi’s nutty and somewhat sweet flavor with the refreshing, fluffy texture of shaved ice.
Ingredients:
- Shaved ice
- Roasted soybean powder (kinako)
- Mochi pieces
- Sliced almonds or other nuts
- Condensed milk
- Rice cakes (injeolmi)
Preparation:
- Fill a bowl with shaved ice and liberally sprinkle with roasted soybean powder.
- Sprinkle mochi pieces with sliced almonds or other nuts of your choice.
- Drizzle with condensed milk and finish with little pieces of injeolmi rice cake.
Injeolmi Bings has a nutty and somewhat sweet flavor, with rice cakes’ chewy texture giving a pleasant contrast to the smooth shaved ice.
5. Oreo Bings
Oreo Bings is a trendy, whimsical take on traditional Bings that’s ideal for chocolate lovers. It blends the iconic flavor of Oreo cookies with creamy ice cream and chocolate syrup to make a rich and decadent treat.
Ingredients:
- Shaved ice
- Crushed Oreo cookies
- Chocolate syrup
- Vanilla ice cream
- Condensed milk
Preparation:
- Shaved ice is placed in a basin and topped with crumbled Oreo biscuits.
- Drizzle liberally with chocolate syrup and condensed milk.
- Place a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top and decorate with additional crushed Oreos.
Oreo Bings is a sumptuous delicacy suitable for all ages, with the familiar flavors of Oreos and ice cream making it an instant hit.
6. Coffee Bings
Coffee Bings is a caffeinated take on the classic delicacy that coffee lovers will enjoy. This variant mixes coffee’s rich, powerful flavors with sweet toppings, making it an ideal dessert for individuals who enjoy coffee-based delights.
Ingredients:
- Shaved ice
- Brewed coffee (cooled)
- Coffee-flavored ice cream
- Sweetened condensed milk
- Chocolate chips or shavings
Preparation:
- Pour cooled brewed coffee into a dish with shaved ice.
- Place a dollop of coffee-flavored ice cream on top.
- Drizzle with condensed milk for sweetness, then top with chocolate chips or shavings.
Coffee Bings is a sophisticated and slightly bitter dessert that allows you to savor the flavor of coffee in a cold, chilly form.
7. Melon Bings
Melon Bings is a visually appealing and pleasant choice that incorporates fresh melon as both a serving vessel and a topping. Honeydew or cantaloupe are commonly utilized, making it a light and fruity option for summer.
Ingredients:
- Shaved ice
- Half a melon (honeydew or cantaloupe)
- Melon balls or cubes
- Sweetened condensed milk
- Vanilla ice cream (optional)
Preparation:
- Hollow out half a melon to make a bowl, then set aside the melon balls or cubes.
- Fill the melon bowl with shaved ice and place the melon balls on top.
- Drizzle with condensed milk and top with a dollop of vanilla ice cream, if preferred.
Melon Bings is both delicious and visually appealing, making it ideal for offering at gatherings or as a cool summer treat.
8. Tiramisu Bings
Tiramisu Bings combines the popular Italian dessert with Korean shaved ice. It has layers of fluffy shaved ice, coffee-soaked ladyfingers, and a mascarpone cream topping dusted with cocoa powder.
Ingredients:
- Shaved ice
- Ladyfingers (soaked in coffee)
- Mascarpone cream
- Cocoa powder
- Chocolate shavings
Preparation:
- Shaved ice is first layered in a bowl, followed by coffee-soaked ladyfingers.
- Spread a good amount of mascarpone cream on the ladyfingers.
- Dust with cocoa powder and top with chocolate shavings for a rich, dessert-like Bingsu.
Tiramisu Bings is a creamy and rich take on the famous Korean dessert, blending the best of both worlds for a truly unique and delectable experience.
9. Cheesecake Bings
Cheesecake Bings is a sumptuous version that includes bits of cheesecake into the shaved ice, along with fruit and sweet sauces, resulting in a treat that is both indulgent and refreshing.
Ingredients:
- Shaved ice
- Cheesecake pieces
- Fresh strawberries or blueberries
- Sweetened condensed milk
- Berry sauce or syrup
Preparation:
- Shaved ice should be placed in a serving bowl and topped with cheesecake bits.
- Add fresh strawberries or blueberries for a burst of fruit flavor.
- Drizzle with condensed milk and berry sauce to increase the sweetness.
Cheesecake Bings is ideal for those who enjoy creamy sweets and provides a rich and gratifying alternative for Bings fans wishing to try something new.
Conclusion
Bings, more aptly known as Korean Shaved Ice, can be tailored to suit one’s preference. From classic Patbingsu with red beans to other modern variations such as Oreo or Tiramisu Bings, each variant has its unique combination of flavors and textures that make Bings perfect for all seasons. Whether fruity, nutty, creamy, or even caffeinated flavors, there is a Bings variant to please anyone.
By trying these delicious types of Bings, you will be able to bring a little Korean culture of desserts right into your home, having a refreshing and satisfying dessert that is really great to share with your family and friends. So, get your ice shaver and ready to enter into the world of Bings-you won’t be disappointed!