How to Make the Perfect Patbingsu
Korean · Easy · 15 min · 4 servings
Patbingsu is a beloved Korean shaved ice dessert topped with sweet red beans and chewy rice cakes that children absolutely adore on warm days. Parents will find this kid friendly treat incredibly easy to assemble at home and can customize the toppings based on what their children enjoy most.
Why this recipe works
This Patbingsu recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 15 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 280 calories with 6g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 8 cups crushed or shaved ice
- 1 cup canned sweetened red beans patbingsu
- 1 cup condensed milk
- 1 cup small rice cake balls tteok
- 1 cup fresh strawberries sliced
- 2 tbsp matcha powder optional
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Toppings
Open canned sweet red beans and set aside. Slice strawberries, prepare rice cakes, and have condensed milk ready to pour. Having everything prepped before adding ice prevents it from melting too quickly.
Step 2: Make the Ice Base
Crush ice in a blender until it resembles fine snow or use a shaved ice machine for the authentic ultra fine Korean texture. Fill 4 large bowls or cups generously with the shaved ice.
Step 3: Add the Toppings
Spoon sweet red beans generously over each portion of shaved ice. Add rice cake pieces and sliced strawberries on top distributing them evenly among all four servings.
Step 4: Finish and Serve
Drizzle condensed milk generously over each bowl and dust lightly with matcha powder if using. Serve immediately before the ice begins to melt and let each person mix their toppings into the ice as they eat.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- sweetened red beans → fruit jam or fresh mango chunks for kids who prefer sweeter less earthy toppings
- rice cake balls → mochi ice cream balls or mini marshmallows for a fun Western friendly twist
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Making the ice too chunky instead of fine and snowy which ruins the delicate melt in your mouth texture
- Preparing bowls too far in advance causing the ice to melt into a watery puddle before serving
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 280 calories, 6g protein, 58g carbs, 3g fat, 5g fiber.
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