How to Make Patbingsu – My Go-To Korean Shaved Ice Dessert

🍧 Bingsu Memories: Making Korean Shaved Ice at Home

As soon as the weather turns warm, I start thinking about bingsu — Korea’s answer to ice cream. I still remember hot summer days growing up, when we didn’t have fancy ice machines. My mom would wrap ice in a clean kitchen towel and smash it with a hammer. The ice wasn’t perfect, but the joy definitely was.

Here’s a look at one of my favorite patbingsu styles — topped with sweet red beans, sliced almonds, chewy mochi, and a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It’s a classic, and I never get tired of it.

                               

Funny story — I actually bought my bingsu machine years ago right here in the U.S. It’s one of those hand-crank ice shavers I found at a local Korean store. I originally got it so my kids and I could make bingsu together during the summer. We’d take turns cranking the handle, watching the ice fall like snow, and laughing as we tried not to spill it everywhere. To this day, we still pull it out when the weather gets hot. It’s a little tradition we never outgrew. 🥰

These days, I also use a blender when I’m in a hurry. Not as nostalgic, but definitely easier. 😄 And the magic of bingsu? You can make it exactly how you like — sweet, cold, and endlessly customizable.

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🍧 What Is Bingsu?

Bingsu (빙수) is a light and refreshing Korean dessert made with shaved ice, sweet red bean paste (called “pat”), fruits, and all kinds of toppings. The most traditional version is patbingsu (팥빙수), topped with:

• Sweetened red bean (from a can — no prep needed!)

• Condensed milk (this one’s non-negotiable)

• Sliced fruits like strawberries or bananas

• Mochi or chewy rice cakes

• Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream

• Cereal or crushed cookies for crunch

Some people like to keep it simple, others pile it sky-high. I say — no rules, just fun.

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🛒 Where to Find Ingredients in the U.S.

If you live near an H Mart or Asian market, you’re in luck. Most of the ingredients are easy to find:

• Red bean paste or sweetened red beans (canned)

• Condensed milk (any U.S. grocery store)

• Fresh fruits, cereal, or even a scoop of your favorite ice cream

• Don’t have mochi? No problem. Want to add chocolate chips? Go for it.
  Bingsu is as flexible as you want it to be.

                                                                                                                                            

🧊 How to Make Bingsu at Home (No Machine Needed)

Here’s how I make mine when the craving hits:

1. Shave or crush your ice
   -Use a blender, food processor, or even smash it in a bag with a rolling pin (old school style!).

2. Drizzle with condensed milk
   -This gives the ice that creamy, sweet flavor we all love.

3. Spoon on the red beans
   -One or two spoonfuls go a long way. No need to heat or cook!

4. Add your toppings
   -I like sliced bananas, a bit of mochi, and crushed cereal for crunch.

5. Eat immediately before it melts!

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Bingsu isn’t just dessert. For me, it’s a little piece of home —

a memory in a bowl, cold and sweet and full of joy.

If you’ve never tried making it, I hope you give it a shot this summer.

Even just once. Who knows — it might become your new seasonal tradition too. ☀️

👉 And when the seasons shift and you’re looking for warmth and comfort instead,

[check out my post on Korean Comfort Foods] — they’re like a warm hug in a bowl.