Red Bean Shaved Ice Recipe

Soak the beans

Rinse 1 cup adzuki beans under cold water, removing any debris. Place beans in a bowl and cover with about 3 cups of water. Soak for 2–4 hours (or overnight). Drain and rinse before cooking. (If short on time, you can skip soaking; cooking will take longer.)

Cook the beans

Place the soaked and drained beans in a medium saucepan with 4 cups fresh water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Cook uncovered for 45–60 minutes, stirring occasionally, until beans are very tender and starting to break apart. If the water level falls below the beans, add more hot water as needed to keep them moist.

Sweeten and finish

When beans are tender, add 3 tablespoons granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, and a pinch of salt. Stir gently and simmer for another 10–15 minutes until the sugar dissolves and the mixture thickens slightly. Taste and adjust sweetness. Stir in 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract if using. Remove from heat and cool to room temperature, then chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. The beans will thicken as they cool; if the mixture becomes too thick, stir in a tablespoon or two of water to loosen slightly before serving.

Whisk together 1 cup whole milk and 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk in a small bowl until smooth. Taste and add 1 teaspoon granulated sugar if you prefer it sweeter. Chill in the fridge until ready to assemble. This creates a pourable sweet milk that complements the red beans.

Prepare shaved ice

Using a shaved ice machine or a high-powered blender/food processor with a crushing blade, process the 8 cups of ice blocks/cubes into fine, fluffy shaved ice. Work in batches if necessary. If using a blender, pulse ice until a snow-like texture is achieved, scraping down as needed. Keep shaved ice in the freezer for short periods while assembling to prevent melting.

Assemble each bowl

Divide the shaved ice evenly among 4 serving bowls (about 2 cups shaved ice per serving). Spoon about 1/3 to 1/2 cup chilled sweet red beans over each mound of shaved ice. Drizzle 1/2 to 1 tablespoon of the sweetened milk mixture over the top of each serving and finish with 1/2 tablespoon sweetened condensed milk for extra richness if desired.

Add garnishes

Top each bowl with roughly 2 tablespoons (about 1/8 cup) mochi pieces, a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or crushed peanuts (about 1/4 teaspoon), and a couple of mint leaves for color. Serve immediately with a spoon.