Bao Bing (Taiwanese Shaved Ice)
The Quirky Foodster Team
Ingredients
- Water, for ice blocks — 1 L (4 cups)
- Sweetened condensed milk — 60 ml (¼ cup)
- Large Fresh mango, diced — 1
- Fresh strawberries, sliced — 150 g (1 cup)
- Cooked red beans, sweetened — 100 g (½ cup)
- Mochi or tang yuan (small rice balls), cooked — 100 g (¾ cup)
- Brown sugar syrup or honey, for drizzling — 30 ml (2 tbsp)
Method
- Freeze the water into a large block or several smaller blocks suitable for the ice shaver being used, or freeze in ice cube trays if using a blender/food processor as a substitute.
- If using an ice shaving machine, shave the frozen block into fine, snow-like ice according to the machine’s instructions.
- If using a blender or food processor as a substitute, pulse the ice cubes in batches until finely crushed into a snow-like consistency, being careful not to over-process into liquid.
- Mound the shaved ice generously into serving bowls.
- Drizzle with sweetened condensed milk over the top of the ice.
- Arrange diced mango, sliced strawberries, sweetened red beans, and cooked mochi or tang yuan attractively over and around the ice.
- Finish with a drizzle of brown sugar syrup or honey and serve immediately before the ice melts.
Introduction: Bao bing, mountains of finely shaved ice piled high with an array of sweet toppings like fresh fruit, condensed milk, and mochi, is Taiwan’s quintessential warm-weather dessert.
Cultural Background: Bao bing, mountains of finely shaved ice piled high with an array of sweet toppings like fresh fruit, condensed milk, and mochi, is Taiwan’s quintessential warm-weather dessert. Found at dedicated ice shops across the island, it’s a customizable treat perfect for cooling down on hot, humid days.
Tips: The finer and fluffier the shaved ice, the more authentic the texture — a proper ice shaving machine gives far superior results to a blender, though the latter works in a pinch.
Variations: Taro paste, grass jelly, or peanut crumble are popular alternative or additional toppings found at many Taiwanese ice shops.
Storage: Not applicable — must be assembled and eaten immediately, as shaved ice melts quickly.
Reheating: Not applicable.
FAQs:
Q: Do I need a special machine to make this at home?
A: A dedicated ice shaving machine gives the best fine, fluffy texture, but a powerful blender or food processor can produce a reasonable approximation.
Q: Is bao bing vegan?
A: Not as written due to the condensed milk; a plant-based condensed milk alternative can be used for a vegan version.
Q: What toppings are most traditional?
A: Fresh seasonal fruit, sweetened red beans, and condensed milk are among the most classic and widely loved toppings.
- Water, for ice blocks — 1 L (4 cups)
- Sweetened condensed milk — 60 ml (¼ cup)
- Large Fresh mango, diced — 1
- Fresh strawberries, sliced — 150 g (1 cup)
- Cooked red beans, sweetened — 100 g (½ cup)
- Mochi or tang yuan (small rice balls), cooked — 100 g (¾ cup)
- Brown sugar syrup or honey, for drizzling — 30 ml (2 tbsp)
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