Unveil the Flavor: What Does Red Bean Ice Cream Taste Like?

Red bean may not be the first flavor of ice cream that comes to mind, but it’s actually a very popular flavor in Asia, especially in Japan.

If you’ve never had red bean ice cream before, you might be wondering what it tastes like.

Is it even sweet? Does it remind you of red beans? Or is the flavor masked by the sweetness of different ingredients?

Well, hop on as we’d take you on a quick tour of what does red bean ice cream taste like and where you can buy one for yourself.

What is Red Bean Ice Cream?

Red bean, also known as Azuki, is one of the most popular ingredients in traditional Japanese desserts.

The ingredient seems to have become more popular in other Asian countries as well, and slowly but surely, it’s making its way to the Western world.

There are several kinds of treats and drinks that use red beans; one such popular drink is red bean ice.

The drink is typically made with azuki beans, evaporated milk, and rock-sugar syrup.

And when some ice cream is added as a topping, this drink becomes a dessert known as red bean ice cream.

Besides, you can also find red bean ice cream that’s as creamy and smooth as the ones you typically find in the West.

What Does Red Bean Ice Cream Taste Like?

When you hear or read ‘red bean,’ it’s natural to think of savory flavors.

Red bean, on its own, has a mild and nutty flavor.

So, it isn’t wrong to think of a savory taste.

But then ‘ice cream’ follows ‘red bean,’ and all ice creams have a sweet flavor.

So, the dessert is probably sweet. But is it?

Earlier, you also learned that the ice cream has a sweetener, “rock sugar syrup”.

So, it’s safe to say that red bean ice cream is sweet.

According to a user in Quora, the ice cream is sweet but still has the red bean flavor.

Its texture is smooth and creamy because of the presence of milk or coconut milk.

However, the ice cream also has some crushed chunks of whole beans, so it can be a bit grainy.

In its entirety, red bean ice cream is sweet and nutty with a smooth, creamy as well as a grainy texture making it a delicious and exciting dessert.

A 70gms serving of red bean ice cream has 14 calories, 19gms total carbs, 7gms fat, 2gms protein, 15gms sugar, calcium, sodium, and vitamins A & D.

Sweet foods aren’t considered healthy though they’re delicious.

Red bean ice cream is also yummy, but it has sugar.

Hence, consume it only occasionally and not make it habitual.

That way, you’ll enjoy the flavors and not accumulate unwanted fat in your body.

Where to Buy Red Bean Ice Cream?

In Japan or other Asian countries, red bean ice cream is so popular that you can find it almost everywhere.

From convenience stores to supermarkets and even in some vending machines, this flavor is pretty easy to find.

If you’re not from Asia, you might want to check out the Asian supermarkets in your area, as they usually carry this flavor.

Or, your best bet would probably be to check online.

As for the kitchen magicians out there, we’ve got an easy red bean ice cream recipe for you to try at home.

• Start by beating 3 egg yolks and 1/2 cup white sugar in a bowl.
• In a saucepan, boil 1 cup of milk. Then, slowly stream the boiled milk into the egg mixture. Make sure to keep beating the mixture as you pour in the milk.
• Once everything is mixed together, put the saucepan back on low heat and cook until the mixture thickens, and remove from heat. With constant stirring, this will take about 10 minutes.
• Next, add 1 1/2 cups of sweetened red bean paste to the mixture. Transfer the mixture to a bowl and let it cool down.
• Once cooled, stir in 1 1/2 cups of heavy whipping cream.
• Refrigerate the mixture for 1-3 hours.
• Lastly, pour the mixture into your ice cream maker, and voila. You’ve got yourself some delicious and creamy red bean ice cream.

Conclusion

While the Western world may be just learning about red bean ice cream, it’s another story in Asia.

It’s one of the most preferred flavors of ice cream in Japan and other Asian countries.

It’s because of red bean paste, a popular component in Asian cuisine.

The paste is so tasty that they used it to make ice cream, and it became a hit.

The sweet, nutty flavor with a creamy and slightly grainy texture makes it flavorful and unique.

Find an Asian store nearby or simply follow the recipe described above to make the ice cream.

It’s yummy, so when you serve it to friends and family, everyone will enjoy it and even want more.