Ujikintoki Green Tea Shaved Ice Recipe

Crafting this Ujikintoki takes me on a sensory journey, blending the earthy aroma of matcha with the creamy sweetness of condensed milk and azuki beans. The refreshing burst of fresh fruit and a potential hint of mint garnish add to this elegant symphony of flavors and textures, transporting me straight to a summer festival in Japan.

I enjoy making light, icy desserts, and Ujikintoki Green Tea Shaved Ice is a particular favorite of mine. Its base is finely shaved ice, which is calm and cool.

Its dominant flavors come from premium matcha (powdered green tea) and sweetened condensed milk. Matching perfectly with the grassiness of the matcha, the sweetened condensed milk is a perfect contrast.

Azuki red bean paste, which has a wonderful texture, is also part of this dessert.

Ujikintoki Green Tea Shaved Ice Recipe Ingredients

• Matcha Green Tea Powder: Rich in antioxidants, provides a vibrant green color.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk: Adds creamy sweetness, enhancing flavor depth.
• Azuki Red Bean Paste: Provides protein and fiber, offering a natural sweetness.
• Fresh Fruit (e.

  g.

  , Strawberries/Mango): Boosts vitamin content, adds natural sweetness and tang.

Ujikintoki Green Tea Shaved Ice Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 2 cups ice, finely shaved
• 3 tablespoons matcha green tea powder
• 1/3 cup hot water
• 1/4 cup sweetened condensed milk
• 1/2 cup sweet azuki red bean paste
• 1 tablespoon sugar (optional, to taste)
• Fresh fruit for garnish (e.g., strawberries or mango)
• Mint leaves for garnish (optional)

How to Make this Ujikintoki Green Tea Shaved Ice Recipe

1. In a small bowl, combine the matcha green tea powder and hot water. Whisk them together until you have a smooth matcha syrup. If you want it sweeter, feel free to add sugar.

2. Use a blender or ice shaver to shave the ice finely until it resembles fluffy snow. In other words, the ice should have the texture of snow and be super crushed, not just crushed, in order to achieve the kind of gourmet snow cone that Shave Ice and other popular snacks in Hawaii and the Pacific Islands are. Ingredients that can compromise the purity of the ice will also compromise the texture.

3. Put the finely grated ice in a sizable bowl or in small serving bowls, pressing the ice gently to help it hold its shape.

4. Allowing the ice to be infused, drizzle the matcha syrup evenly over the shaved ice.

5. Spread the sweetened condensed milk on top of the ice, being certain to blanket it completely.

6. Place a liberal dollop of sweet azuki red bean paste onto the frozen dessert.

7. Place fresh fruits, such as sliced strawberries or diced mango, around or atop the shaved ice for extra color and taste.

8. You may optionally garnish with a couple of fresh mint leaves for a refreshing touch.

9. Serve right away with a spoon so that guests can blend the tastes while they eat the sweet.

10. Revel in the exhilarating and saccharine tastes of your very own Ujikintoki!

Ujikintoki Green Tea Shaved Ice Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Small bowl
2. Whisk
3. Blender or ice shaver
4. Sizable bowl or serving bowls
5. Spoon

FAQ

• What is Ujikintoki Green Tea Shaved Ice?Ujikintoki, a conventional Japanese sweet, consists of very finely shaved ice. This is not the same as a simple snow cone. The ice used for making ujikintoki is shaved so finely that it has a tendency to compact and mound up, creating a sort of cushy interior in the ice. You don’t want to eat this slowly or at room temperature since it is kind of an icy brick that will tend to melt inside your mouth! But if eaten quickly and when it is at its most pleasurable (cold and not solid), it tastes sort of like a sweetened snowball with a 50,000:1 snow-to-ice ratio.
• Can I use regular green tea instead of matcha?Though standard green tea is effective, matcha is the superior choice for taste and color in this recipe.
• Is the sugar necessary in this recipe?You can adjust the sugar to your liking, since the red bean paste and the sweetened condensed milk already provide a good amount of sweetness. Still, if you want a little more sweetness, you should know that the sugar is not a required ingredient.
• Can I prepare the components in advance?Indeed, to obtain the best texture in a sno-cone, shave the ice just before serving. Matcha syrup and azuki red bean paste should be prepared in advance and served with the ice. These unorthodox toppings are a relatively new twist on the dessert that recalls Japan’s history of making ice confections.
• What other garnishes work well?Mochi pieces and a scoop of vanilla ice cream, along with fresh fruit, make for a nice balance of flavors.
• Can I use a different type of bean paste?Traditional sweet paste is made with azuki beans, but you can experiment with other flavorful ingredients if you prefer.

Ujikintoki Green Tea Shaved Ice Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Powdered matcha green tea: Replace with liquid green tea for an overall milder flavor.
Coconut milk: Use in place of sweetened condensed milk to create a dairy-free version of this recipe.
Sweet red bean paste made from azuki beans: Substitute sweet chestnut paste or a fruit compote for it.
Sugar: Honey or agave syrup can serve as alternative natural sweeteners.
Fresh fruit to garnish: Consider using kiwifruit or blueberries as substitutes for garnishing with strawberries or mango.

Pro Tips

1. Use High-Quality Matcha Opt for a ceremonial-grade matcha powder for a more vibrant color and richer flavor. This will enhance the overall taste and presentation of your Ujikintoki.

2. Chill Your Bowls Before assembling the dessert, place your serving bowls in the freezer for a few minutes. This will help keep the shaved ice from melting too quickly when you serve it.

3. Adjust Sweetness Taste your matcha syrup before pouring it over the ice. If you want a sweeter dessert, you can add more sugar or condensed milk according to your preference.

4. Layer Carefully When drizzling the matcha syrup and condensed milk, try using a squeeze bottle or spoon to ensure even coverage, preventing any part of the shaved ice from being too dry.

5. Texture Matters Be sure the ice is shaved very finely for the best texture. Using a high-quality ice shaver will make a significant difference, enhancing the experience and authenticity of your Ujikintoki.