Red bean, also known as azuki (小豆), is by far the most popular flavor in traditional Japanese sweets. Its prominence in Japanese desserts can be compared to that of chocolate in Western desserts. Azuki has always been one of my absolute favorite flavors, especially in ice cream, so I want to show you how to make Azuki Red Bean Ice Cream (小豆アイスクリーム) the way we enjoy it in Japan.
What Does Azuki Red Bean Ice Cream Taste Like?
At a glance, azuki beans look similar to black beans, but they are deep red in color with a mildly nutty taste. Red beans also have a light sweetness, making them a perfect ingredient for desserts. In Japan, red bean-flavored foods are impossible to miss, whether you’re in a bakery, convenience store (konbini), or restaurant. Even after living in the States for many years, the taste of red bean sweets makes me nostalgic for Japan. This homemade red bean ice cream brings back so many great memories of childhood and the summers I spent at my grandpa’s house.
Japanese Ice Cream vs. American Ice Cream
Japanese red bean ice cream is a little different from the ice cream you may be used to, not only because of the unique main ingredient. A key difference is its level of creaminess. The texture of the ice cream is “harder,” similar to an ice bar, and it won’t be as rich and creamy as typical ice cream or soft serve, but it’s satisfying, scoopable ice cream nonetheless. Unlike many ice cream recipes, this one does not call for heavy cream or eggs. All you need is milk, sugar, and red bean. I much prefer this over chocolate ice cream any day! My favorite toppings are toasted black sesame seeds or a little sweetened condensed milk if you have any. If you crave richer ice cream, the condensed milk on top will give you just that. The sesame seeds add a nutty crunch that complements the azuki flavor wonderfully. If you want to take it one step further, use this as a filling for your Mochi Ice Cream!
Where to Buy Japanese Red Bean (Azuki Beans)
You can find canned red bean paste (called “anko” in Japanese) at any Japanese grocery store. Recently, I’ve noticed other grocery stores beginning to carry it, too! Be sure to keep an eye out in the Asian section of your supermarket. The store-bought red bean paste is quite sweet, so if you prefer a less sweet option, I highly recommend making your red bean paste from scratch—it’s much easier than you’d think! For this recipe, I stick with the canned option because the other ingredients balance out the sweetness. If you own a pressure cooker or Instant Pot, you can make your red bean paste in just a few easy steps with this recipe.
More Japanese Ice Cream Recipes
Green Tea Ice Cream Soy Sauce Caramel Ice Cream Black Sesame Ice Cream Mochi Ice Cream Yuzu Ice Cream Coffee Ice Cream
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