How to make kakigori: Japanese shaved ice recipe

What is kakigori?

Kakigori is a light and fluffy shaved ice dessert originating in Japan around the 10th century. It is made from thinly-shaved ice from a pure, unflavored ice block. Using a bowl, a mound is formed with airy ice shavings that are garnished with ice cream, yogurt or fruity syrups, like melon or strawberry.

Originally, kakigori was reserved for Japanese nobility and typically enjoyed in the summer months as a refreshing break from the sweltering heat, unlike mochi which is enjoyed during Japanese New Year. As years progressed, kakigori became available for all to enjoy and share with a variety of ingredients and flavors. It is customary to experiment with this versatile dish by adding unique toppings to find your favorite combination, such as green tea matcha or chocolate syrup for a sweet treat. To maintain its pure origins, it is recommended to create kakigori with mineral water due to its source from natural springs.

Kakigori shaved ice recipe

Kakigori is meant for endless flavors and toppings. Unleash your creativity and explore the different ways to make it with the KitchenAid® stand mixer. Follow the recipe below to get started, and learn how to customize your own version of kakigori at home.

Yields

Serving size may vary depending on your preference of toppings and creative combinations. With the KitchenAid® Shave Ice Attachment, you can create one pint of finely-shaved ice in 60 seconds.**

**Excluding prep time, based on plain ice using a fine blade.

Ingredients

For the shave ice:

• Mineral water

For the syrup:

• 1 part granulated sugar

• 2 parts hot water

• Your favorite flavors to taste (optional)

Additional Toppings:

• 2 tablespoons of condensed milk, per serving

• Your favorite yogurt, ice cream or other toppings

Tools

• KitchenAid® Stand Mixer

• KitchenAid ® Shave Ice Attachment

• Serving bowls or cups

• Serving spoons

• Ice scoop

Prep time: 12 to 24 hours

To reach the optimal flavor of your kakigori dish, it is recommended to use frozen mineral water. Fill the ice molds from the KitchenAid® Shave Ice Attachment and freeze; this process may take 12 to 24 hours. Four ice molds are included, so be sure to stock up and freeze molds ahead of time to satisfy sudden cravings.

Make time: 5 minutes

After your mineral water is frozen, you are minutes away from a mound of light, fluffy shaved ice that melts in your mouth. Depending on your preference of syrups, fruits or other unique toppings, recipe time may vary while you are crafting your treat. The KitchenAid® stand mixer* and Shave Ice Attachment make your kakigori creation as easy as freezing, shaving and crafting.

*Sold separately

Step 1: Fill the ice moulds

The first step to homemade kakigori is to fill the ice mold to the level notated on the mold.

• Freeze the ice molds for 12 to 24 hours or until completely frozen.

Step 2: Make the syrup

Homemade syrup provides a versatile option for a decadent drizzle over your shaved ice. First, combine 1 part granulated sugar with 3 parts hot water until the mixture is completely dissolved. Feel free to experiment and add other fresh ingredients to your syrup such as fruit puree, honey or a twist of citrus for unique flavor combinations.

Tip:

Green tea matcha powder adds a tasty twist and refreshing spin to shaved ice treats.

Step 3: Shave the ice

Add the frozen mineral water molds to your shave ice attachment. Turn the mixer to a high speed and catch the fluffy, finely-shaved ice in your favorite serving bowls or cups. Because the attachment can craft one pint of shaved ice in 60 seconds*, a duo of one-cup servings are always within reach.

*Excluding prep time, based on plain ice using a fine blade.

Step 4: Decorate the dessert

With your bowls of airy shaved ice ready for toppings, drizzle your creation with homemade syrup, condensed milk or whatever else you are craving. The possibilities are truly endless, so feel free to unleash your creativity and mix and match your favorite toppings for a tasty dessert.

What are some traditional kakigori flavors?

Kakigori is known for its unique creations and versatile flavor combinations. However, traditional kakigori flavors include green tea matcha, strawberry, cherry and lemon. Experiment with these combinations to add a decadent twist to the classic favorites with chocolate, caramel or your favorite sweets.

How is kakigori different from bingsu and baobing?

While kakigori, bingsu and baobing all boast a light, snowy shaved ice texture, the toppings differentiate the desserts. Bingsu is a Korean treat that is typically topped with fresh fruit chunks, sweet red beans, tteok (rice cakes) and condensed milk. Baobing is a shaved ice dessert that originated in China. Traditional toppings include red and mung beans, chilled peanut soup, tapioca pearls and condensed milk.