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Learn to make authentic Azuki Red Bean Ice Cream just like what you’d find in Japan! It’s the perfect treat for a hot day and only takes 3 ingredients to make. 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 bean also bears a light sweetness, making it 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 now, 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 CreamJapanese 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 in its level of creaminess. The texture of the ice cream is “harder”, kind of like 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. Wish to learn more about Japanese cooking? Sign up for our free newsletter to receive cooking tips & recipe updates! And stay in touch with me on Facebook, Pinterest, YouTube, and Instagram. Learn to make authentic Azuki Red Bean Ice Cream just like what you’d find in Japan! It’s the perfect treat for a hot day and only takes 3 ingredients to make. Prep Time: 5 mins Cook Time: 5 mins Chill & Churn Time: 8 hrs 30 mins Total Time: 8 hrs 40 mins
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Serving: 1 cup · Calories: 432 kcal · Carbohydrates: 38 g · Protein: 11 g · Fat: 4 g · Saturated Fat: 2 g · Cholesterol: 10 mg · Sodium: 100 mg · Potassium: 137 mg · Fiber: 7 g · Sugar: 69 g · Vitamin A: 160 IU · Vitamin C: 52 mg · Calcium: 143 mg · Iron: 2 mg Course: Dessert Cuisine: Japanese Keyword: azuki, ice cream ©JustOneCookbook.com Content and photographs are copyright protected. Sharing of this recipe is both encouraged and appreciated. Copying and/or pasting full recipes to any website or social media is strictly prohibited. Please view my photo use policy here. If you made this recipe, snap a pic and hashtag it #justonecookbook! We love to see your creations on Instagram @justonecookbook! More Japanese Ice Cream Recipes
Editor’s Note: This post was originally published on July 11, 2011. The images and recipe have been updated in January 2021. Meet the Author Namiko ChenI'm Nami, a Japanese home cook based in San Francisco. Have fun exploring the 800+ classic & modern Japanese recipes I share with step-by-step photos and How-To YouTube videos. Subscribe Now! 5 Secrets to Japanese Cooking: Simple Meals & Authentic Flavors!Sign up to receive our FREE email series on Japanese cooking tips and weekly newsletter. Is red bean Japanese or Korean?Japanese. Red bean paste is used in many Japanese sweets.
Is red bean Chinese or Japanese?Adzuki beans—also known as azuki beans or red mung beans—are a small Chinese bean with the same deep-maroon hue as kidney beans. The popular sweet paste is the star ingredient in many Chinese and Japanese sweets. You can find prepared red bean paste and canned or raw adzuki beans in most Asian grocery stores.
Where is red bean ice cream most popular?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.
What is the origin of red beans?Red kidney beans are thought to have originated in Peru. They're part of a larger group called “common beans,” which were cultivated as early as 8,000 years ago. Common beans were spread by migrating tribes and served as an important protein source in the diets of the Indians of the Americas.
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