Malaysian Shaved Ice Recipe

Shaved ice: Finely crushed ice that forms the base of the dessert.

Sweetened red beans: Cooked red beans sweetened with sugar, adding a rich, earthy flavor.

Evaporated milk: Creamy milk that enhances the dessert's richness.

Palm sugar syrup: A sweet syrup made from palm sugar, adding a caramel-like sweetness.

Grass jelly: A herbal jelly cut into cubes, providing a unique texture and mild flavor.

When preparing shaved ice, ensure that the ice is finely shaved to achieve a smooth and fluffy texture. This can be done using a high-quality shaved ice machine. The finer the ice, the better it will absorb the flavors of the evaporated milk and palm sugar syrup. Additionally, when layering the sweetened red beans, make sure they are evenly spread to ensure each bite has a balanced taste. For the grass jelly, cut it into uniform cubes to provide a consistent texture throughout the dessert.

• shaved ice - Substitute with crushed ice: Crushed ice can provide a similar texture and cooling effect if you don't have access to a shaver.

• sweetened red beans - Substitute with sweetened black beans: Sweetened black beans have a similar texture and sweetness, making them a good alternative.

• evaporated milk - Substitute with coconut milk: Coconut milk adds a rich, creamy texture and a hint of tropical flavor that complements the dessert well.

• palm sugar syrup - Substitute with brown sugar syrup: Brown sugar syrup has a similar caramel-like flavor and can be used as a direct replacement.

• grass jelly - Substitute with agar jelly: Agar jelly can mimic the texture of grass jelly and can be flavored to match the original taste.

• Store any leftover sweetened red beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Ensure they are completely cooled before sealing to maintain their texture and flavor.
• Keep evaporated milk in its original can if unopened, or transfer to a sealed container and refrigerate if opened. Use within 5 days for the best quality.
• Palm sugar syrup can be stored in a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid at room temperature for up to a month. If you notice any crystallization, gently warm it in a water bath to dissolve the crystals.
• Grass jelly cubes should be stored in their syrup in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for about a week. Ensure they are fully submerged in the syrup to prevent drying out.
• Shaved ice is best made fresh. If you must prepare it in advance, store it in a tightly sealed plastic bag in the freezer. Break up any clumps before using to ensure a fluffy texture.
• To assemble the Malaysian shaved ice in advance, layer the sweetened red beans and grass jelly cubes in a serving bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. Add the shaved ice, evaporated milk, and palm sugar syrup just before serving to maintain the best texture and flavor.
• If you have leftover assembled Malaysian shaved ice, it is best consumed immediately. However, if necessary, store it in the freezer in a sealed container. Note that the texture of the shaved ice may change upon thawing.

• Understand that Malaysian shaved ice is a delicate dessert and reheating isn't conventional. Instead, consider these methods to refresh it:
  • Reassemble Freshly: If you have leftover components like sweetened red beans, evaporated milk, palm sugar syrup, and grass jelly, store them separately in airtight containers in the fridge. When ready to enjoy again, simply prepare fresh shaved ice and reassemble as per the original recipe.
  • Refrigerate and Refresh: Store the assembled dessert in the fridge for a short period (up to a few hours). Before serving, add a fresh layer of shaved ice on top to restore its icy texture.
  • Avoid Freezing: Freezing the entire dessert can alter its texture and taste. If you must freeze, do so with the individual components and reassemble with fresh shaved ice when ready to serve.
  • Serve Immediately: For the best experience, always aim to serve Malaysian shaved ice immediately after preparation to enjoy its refreshing and authentic taste.

• Shaved ice machine: Used to create finely shaved ice, which is the base of the dessert.

• Bowl: Used to assemble and serve the dessert.

• Spoon: Used for layering the ingredients and for serving.

• Measuring cups: Used to measure the exact quantities of sweetened red beans, evaporated milk, palm sugar syrup, and grass jelly cubes.

• Knife: Used to cut the grass jelly into cubes.

• Cutting board: Used as a surface for cutting the grass jelly.

Prepare ingredients in advance: Measure and prepare sweetened red beans, evaporated milk, palm sugar syrup, and grass jelly cubes ahead of time.

Use pre-shaved ice: Purchase pre-shaved ice from a store to skip the step of using a shaved ice machine.

Layer efficiently: Arrange your workspace so you can quickly add sweetened red beans, shaved ice, and other toppings in sequence.

Pre-mix syrups: Combine evaporated milk and palm sugar syrup in a squeeze bottle for easy drizzling.