Kakigori (Japanese Shaved Ice)
A beloved Japanese summer festival treat, Kakigori is a mountain of impossibly fine, fluffy shaved ice, drenched in sweet, vibrant syrup and optionally adorned with condensed milk and fresh fruit. It's a refreshing and delightful dessert perfect for hot days.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 block (approx. 1kg recommended) Block of ice(Use clear, pure ice for the best texture. Freeze filtered water in a block mold for optimal results.)
- 60 ml Flavored syrup(Choose your favorite flavor such as strawberry, melon, lemon, blue Hawaii, or matcha. Adjust amount to taste.)
- optional Sweetened condensed milk(Adds a creamy sweetness. Drizzle generously over the syrup.)
- optional Fresh fruit(Such as strawberries, mango, or kiwi, sliced or diced for garnish.)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the ice block. If you've frozen your own ice, ensure it's solid and ready for shaving. If using a pre-made block, remove it from its packaging.
⏱️ 1 minute - 2
Shave the ice. Using a kakigori machine (manual or electric), shave the ice block into a fine, powdery snow-like texture. Aim for a fluffy consistency that resembles soft snow, not icy shards.
⏱️ 3 minutes - 3
Mound the shaved ice. Quickly transfer the shaved ice into a chilled serving bowl, forming a generous, fluffy mound. Work swiftly to prevent melting.
⏱️ 1 minute - 4
Add toppings. Drizzle the flavored syrup generously over the mound of ice, ensuring it saturates the ice. If using, add a drizzle of sweetened condensed milk and arrange fresh fruit slices on top.
⏱️ 1 minute
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For the fluffiest ice, use a high-quality kakigori machine designed for fine shaving.
- ✓Chill your serving bowl beforehand to keep the ice from melting too quickly.
- ✓The key is to shave the ice finely and quickly; the texture should be light and airy.
- ✓Experiment with different syrup combinations and toppings for unique flavors.
🔄 Variations
- Ujikintoki: Add matcha-flavored syrup and a spoonful of sweet red bean paste (anko).
- Fresh Fruit Kakigori: Top with a generous amount of fresh, seasonal fruits like strawberries, mangoes, or peaches.
- Milk Syrup Kakigori: Use a milk-based syrup or a combination of condensed milk and simple syrup.
- Coffee Kakigori: Drizzle with sweetened condensed milk and a shot of strong, chilled coffee syrup.