Red bean shake, also known as red bean frappe, is a popular Asian drink made by blending red beans, milk or non-dairy milk, and sugar. The end result is a creamy, frothy, and deliciously sweet beverage that is loved by many for its unique and hard-to-describe flavor.
What are the main ingredients in red bean shake?
The primary ingredients in red bean shake are:
- Red beans (also called adzuki beans) – skinned and cooked until soft and creamy
- Milk or non-dairy milk like soy milk, almond milk, etc.
- Sugar or sweetener
- Ice
Some additional ingredients may include:
- Condensed milk for extra creaminess
- Vanilla extract for added flavor
- Fruit like mango or strawberry for fruity variations
- Cocoa powder for chocolate red bean shake
What does red bean taste like on its own?
Red beans have a very distinct taste and texture. They are small, oval shaped beans with a shiny red skin and creamy white interior. Some describe red bean’s taste as sweet and nutty, almost reminiscent of chestnuts or peanuts. Others liken it to the sweetness of dates. When cooked, red beans become very soft and creamy, making them perfect for blending into shakes and desserts.
Here are some of the notable characteristics of red bean flavor:
- Subtly sweet – not overpowering or sugary like some other beans
- Mild nuttiness – similar to peanuts or chestnuts as mentioned
- Starchy and creamy – cooked red beans have a creamy consistency
- Subtle floral aroma – a hint of floral aroma akin to rice
- Smooth texture – soft and smooth when blended into shakes
How does red bean shake taste compared to other shakes?
The taste and texture of red bean shake is quite distinct from more common shakes made with fruit, chocolate, or vanilla:
- More starchy and grainy – due to the cooked bean component vs only milk and ice cream
- Less icy – the bean creaminess results in a thicker, more velvety drink
- More subtly sweet – red bean has a subtle natural sweetness unlike chocolate or fruit
- Nuttier and earthier – red bean flavor is more similar to nut butters than fruit
Some describe red bean shake as almost having the consistency of a melted milkshake, with an earthy vanilla-like undertone. The bean flavor comes through prominently but works harmoniously with the dairy and sugar components. Overall it’s a lighter, less cloyingly sweet dessert drink.
What does condensed milk add to the flavor?
Adding condensed milk to red bean shake amplifies the sweetness and creamy texture. Condensed milk:
- Provides a caramel or dulce de leche flavor note
- Makes the shake extra thick, rich, and custard-like
- Adds a subtle malty flavor from the milk solids
- Contributes a more pronounced sweetness compared to regular milk
- Provides a smooth, velvety mouthfeel
Too much condensed milk can make the shake overly sweet. But a small amount balances the red bean’s natural nutty earthiness with saturated creamy sweetness. The condensed milk rounds out the flavor and makes it taste almost like a liquid dessert.
How does adding fruit change the flavor?
Fruit additions like strawberry or mango make red bean shake more vibrant:
- Strawberry – Contributes sweet-tart berry flavor and pretty pink color
- Mango – Provides tropical, peach-like flavor and orange hue
- Banana – Adds creamy texture and ripe banana undertones
- Avocado – Brings rich, buttery flavor and smooth green creaminess
The fruit adds natural sweetness, flavor dimension, and color to the nutty red bean base. Too much fruit can overwhelm the red bean component, so a little goes a long way. Berries like strawberry complement red bean’s flavor especially well.
How does the consistency and texture compare to other drinks?
Red bean shake has a thicker, creamier consistency than most shakes due to the starchy dissolved bean component. Here’s how it compares in texture:
- Thicker than – fruit smoothies, chocolate milkshake, soft serve ice cream
- Similar to – thick blended yogurt drink, melted milkshake, horchata
- Thinner than – milkshake with ice cream, frozen yogurt
The dissolved red bean liquid creates a viscous, creamy background. When blended with crushed ice, it achieves a frothy “foam” topping like a cafe drink. The texture is partway between juicy fruit smoothie and rich, creamy milkshake. It coats the mouth more than thin drinks.
What is the best way to describe red bean shake taste?
Describing the complex flavor of red bean shake can be difficult due to its uniqueness. Here are some of the best ways to convey the taste:
- Creamy and nutty, with hints of vanilla and caramel
- Sweet and subtly earthy, reminiscent of chestnuts with floral undertones
- Velvety texture, like a cross between horchata and milkshake
- Mildly sweet starchy creaminess, with red bean aroma
- Vanilla notes complement the red bean’s natural sweet nuttiness
Food writers also describe it as:
- “Resembles the sweetness of adzuki ice cream”
- “Mildly sweet, with the delicate taste of rice pudding”
- “Starchier and less icy than an average milkshake”
Some key descriptors for red bean shake are nutty, sweet, starchy, creamy, subtle, floral, and chestnut-like. It’s a light and subtly satisfying drink.
How to Make Red Bean Shake
Here is a simple recipe to make red bean shake at home:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cooked red beans
- 2 cups milk of choice
- 1/4 cup condensed milk or sugar (optional)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
- Pinch of salt
- Ice cubes
Directions:
- In a blender, combine cooked red beans, milk, condensed milk or sugar, vanilla, and salt.
- Blend on high speed until very smooth and creamy, at least 2 minutes.
- Add a few ice cubes and blend briefly just to crush ice.
- Pour into glasses and top with more ice if desired. Enjoy!
For fruit red bean shake, add 1/2 cup fresh or frozen strawberries, mango, or banana when blending.
The key is using very soft, cooked red beans. Under-cooked beans will give the shake a gritty, grainy texture. Cook the beans until mushy soft, then blend long enough to dissolve any remaining tiny bean particles.
Where to Buy Red Bean Shake
If you don’t have cooked red beans on hand, try buying bottled or fresh red bean shake at:
- Asian grocery stores – many sell packaged red bean shake or paste
- Bubble tea shops – classic red bean milk tea or red bean frappe
- Asian dessert cafes – fresh red bean shakes
- Coffee shops – some offer red bean frappe on menus
Packaged red bean shake tends to be lower quality, often overly sweet. Freshly blended is best. Seek out cafes advertising fresh red bean shakes for the optimal experience!
Try Red Bean in Other Desserts Too
Red bean is delicious in many Asian desserts beyond shakes:
| Dessert | Description |
|---|---|
| Red bean ice cream or mochi | Sweet red bean flavor in frozen creamy treat |
| Red bean paste filled donuts or pastries | Sweet red bean filling in baked goods |
| Red bean soup or porridge | Warm, comforting red bean dessert soup |
| Red bean cakes/pancakes | Fluffy circular cakes cooked with red bean |
Red bean is also used in numerous non-dessert applications like red bean rice, red bean buns, and red bean filling in dim sum. Whole red beans can be sprouted and eaten fresh too.
Conclusion
With its light sweetness and nutty starchiness, red bean shake is an incredibly unique dessert drink. Descriptors like creamy, subtle, floral, chestnut-like, and nutty convey the complex hard-to-pin-down flavor. Making homemade red bean shake ensures a high quality beverage where you control the flavors and sweetness level. Seek out fresh red bean shakes at Asian cafes to experience authentic, velvety texture. However you try it, this drink is sure to delight your tastebuds with new flavors!
