📝 About This Recipe
Transport yourself to the North Shore with this iconic Hawaiian treat, known for its impossibly light, snow-like texture that melts the moment it hits your tongue. Unlike grainy snow cones, true shave ice absorbs vibrant fruit syrups deep into its delicate flakes for a consistent burst of flavor in every spoonful. Topped with a creamy 'snow cap' and nestled over a hidden scoop of ice cream, this recipe captures the true spirit of aloha in a refreshing, colorful masterpiece.
🥗 Ingredients
The Ice Base
- 8 cups Purified Water (frozen into solid blocks or large cubes)
Lilikoi (Passion Fruit) Syrup
- 1 cup Passion Fruit Puree (strained of seeds)
- 1 cup Granulated Sugar
- 1/2 cup Water
Guava-Rose Syrup
- 1 cup Guava Nectar (high quality, high fruit content)
- 1 cup Granulated Sugar
- 1/2 cup Water
The Toppings and Bottoms
- 1 pint Macadamia Nut Ice Cream (or high-quality vanilla bean)
- 1/2 cup Azuki Beans (sweetened red beans)
- 1/2 cup Sweetened Condensed Milk (for the 'Snow Cap')
- 1 tablespoon Li Hing Mui Powder (salty dried plum powder for dusting)
- 1 cup Fresh Mango (finely diced)
- 1/2 cup Mochi Balls (small, plain or coconut flavored)
👨🍳 Instructions
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1
At least 24 hours before serving, freeze your purified water in round containers to create solid ice blocks; block ice produces a finer shave than small cubes.
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2
Prepare the Lilikoi syrup by combining passion fruit puree, 1 cup sugar, and 1/2 cup water in a small saucepan over medium heat.
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3
Stir the Lilikoi mixture constantly until the sugar is fully dissolved and the liquid just begins to simmer; do not let it reach a hard boil.
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4
Remove the Lilikoi syrup from heat and let it cool completely; repeat this process in a separate pan for the Guava syrup using the guava nectar, remaining sugar, and water.
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5
Once cooled, transfer both syrups into squeeze bottles and refrigerate until chilled; cold syrup prevents the ice from melting too quickly.
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6
Prepare your serving bowls by placing a generous scoop of Macadamia Nut ice cream and a tablespoon of sweetened Azuki beans at the very bottom.
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7
Remove your ice blocks from the freezer and let them 'temper' at room temperature for 5-10 minutes until they look shiny and wet; this is the secret to the softest texture.
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8
Set up your shave ice machine (electric or hand-crank) and adjust the blade to the thinnest possible setting to achieve a fluffy, snow-like consistency.
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9
Shave the ice directly over the bowl, rotating the bowl as the ice falls to build a high, rounded mound that covers the ice cream completely.
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10
Using a gloved hand or a funnel, gently pat the ice into a smooth dome shape, being careful not to pack it too tightly or it will lose its fluffiness.
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11
Generously drizzle the Lilikoi syrup over one half of the mound and the Guava syrup over the other half, allowing the colors to meet in the middle.
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12
Create the 'Snow Cap' by drizzling 2 tablespoons of sweetened condensed milk in a circular motion over the top of the ice.
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13
Garnish with a handful of mochi balls, diced mango, and a light dusting of Li Hing Mui powder for that authentic salty-sweet finish.
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14
Serve immediately with both a spoon and a wide straw, as the bottom will eventually turn into a delicious tropical slush.
💡 Chef's Tips
Always temper your ice until it is clear and glistening before shaving; frozen-solid, 'frosty' ice will result in crunchy, gritty flakes. Use squeeze bottles for the syrup to ensure even distribution and to prevent pouring too much at once, which can collapse the ice. If you can't find Li Hing Mui powder, a tiny pinch of fine sea salt and lime zest can mimic that addictive salty-sour kick. For the best texture, chill your serving bowls in the freezer for 20 minutes before assembly to slow down the melting process. Don't skip the ice cream at the bottom; the contrast between the icy top and the creamy base is the hallmark of a true Hawaiian shave ice.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Serve alongside crispy Coconut Shrimp for a perfect sweet and savory island lunch. Pair with a chilled glass of Plantation Iced Tea (pineapple juice mixed with black tea). Offer extra mochi and fresh pineapple chunks on the side for guests to customize their textures. Enjoy outdoors on a sunny day to truly appreciate the cooling effect of the fine snow. For an adult twist, a small splash of coconut rum can be drizzled over the ice before the condensed milk.