A recipe for Watermelon Shave Ice! Shave ice is paired with fresh watermelon, watermelon syrup, and mini chocolate chips for quite the refreshing summertime treat.
Claire recently got a small shave ice machine and was inspired to make Watermelon Shave Ice modeled after the Watermelon Bingsoo we tried last year at Bing Haus in San Diego.
That Watermelon Bingsoo had a scooped out watermelon half packed with milk shaved snow, condensed milk, fruity pebbles, Mochi, and vanilla soft serve.
We made a (slightly) more miniature version with the scooped out watermelon half, shaved ice, watermelon pieces, freshly made watermelon syrup, mini chocolate chips, and a drizzle of sweetened condensed milk.
It is so refreshing, especially on hot summer days. This shave ice recipe is enough for two large or four smaller portions.
Serve immediately after assembling. The ice will quickly melt.
A Few Watermelon Shave Ice Tips
This recipe is best made with ripe watermelon at peak season.
If using the scooped out watermelon as a bowl, place in the freezer for at least 20 minutes before serving to chill and keep the shave ice from melting too quickly.
The amount of sugar may need to be adjusted based on personal taste and the sweetness of the watermelon.
If using a watermelon with black seeds, remove and discard the seeds before adding the chopped watermelon to the blender.
Blend the watermelon at the lowest setting and just until smooth to avoid creating too much foam. Strain before pouring into the simple syrup.
Make sure the simple syrup is cooled completely to room temperature before straining and adding the pureed watermelon. The watermelon shouldn’t cook at all.
Have leftover watermelon syrup? It is delicious paired with sparkling water for a light and refreshing drink.
Since the watermelon syrup is fresh, it will only last up to about 3 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Looking for more recipes with watermelon?
Try my:
- Xigua Niu Nai (Taiwanese Watermelon Milk)
- Suika no Tsukemono (Japanese Pickled Watermelon Rind)
- Gelo di Melone (Sicilian Watermelon Pudding)
Watermelon Shave Ice Recipe
Adapted from The Anthony Kitchen
Watermelon Shave Ice
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup (150 grams) granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup (180 milliliters) water
- 1 small watermelon
- 4 cups (575 grams) ice cubes
- 1/2 cup (80 grams) mini chocolate chips
- Sweetened condensed milk for drizzling
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, place the sugar and water over medium heat. Bring to a simmer and cook, whisking often until the sugar is dissolved and the liquid is slightly thickened, about 10-15 minutes.
- Remove from heat and allow to cool completely to room temperature.
- Wash the small watermelon and cut in half.
- Scoop out 18 ounces (510 grams) of the fresh watermelon and place in a blender.
- Blend over low speed until completely smooth.
- Strain the watermelon puree though a fine mesh strainer into the simple syrup, pressing down with a spoon to release as much liquid as possible, then transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Use a melon baller to scoop the rest of the fresh watermelon into balls and place in an airtight container. Refrigerate until ready to assemble.
- Once the watermelon halves are completely scooped out, place them in the freezer to chill until ready to assemble and use as bowls.
- Place one chilled watermelon bowl under the shave ice machine and add 2 cups (288 grams) of the ice cubes to the machine according to manufacturer's instructions.
- Fill the watermelon bowl halfway with the shave ice, then add a heavy drizzle of the watermelon syrup, a couple watermelon balls, and sprinkling of chocolate chips to the center.
- Cover with more of the shave ice until filled.
- Decorate with the fresh watermelon balls, mini chocolate chips, and add watermelon syrup to taste.
- Repeat with other watermelon bowl and ice.
- Serve immediately with a drizzle of sweetened condensed milk if desired.
Bernadette
Thanks for sharing the delicious summer recipe.