If you’ve ever wandered down the beverage aisles in Korea, you might have spotted the charming little bottles of banana milk that have captured hearts worldwide. The Korean Banana Milk (Banana Uyu) Recipe is a delightful, creamy drink that combines natural sweetness with a smooth texture, packing all the nostalgia and comfort of a simple fruit shake. This homemade version brings pure, fresh banana flavor forward without artificial additives, making it an irresistible treat that’s quick and easy to whip up anytime you crave something both refreshing and soothing.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
Creating the perfect Korean Banana Milk (Banana Uyu) Recipe is all about simplicity and balance. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in delivering the natural sweetness, creamy texture, and subtle flavor notes that make this drink so beloved.
- Ripe banana: The star of the show, providing natural sweetness and a velvety texture.
- Water: Helps to lighten the mixture for easy blending and a drinkable consistency.
- Milk or non-dairy alternative: Adds creaminess and depth, enhance the drink’s smooth mouthfeel.
- Sugar, pure maple syrup, or honey: Optional but recommended for a little extra sweetness to balance the banana’s flavor.
- Pure vanilla extract (optional): Gives a gentle hint of warmth and complexity without overpowering the banana.
You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.
How to Make Korean Banana Milk (Banana Uyu) Recipe
Step 1: Blend the Ingredients
Begin by placing your chopped ripe banana, milk, sugar or sweetener of choice, and vanilla extract into a blender. If you prefer a hands-on method, an immersion blender works just as well. Blend everything together until the mixture is silky smooth and creamy. This step is where everything comes alive — the banana’s natural sugars combine with the creamy milk to make that signature luscious texture.
Step 2: Serve Immediately
Once your banana milk is perfectly blended, pour it into your favorite drinking glass. The freshness of banana milk tastes best immediately after blending, so sip it while it’s chilled and fresh. It’s a comforting, natural drink that’s perfect as a quick breakfast boost or a luscious afternoon treat.
How to Serve Korean Banana Milk (Banana Uyu) Recipe
Garnishes
Add a sprinkle of finely ground cinnamon or a few crushed freeze-dried banana chips on top to elevate the drink’s flavor and visual appeal. A small mint leaf can also brighten the color and offer a refreshing contrast to the creamy sweetness.
Side Dishes
Korean Banana Milk pairs wonderfully with light snacks like buttery cookies, soft pastries, or a simple bowl of granola and fruit. The mild sweetness complements rather than overwhelms, making it a versatile companion at any time of day.
Creative Ways to Present
For a little flair, serve your Korean Banana Milk in a frosted glass with a colorful straw or even inside a mason jar tied with a cute ribbon. You can also experiment by topping it with a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence or layering it in a clear glass with chilled chia pudding for a textured dessert drink.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to make more than one serving of the Korean Banana Milk (Banana Uyu) Recipe, store the leftover in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best consumed within 24 hours to enjoy its fresh taste and creamy texture before the banana starts to brown and the flavors change.
Freezing
Freezing banana milk is not highly recommended because bananas tend to separate and change texture once frozen and thawed. However, if you want to try, freeze it in ice cube trays for smoothie additions, but avoid thawing as a drink as it will lose its smoothness.
Reheating
This beverage is traditionally enjoyed cold, so reheating is generally not advised. If you want a warm banana drink, it’s better to blend and drink fresh, or heat plain milk separately and stir in fresh mashed banana and sweetener for a warm comfort drink.
FAQs
What kind of bananas work best for Korean Banana Milk?
Ripe bananas with brown spots are ideal because they are naturally sweeter and make the milk creamier. Avoid overly green bananas as they can taste starchy and less sweet.
Can I use plant-based milk for this recipe?
Absolutely! Almond, oat, soy, or coconut milk all work beautifully in the Korean Banana Milk (Banana Uyu) Recipe, each adding its own subtle flavor and creaminess to the drink.
Is sugar necessary in this recipe?
Not necessarily. If your banana is very ripe, it might be sweet enough on its own. However, adding a touch of sugar or honey balances the flavor and makes the drink more reminiscent of the popular Korean bottled version.
How do I make Korean Banana Milk thicker?
To achieve a thicker consistency, reduce or omit the water and use full-fat milk or a creamier plant-based milk. Alternatively, add a small spoonful of Greek yogurt to boost thickness and tang.
Can I prepare Korean Banana Milk in advance for a party?
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can blend the ingredients and store the banana milk in the fridge for a few hours before serving. Give it a quick stir or shake to recombine before pouring it into glasses.
Final Thoughts
This Korean Banana Milk (Banana Uyu) Recipe is a little homemade treasure that brings joy in every creamy sip. It’s incredibly easy to make, refreshingly natural, and perfect for warming up your day or cooling you off with a sweet treat. Give it a try, and I promise you’ll wonder how you ever lived without this delightful drink in your kitchen repertoire!
PrintKorean Banana Milk (Banana Uyu) Recipe
Korean Banana Milk (Banana Uyu) is a creamy, naturally sweetened beverage made from ripe bananas, milk, and a touch of vanilla. This quick and refreshing drink captures the beloved flavors of a popular Korean treat, perfect for a nutritious snack or a delicious start to your day.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: Korean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Banana Milk Ingredients
- 1 ripe banana, peeled and chopped
- 1/3 cup water
- 3/4 cup milk or non-dairy alternative
- 1 tablespoon sugar, pure maple syrup, or honey
- 1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (optional)
Instructions
- Blend the ingredients: Add the chopped banana, milk (or non-dairy alternative), sugar (or chosen sweetener), and vanilla extract into a blender or a cup suitable for an immersion blender. Blend everything together until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Serve immediately: Pour the blended banana milk into a drinking cup and enjoy it fresh for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- You can substitute the milk with almond, soy, oat, or any preferred plant-based milk to make this vegan or dairy-free.
- Adjust the sweetness to your liking with maple syrup, honey, or sugar.
- For a colder drink, add a few ice cubes before blending.
- Use a very ripe banana for maximum natural sweetness and flavor.
- Vanilla extract is optional but adds a lovely depth to the flavor.
