Banana Milk Recipe – Korean Style
Korean Banana Milk is a simple drink made by blending ripe bananas with milk, a little water or ice and optional sweetener. The result is a creamy drink that is light yet full of banana flavor. This homemade version uses basic ingredients and takes about 10 minutes to make. It can be made with dairy milk or plant-based milk, making it suitable for both vegetarian and vegan diets.
About Banana Milk Recipe
Korean Banana Milk is a simple drink made by blending ripe bananas with milk and a little water or ice. It has a creamy texture that is lighter than a classic Banana Shake but still rich in banana flavor.
Many years ago I used to make this banana drink often at home without realizing it was similar to Korean banana milk. Much later I came to know about the Korean version that is popular in South Korea.
Table of Contents
Texture & Taste
I personally prefer banana milk to a shake. It has a smooth and flowing consistency that is light and easy to sip. Unlike a milkshake, it is not thick or heavy, yet the banana flavor stays clear and well balanced.
In Korea, banana milk is widely sold in small bottles in convenience stores. It is lightly sweet and refreshing when served chilled.
The homemade version is even better because it uses real bananas and fresh milk, whether plant-based or dairy. You also get to control the sweetness and flavor.
This drink is very quick and easy to make. You only need a blender and a few simple ingredients that are easily available.
You can make this drink with dairy milk or plant-based milk. I have made it with dairy milk, almond milk, cashew milk, soy milk and lite coconut milk, and all of them work well.
Ripe bananas naturally add sweetness and body to the drink. Because of that, extra sugar or sweetener is optional.
The result is a refreshing banana drink that is naturally creamy and perfect for breakfast, a snack or even a quick energy drink during the day.
I love Korean food and have enjoyed several Korean dishes during my travels in Southeast Asia. I have also shared Korean Dalgona Coffee and Strawberry Milk earlier on the blog.
Here are a few more drinks that include bananas:
How to Make Banana Milk (Stepwise)
1. Peel 2 medium bananas (about 1 cup sliced banana). Slice or chop them and add to a blender jar.
Pour in 1 cup cold milk. You can use dairy milk or plant-based milk like almond milk, soy milk, cashew milk, oats milk or lite coconut milk.
Add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Vanilla gives a light dessert-like flavor and pairs well with banana.
2. Add ½ cup cold water. Instead of water, you can add 4 to 5 ice cubes if you prefer a colder drink.
Add ¼ cup raw sugar or regular granulated sugar or any sweetener of choice. Adjust the amount of sugar according to your taste.
Maple syrup, honey or jaggery syrup also work well. If the bananas are very ripe and overly sweet, you can skip the sweetener.
3. Blend everything until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy. The texture should be flowing and light but not thick.
Taste the banana milk. If needed, add a little more sugar or sweetener and blend again briefly.
4. Pour the banana milk into glasses and serve immediately while it is fresh and chilled.
Serving Suggestions & Storage
Serve banana milk immediately after blending for the best taste and flavor.
You can serve it for breakfast, as a quick snack or as a light drink. If you like the beverage colder, add a few ice cubes to the glasses before serving.
Fresh banana milk is best consumed right away. If needed, refrigerate for up to 2 to 4 hours in a covered bottle. Shake or stir before serving as natural separation may occur. The color may darken slightly due to the natural browning of the bananas.
Helpful Tips
- Use ripe bananas: Ripe bananas give the best flavor and natural sweetness. Overripe bananas work well too.
- Adjust the consistency: Add a little more water or milk if you want a lighter drink. For a creamier consistency, reduce the water.
- Sweetener is optional: If the bananas are sweet enough, you can skip sugar completely.
- Use frozen bananas: Frozen banana slices make the drink colder and slightly thicker without needing ice.
- Choose milk: Almond milk, oats milk, soy milk, cashew milk and lite coconut milk all work well and keep the recipe plant based.
Common Doubts
1. Is Korean banana milk the same as a banana milkshake?
No. Banana milk is thinner and lighter. A milkshake is usually thicker and often contains ice cream.
2. Which type of bananas are best for banana milk?
Sweet, ripe bananas work best for this drink. Common varieties like Cavendish, Robusta or Lady Finger bananas (baby bananas) blend smoothly and give the milk a naturally sweet banana flavor.
3. How can I make banana milk thicker or thinner?
To make it thicker, reduce the water or add a little more banana. To make it lighter, add a bit more milk or water and blend again.
4. Can I skip the vanilla extract?
Yes. Vanilla extract adds a mild flavor but it is optional. You can replace it with a small pinch of cardamom or cinnamon, a tiny pinch of nutmeg, or a few drops of rose water. You can also skip it completely and let the banana flavor stand out.
5. Why is water added to banana milk?
A small amount of water helps give the drink its signature light and flowing consistency instead of making it thick.
Step by Step Photo Guide Above
Korean Banana Milk Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup or 2 medium-sized bananas – peeled & chopped
- 1 cup cold milk – plant based or dairy
- ½ cup cold water or 4 to 5 ice cubes
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – optional
- ¼ cup raw sugar or white granulated sugar or or any sweetener of choice, optional
Instructions
- Add chopped bananas to a blender jar.
- Pour in the milk and water or add ice cubes.
- Add vanilla extract and sugar or preferred sweetener if using.
- Blend until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy with a flowing consistency.
- Taste and adjust the sweetness if needed. If you add more sugar or sweetener, blend again for a few seconds.
- Pour into glasses and serve immediately.
Dassana’s Notes
- Use ripe bananas for natural sweetness and better flavor.
- Adjust the consistency by adding more milk or water.
- Frozen bananas can be used for a colder drink.
- Adjust the amount of sugar or sweetener to suit your taste. You can also skip it if you prefer.
- The drink is best served fresh immediately after blending.
Absolutely smashing drink. My wife and I loved it. Pro tip – add 1 cup water instead of ½ and it just gets to the right thickness (or should I say thinness).
So glad you both enjoyed it, that’s nice to hear.
Yes, adding more water works well if you prefer a lighter drink. Banana milk can be adjusted easily depending on how thick or thin you like it.