If you're craving a refreshing, tropical dessert, this Mango Sago recipe is just what you need. Creamy, sweet, and loaded with juicy mango flavor, it's a popular Asian treat that's perfect for hot days or anytime you want something light and satisfying.
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With just a few simple ingredients like fresh mango, tapioca pearls, and coconut milk, you can make this easy mango sago at home, no fancy tools or skills required!
Ingredients
Here's everything you'll need to make this delicious mango sago at home:
- Small-sized tapioca pearls: Also called sago. These tiny pearls are what give mango sago its classic chewy texture. They're soft, slightly bouncy, and soak up all the sweet, creamy flavor of the dessert. You can find them online or at most Asian grocery stores-just look for "small tapioca pearls" or "sago pearls" on the label.
- Ripe mangoes
- Unsweetened coconut milk
- Sweetened condensed milk
- Vanilla extract
Step-by-step cooking directions
Follow these simple steps to whip up your own homemade mango sago:
Cook the tapioca pearls: To begin, you'll need to prepare the tapioca pearls. In a medium saucepan, bring a generous amount of cold water to a boil enough to let the pearls move freely. Once boiling, gently stir in the tiny tapioca pearls and reduce the heat slightly. Let them cook for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent clumping. They're done when most of the pearls turn translucent with just a tiny white dot in the center.
Rinse and soak: Once the tapioca is fully cooked, drain it in a fine mesh strainer, then rinse under cold water to cool it down and stop the cooking process. Place the pearls in a bowl of cold water and set them aside while you prepare the mango mixture.
Prep the mango: Peel the mangoes and carefully cut around the pit to get all that sweet, juicy flesh. Set aside a handful of nice chunks to use as a topping later. The rest will go into the blender.
Blend the mango mixture: In a blender, combine the mango chunks, coconut milk, sweetened condensed milk, and a splash of vanilla extract. Blend until smooth and creamy. Pour the mixture into a large mixing bowl. If you prefer your mango sago cold, place the bowl in the fridge for at least an hour to chill before adding the tapioca.
Serve and enjoy: When you're ready to serve, drain the soaked tapioca pearls and add them to the chilled mango mixture. Stir gently to combine. Scoop into individual bowls or dessert cups and top with the reserved mango chunks for a fruity finish.
Pro tips
Here are a few pro tips to help you get the most out of your homemade mango sago:
For the creamiest texture, be sure to rinse the cooked tapioca pearls under cold water right after boiling. This stops the cooking process and keeps them from sticking together in one gooey lump. It also helps them stay bouncy and light, which is key to getting that signature mango sago feel.
If you're using fresh mangoes, go for ripe, sweet varieties; they blend smoothly and have a naturally rich flavor. Frozen mango chunks are also a great option, especially when mangoes are out of season. Just thaw them fully before blending.
Chill your coconut milk and mango puree before combining them. Mango sago tastes best when it's cold, and starting with chilled ingredients makes it easier to serve right away.
Finally, if you're preparing this for a party or a potluck, make it a few hours ahead so the flavors have time to meld. It tastes even better chilled and slightly thickened from sitting in the fridge.
Storing tips
You can store mango sago in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If it thickens too much, just stir in a little extra coconut milk or cold water to loosen the texture before serving.
Freezing is not recommended. The texture of the tapioca pearls can change and become mushy once thawed. This dessert is best enjoyed fresh or within a couple of days.
Sweet variation
One of the best things about mango sago is how easy it is to customize. Want to mix things up? Try adding other tropical fruits like diced pineapple, lychee, or papaya for a fruity twist. These pair beautifully with the creamy base and add extra flavor and texture.
Want to make it even creamier? Swap half of the coconut milk with evaporated milk for a silkier finish. For a dairy-free option, use only coconut milk and a vegan condensed milk alternative.
Another variation is to top your mango sago with crushed toasted coconut, chopped nuts, or even small jelly cubes or grass jelly for a fun texture contrast. You can even turn it into a layered dessert by serving it parfait-style.
Serving options
Mango sago is perfect on its own, but you can serve it with a scoop of ice cream, toasted coconut flakes, or pair it with other Asian desserts like coconut pudding or sesame balls. It's also a nice contrast to spicy meals as a cool, creamy finish.
And of course, if you're just looking for something simple and satisfying, a big bowl of mango sago with a spoon is really all you need.
Final thoughts
Mango sago is one of those desserts that's as comforting as it is refreshing. With its creamy coconut base, chewy tapioca pearls, and sweet, juicy mango, it strikes the perfect balance of flavor and texture. Best of all, it's easy to make at home with just a few simple ingredients.
If you are cooling off on a hot day, sharing something sweet at a get-together, or just craving a little treat after dinner, this mango sago recipe hits the spot. It's creamy, fruity, and full of tropical flavor.
Once you try it, don't be surprised if you find yourself making it again and again, especially when juicy mangoes are in season. Happy cooking!
FAQ
This recipe uses small tapioca pearls, often called tiny tapioca or sago. They're much smaller than boba-style tapioca and become soft and slightly chewy when cooked. Look for the kind that turns mostly translucent when done.
The tapioca is ready when most of the pearls are translucent with just a tiny white center. This usually takes around 15-20 minutes of gentle cooking. Be sure to stir occasionally and rinse under cold water once cooked to stop the process and remove excess starch.
Absolutely! In fact, this dessert tastes even better after chilling in the fridge for an hour or two. Just give it a good stir before serving, as the tapioca pearls may settle or thicken the mango mixture slightly.
Yes, you can use canned mango pulp or frozen mango chunks if fresh mangoes aren't in season. Just make sure it's pure mango with no added sugar if you want to control the sweetness with the condensed milk.
This recipe uses condensed milk, which contains dairy. To make it dairy-free, you can substitute with coconut condensed milk or another plant-based sweetened milk. The coconut milk used in this recipe is naturally dairy-free.
Definitely! You can increase or reduce the amount of sweetened condensed milk based on your taste. If you're using very ripe mangoes, you might need less sweetener overall.
Mango Sago Recipe: A Sweet Fruity Asian Dessert
Ingredients
- 3 ripe mangoes medium size
- ½ cup uncooked tapioca
- 1 cup unsweetened coconut milk
- ¼ cup sweetened condensed milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract optional
Instructions
- Cook the tapioca pearls: To begin, you'll need to prepare the tapioca pearls. In a medium saucepan, bring a generous amount of cold water to a boil enough to let the pearls move freely. Once boiling, gently stir in the tiny tapioca pearls and reduce the heat slightly. Let them cook for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent clumping. They're done when most of the pearls turn translucent with just a tiny white dot in the center.
- Rinse and soak: Once the tapioca is fully cooked, drain it in a fine mesh strainer, then rinse under cold water to cool it down and stop the cooking process. Place the pearls in a bowl of cold water and set them aside while you prepare the mango mixture.
- Prep the mango: Peel the mangoes and carefully cut around the pit to get all that sweet, juicy flesh. Set aside a handful of nice chunks to use as a topping later. The rest will go into the blender.
- Blend the mango mixture: In a blender, combine the mango chunks, coconut milk, sweetened condensed milk, and a splash of vanilla extract. Blend until smooth and creamy. Pour the mixture into a large mixing bowl. If you prefer your mango sago cold, place the bowl in the fridge for at least an hour to chill before adding the tapioca.
- Serve and enjoy: When you're ready to serve, drain the soaked tapioca pearls and add them to the chilled mango mixture. Stir gently to combine. Scoop into individual bowls or dessert cups and top with the reserved mango chunks for a fruity finish.
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