Mango Sago Dessert Recipe

If you’re craving something refreshingly sweet with a tropical twist, you are going to absolutely adore this Mango Sago Dessert Recipe. It’s a luscious harmony of creamy coconut milk, juicy mangoes, and delicate tapioca pearls—all coming together in a chilled bowl of joy. Whether you’re entertaining guests or simply treating yourself to a special indulgence, this dessert is a total crowd-pleaser, bursting with vibrant flavors and satisfying textures.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting ready to make this Mango Sago Dessert Recipe is delightfully straightforward because it relies on a handful of simple ingredients, each playing a vital role. From the chewy sago pearls adding a fun texture to the rich coconut milk enhancing creaminess, every component contributes something wonderful to the final dish.

• 3/4 cup sago (small tapioca pearls): The star ingredient that provides that satisfying chewy bite.
• 1 Mango (cubed): Adds fresh fruit chunks for natural sweetness and vibrant color.
• 1 cup coconut jelly (optional): Offers a soft, jelly-like texture to elevate each spoonful.
• 1 cup mango jelly (optional): Intensifies the mango flavor and adds a fun wobble.
• 2-3 large mangos (~2 lbs, peeled and diced): Used to create the smooth, luscious mango puree foundation.
• 1/2 cup evaporated milk (chilled): Brings a creamy consistency and slight caramel undertone.
• 3 tablespoons condensed milk (adjust to taste): Sweetens the dessert perfectly with its rich sweetness.
• 1 cup coconut milk (full-fat): Offers richness and a tropical flair that ties everything together.

How to Make Mango Sago Dessert Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Sago

Bring a medium saucepan of water to a boil over medium-high heat, then add the sago tapioca pearls. Keep an eye on them as you cook for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. You’ll notice the pearls begin to turn transparent, which means they’re almost done. It’s okay if some tiny white centers remain; just remove from heat, cover, and let them sit for another 15 minutes to become perfectly translucent.

Step 2: Cool the Sago

Once cooked, drain the tapioca pearls and rinse them under cold water. Transfer them into a bowl of cold water to keep them from sticking together, then set aside. This simple step ensures each pearl stays light and chewy for your dessert.

Step 3: Blend the Mangos

In your blender, combine the peeled, diced mangos and chilled evaporated milk. Blend on high speed until the mixture is silky smooth, creating the luscious mango base that gives this dessert such a dreamy texture and vibrant taste.

Step 4: Combine the Ingredients

Drain the tapioca pearls from their soaking water. In a large mixing bowl, gently mix together the sago, cubed mango pieces, coconut jelly, mango jelly, condensed milk, and full-fat coconut milk. Pour in your freshly blended mango mixture and stir everything until it’s harmoniously combined. Don’t hesitate to taste it and add a bit more condensed milk if you’d like it sweeter. For the best chill, refrigerate the mixture for at least one hour or toss in some ice when serving immediately.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Serve the Mango Sago Dessert Recipe in individual cups or bowls. Each spoonful offers a refreshing burst of tropical goodness, perfect for sharing on a warm day or any time you want to brighten up your dessert table.

How to Serve Mango Sago Dessert Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes or a few fresh mint leaves on top adds a delightful crunch and a fragrant note, making the presentation pop. You could also add a small wedge of fresh mango alongside for an extra fruity touch.

Side Dishes

This dessert pairs wonderfully with light, subtly flavored snacks like crispy spring rolls or a refreshing green salad with a citrus vinaigrette. The Mango Sago Dessert Recipe serves as a perfect sweet finale after a savory Asian-inspired meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Try layering the mango sago mixture with fresh fruit chunks or crushed biscuits in clear glass jars to create beautiful, Instagram-worthy parfaits. You can even freeze the dessert in popsicle molds for a chilled treat that’s perfect for summer gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The flavors will deepen, but the texture of the sago pearls is best enjoyed fresh, so try to finish it quickly for the optimal experience.

Freezing

While you can freeze your Mango Sago Dessert Recipe, note that the texture of the tapioca pearls might change and become a little firmer or watery once thawed. If you choose to freeze it, do so without jelly pieces and consume within one month for best taste.

Reheating

This dessert is designed to be enjoyed cold, so reheating is not recommended. Instead, give it a gentle stir and add a splash of coconut milk or more chilled mango juice if it thickens too much in the fridge before serving.

FAQs

Can I use frozen mangoes for this recipe?

Yes! Frozen mangoes work perfectly if fresh ones are out of season. Just thaw them fully and drain any excess liquid before blending to keep your Mango Sago Dessert Recipe from becoming too watery.

Is there a substitute for evaporated milk?

If you don’t have evaporated milk, you can use an equal amount of full-fat milk or coconut cream for an even richer, dairy-free twist. This will slightly change the flavor but still keep the dessert creamy and delicious.

How do I prevent the sago from sticking together?

Rinsing the cooked tapioca pearls under cold running water and then soaking them briefly in cold water after cooking is the key to keeping them separate and chewy. Stirring occasionally during cooking also helps.

Can I make this dessert vegan?

Absolutely! Simply swap out the evaporated milk and condensed milk for coconut milk and coconut condensed milk alternatives, respectively. The Mango Sago Dessert Recipe will still be wonderfully creamy and sweet.

How long does the sago take to cook?

The small tapioca pearls typically take about 15 minutes to cook until they start turning transparent, followed by a 15-minute rested soak off the heat to become fully translucent. This method ensures they have the perfect soft but chewy texture.

Final Thoughts

This Mango Sago Dessert Recipe is a brilliant celebration of tropical flavors and delightful textures all in one refreshing bowl. It’s surprisingly easy to make but feels so special—perfect for treating yourself or impressing friends. I truly hope you give this recipe a try and enjoy every delicious, creamy bite as much as I do!

Mango Sago Dessert Recipe

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Mango Sago is a refreshing and creamy dessert featuring small tapioca pearls cooked until translucent, combined with sweet mango puree, evaporated milk, coconut milk, and optional jellies. This chilled dessert offers a delightful texture and tropical flavor, perfect for warm days or as a light treat.

• Author: Paula
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes plus chilling time
• Yield: 8 servings
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Asian

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 3/4 cup sago (small tapioca pearls)
• 2–3 large mangos (~2 lbs, peeled and diced)
• 1 cup coconut jelly (optional)
• 1 cup mango jelly (optional)
• 1/2 cup evaporated milk (chilled)
• 3 tablespoon condensed milk (adjust to taste)
• 1 cup coconut milk (full-fat)

Instructions

1. Cook the sago: In a medium saucepan, bring water to a boil over medium-high heat. Add the sago tapioca pearls and cook until the pearls turn transparent, about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. It’s fine if the pearls still have tiny white centers inside. Remove from heat, cover, and let the sago sit for another 15 minutes until fully translucent.
2. Cool the sago: Strain the cooked tapioca pearls and rinse thoroughly with cold water to remove excess starch. Transfer the sago into a bowl of cold water to prevent sticking, then set aside.
3. Blend the mango: Place the peeled and diced mango and chilled evaporated milk into a blender. Blend at the highest speed until smooth and creamy.
4. Combine all ingredients: Drain the tapioca pearls well. In a large mixing bowl, combine the sago, chopped mango pieces, coconut jelly, mango jelly, condensed milk, and coconut milk. Pour in the mango puree mixture. Stir everything gently until well mixed. Taste and adjust sweetness by adding more condensed milk if needed; blend briefly to combine.
5. Chill and serve: Refrigerate the mixture for at least 1 hour to chill, or serve immediately over ice. Portion into individual cups and enjoy this cooling tropical dessert.

Notes

• Cooking times may vary depending on the sago brand; always cook until pearls are mostly transparent.
• Optional jellies add varied texture and flavor but can be left out without affecting the core dessert.
• Adjust condensed milk amount for preferred sweetness level.
• For a vegan version, use coconut evaporated milk substitutes and vegan condensed milk alternatives.
• If preferred, chilled mango puree can be prepared a day in advance for deeper flavor infusion.