1. Home
  2. Recipes
  3. Easy Mango Sago

Easy Mango Sago Dessert

Featured in Sweet Endings: Irresistible Desserts.

This sweet Asian dessert combines ripe mangoes, coconut milk, and chewy tapioca pearls in a velvety tropical blend. The mini tapioca pearls are first cooked until they turn clear and smooth. Next, blend fresh mango chunks with coconut milk and sweetened condensed milk for a luscious, silky base. Toss in the pearls, and you’ve got a creamy and chewy treat. Topped with diced fresh mango, this simple and adaptable dessert offers textures and flavors reminiscent of tropical bliss.
Pin it Share it Send it Print it Jump To Recipe
A chef holding a plate of food.
Updated on Sun, 09 Mar 2025 05:24:39 GMT
Mango Sago Dessert Pin it
Mango Sago Dessert | linacooks.com

Mango sago pudding is a delightful Asian dessert that perfectly balances sweet, tropical mango with chewy tapioca pearls in a creamy coconut base. The rich smoothness of fresh mango puree combined with tiny pearls of sago creates an unforgettable texture and flavor experience that's both refreshing and satisfying.

This tropical dessert has become a staple at summer gatherings, where its cooling creaminess offers the perfect finish to any meal. The key is selecting perfectly ripe mangoes and mastering the sago pearl cooking technique.

Key Ingredients

  • Small Sago Pearls: These translucent mini tapioca pearls are essential for the signature texture. Choose small pearls rather than large bubble tea boba.
  • Fresh Mangoes: Ripe Ataulfo or honey mangoes work best for their sweet flavor and creamy texture. They should yield slightly when pressed.
  • Coconut Milk: Use full-fat for the richest results, though light coconut milk can work as a lighter option.
  • Sweetened Condensed Milk: Adds richness and sweetness that can be adjusted based on mango ripeness.
Creamy mango sago, a refreshing and tropical dessert with tapioca pearls. Pin it
Creamy mango sago, a refreshing and tropical dessert with tapioca pearls. | linacooks.com

Preparation Method

Cooking the Sago:
Bring water to a vigorous boil. Add sago gradually while stirring continuously. Reduce to medium-low heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring periodically. The pearls should become nearly clear.
Perfecting the Texture:
Test pearls for doneness - they should have no white center. Let rest in hot water for 15-20 minutes to achieve ideal chewiness. Rinse under cool water until separated.
Creating the Mango Base:
Remove mango flesh from pit and skin. Reserve some for garnish, then blend remainder with coconut milk and condensed milk until completely smooth. Adjust sweetness as needed.

Sago Pearl Tips

Achieving the right sago texture requires attention to timing. The pearls need sufficient cooking followed by a rest period - shortcuts will result in either hard centers or overly soft texture.

Choosing Mangoes

The success of this dessert largely depends on using sweet, ripe mangoes. Look for fruits with a strong tropical aroma and skin that gives slightly when pressed.

This dessert exemplifies how simple ingredients can create something truly spectacular when prepared with care and attention to detail. The combination of smooth mango puree and chewy sago pearls makes for an elegant dessert that's both refreshing and satisfying.

Sweet mango sago dessert, a perfect blend of mango puree and chewy sago. Pin it
Sweet mango sago dessert, a perfect blend of mango puree and chewy sago. | linacooks.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What mango variety is best for this dish?
Sweet and creamy Ataulfo mangoes are ideal, but any well-ripened yellow mango will do.
→ How can I tell if tapioca pearls are done cooking?
They’re ready when they’re completely see-through without white spots left in the middle.
→ Can this dessert be prepared in advance?
It sure can! Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge, good for up to five days.
→ Is there a way to make this vegan-friendly?
You can swap sweetened condensed milk with sugar or any plant-based sweetener to keep it vegan.
→ Why do the tapioca pearls clump together during cooking?
Give them a gentle stir as they cook to stop them from sticking to each other or the pot.

Easy Mango Sago

A creamy tropical dessert mixing ripe mangoes and silky coconut milk with chewy tapioca pearls—a perfectly refreshing snack.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
40 Minutes
Total Time
50 Minutes
By: Paolina

Category: Desserts

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: Asian

Yield: 4 Servings (4 servings)

Dietary: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

→ Base Ingredients

01 1 can (13.5 oz/1.5 cups) of coconut milk
02 1 cup of uncooked small white tapioca pearls (sometimes called sago)
03 3 ripe mangoes, preferably Ataulfo variety (yellow ones)
04 2-3 tablespoons of sweetened condensed milk, adjust to your liking

Instructions

Step 01

Heat 6 cups of water until it boils in a medium-sized pot over medium-high heat. Toss in the tapioca pearls, bring the heat down to medium-low, and stir now and then so they don’t clump. Let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, and you’ll notice the pearls mostly turn clear but with tiny white spots in the centers.

Step 02

Turn off the stove and let the pearls sit in the hot water for another 15-20 minutes. They’ll turn fully transparent. Rinse them under cold water before draining them through a fine mesh strainer or sieve. Set aside until needed.

Step 03

Slice the mangoes, avoiding the pit. Use a large spoon to scoop out the flesh. Save 1/4 cup of the mango (around half of one) and chop it into small cubes to use later as garnish.

Step 04

Put the rest of the mangoes in a blender with the coconut milk and sweetened condensed milk. If you want to serve it cold, toss in 3 or 4 ice cubes. Blend until it’s all smooth, which should only take 1-2 minutes.

Step 05

Spoon the mango blend into serving bowls. Stir in the cooked tapioca pearls and sprinkle the reserved diced mango on top as a finishing touch.

Notes

  1. Store leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge. They’ll keep fresh for about 5 days.
  2. To make this vegan, skip the sweetened condensed milk and use sugar to sweeten instead.

Tools You'll Need

  • Medium-sized pot for boiling
  • Fine mesh strainer or colander
  • Blender for mixing
  • Large spoon to scoop out mango

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Includes coconut
  • May contain dairy if using sweetened condensed milk

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: ~
  • Total Fat: ~
  • Total Carbohydrate: ~
  • Protein: ~