Homemade Mango Sago – A Popular Asian Dessert You’ll Love

Cool, creamy, and bursting with mango flavor, Mango Sago is a refreshing dessert that’s as satisfying as it is beautiful. This lightened-up version of the classic Asian treat features chewy tapioca pearls, juicy ripe mango, and a luscious coconut-milk-based sauce that comes together with minimal effort and ingredients.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Tropical and Refreshing: Sweet mango and creamy coconut make this an irresistible warm-weather dessert.
Light and Nourishing: Lower in sugar and fat while still rich in taste.
Minimal Ingredients: Just a handful of simple, wholesome components.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Serve chilled and prep in advance for ultimate convenience.

Ingredients

For the Base

  • 1/3 cup small tapioca pearls (sago)
  • 2 ripe mangoes (peeled, diced, and divided)
  • 1/2 cup light coconut milk
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk (or skim milk)
  • 1–2 tsp sugar substitute (optional, adjust to taste)
  • Pinch of salt

Optional Garnish

  • Extra diced mango
  • Mint leaves
  • Toasted coconut flakes

Instructions

Cook the Tapioca Pearls

  • Bring a pot of water to a boil and add the tapioca pearls. Cook for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until translucent with a slight white dot in the center.
  • Turn off the heat, cover the pot, and let it sit for 5 minutes.
  • Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and prevent sticking. Set aside.

Prepare the Mango Puree

  • Reserve half of one mango for garnish.
  • Blend the remaining mango pieces until smooth. If your mangoes are very ripe, no sweetener is needed.

Mix the Base

  • In a large bowl, combine the coconut milk, almond milk, mango puree, sugar substitute, and a pinch of salt. Stir well.
  • Fold in the cooked and cooled tapioca pearls.

Chill

  • Refrigerate the mixture for at least 30 minutes, allowing it to thicken and chill.
  • Just before serving, top with reserved mango cubes and garnish with mint or coconut flakes if desired.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approximate)

Calories: 145 | Carbs: 28g | Fat: 4g | Protein: 1g | Sugar: 15g | Fiber: 2g

Tips for Success

  • Use Ripe Mangoes: The sweeter the mango, the more naturally flavorful your dessert will be.
  • Stir the Tapioca While Cooking: This prevents clumping and ensures even texture.
  • Chill Thoroughly: For the best flavor and consistency, let the mixture cool completely.
  • Customize Creaminess: Use more coconut milk for a richer version or almond milk for lighter texture.

Why This Recipe Works

  • Perfect Balance of Sweet and Creamy: Creamy coconut and naturally sweet mango complement the chewy tapioca pearls beautifully.
  • Easy and Elegant: It looks like a gourmet dessert but comes together with everyday ingredients.
  • Versatile for Diets: Naturally gluten-free, dairy-light, and customizable for plant-based or low-sugar diets.
  • Make-Ahead Option: Ideal for prepping the night before and serving straight from the fridge.

Mango Sago is a tropical dessert that delivers both elegance and ease. Its silky texture, bright fruitiness, and light coconut flavor make it a standout at dinner parties, brunches, or as a healthy indulgence just for you. Simple to make and even easier to love, this dessert is a sunshine-filled spoonful in every bite.

Homemade Mango Sago – A Popular Asian Dessert You’ll Love

Servings

4

servings
Prep time

10

minutes
Cooking time

15

minutes
Calories

145

kcal
Total time

55

minutes

Cool, creamy, and bursting with mango flavor, Mango Sago is a refreshing dessert that’s as satisfying as it is beautiful. This lightened-up version of the classic Asian treat features chewy tapioca pearls, juicy ripe mango, and a luscious coconut-milk-based sauce that comes together with minimal effort and ingredients.

Ingredients

  • For the Base

  • 1/3 cup small tapioca pearls (sago)

  • 2 ripe mangoes (peeled, diced, and divided)

  • 1/2 cup light coconut milk

  • 1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk (or skim milk)

  • 1–2 tsp sugar substitute (optional, adjust to taste)

  • Pinch of salt

  • Optional Garnish

  • Extra diced mango

  • Mint leaves

  • Toasted coconut flakes

Instructions

  • Cook the Tapioca Pearls
    Bring a pot of water to a boil and add the tapioca pearls. Cook for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until translucent with a slight white dot in the center.
    Turn off the heat, cover the pot, and let it sit for 5 minutes.
    Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and prevent sticking. Set aside.
  • Prepare the Mango Puree
    Reserve half of one mango for garnish.
    Blend the remaining mango pieces until smooth. If your mangoes are very ripe, no sweetener is needed.
  • Mix the Base
    In a large bowl, combine the coconut milk, almond milk, mango puree, sugar substitute, and a pinch of salt. Stir well.
    Fold in the cooked and cooled tapioca pearls.
  • Chill
    Refrigerate the mixture for at least 30 minutes, allowing it to thicken and chill.
    Just before serving, top with reserved mango cubes and garnish with mint or coconut flakes if desired.

Notes

  • Use Ripe Mangoes: The sweeter the mango, the more naturally flavorful your dessert will be.
    Stir the Tapioca While Cooking: This prevents clumping and ensures even texture.
    Chill Thoroughly: For the best flavor and consistency, let the mixture cool completely.
    Customize Creaminess: Use more coconut milk for a richer version or almond milk for lighter texture.

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