Tropical Mango Sago: Simple, Sweet, and So Creamy

I’ve just made the most delicious, creamy Mango Sago, and let me tell you, it’s a total game-changer! This dessert is super easy to make, and it only takes four ingredients—yes, four! 

The smooth, rich coconut milk blends beautifully with sweet mangoes, while the chewy tapioca pearls add the perfect texture. I can’t wait to share how you can make this simple, yet incredibly flavorful treat. Craving something rich and chocolatey? Try our irresistible Hot Fudge Brownie Bread for your next treat.

Ingredients You Will Need

• 1 cup sago or mini tapioca pearls: These tiny pearls are the star of the dish, offering that signature chewy texture that Mango Sago is known for. Make sure to cook them properly for the best consistency.
• 6 cups Water: The water helps cook the sago and make it soft and tender.
• 2 Fresh Mangoes (Australian Mango or Regular Mango): Fresh, ripe mangoes are essential for achieving that sweet, vibrant flavor. You can use either Australian or regular mangoes based on availability, but go for the ripest ones for the best flavor.
• ½ cup Condensed Milk: This adds a creamy sweetness to the Mango Sago, making it rich and indulgent.
• 1 cup Full Fat Coconut Milk: The full-fat coconut milk gives the dessert its smooth, velvety texture and enhances the tropical flavor.

Note: This recipe serves approximately 4 people.

Variations to Try

• Dairy-Free Option: Swap out the condensed milk with a dairy-free sweetened condensed milk alternative, and use coconut milk for both the creaminess and flavor.
• Sugar-Free Option: If you’re looking to cut down on sugar, you can use a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit to sweeten the coconut milk and adjust according to your preference.
• Flavor Enhancements: You can experiment by adding a dash of vanilla extract or a little lime juice for a subtle twist of flavor. Some people also like to mix in a handful of other fruits like kiwi or strawberries for added color and variety.

If you love baking, don’t miss our tempting list of dessert recipes perfect for any occasion.

Cooking Time

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes

Equipment You Need

• Pot: For cooking the tapioca pearls to the right texture.
• Blender: To blend the mangoes, coconut milk, and condensed milk into a smooth puree.
• Strainer: To drain the tapioca pearls after cooking.
• Chopping Board & Knife: For cutting the fresh mango into cubes.

How to Make Mango Sago?

Step 1: Cook the Tapioca Pearls

To start, add 1 cup of tapioca pearls to a pot along with 6 cups of water. Turn the heat to medium-low and let the pearls cook for about 10 minutes. Stir constantly to avoid any sticking. After 10 minutes, put the lid on the pot, turn off the heat, and let it sit for 3 minutes. This helps the pearls absorb the water and become tender.

Step 2: Drain the Tapioca Pearls

Once the tapioca pearls are ready, drain them and run them under cold water to stop the cooking process. If you’re not serving the dessert right away, you can leave the pearls in cold water until you’re ready to use them.

Step 3: Blend the Mangoes

Now, take the fresh mangoes and peel them. Cut them into cubes and place half of the cubes in a blender. Add the condensed milk and coconut milk to the blender as well. Blend everything together until smooth and creamy. You should get a luscious mango puree that will form the base of your dessert.

Step 4: Combine and Serve

Fold the drained tapioca pearls into the mango mixture. Stir gently to combine, ensuring that the pearls are well-coated in the creamy mango sauce. Serve the Mango Sago in bowls and top with the remaining fresh mango cubes for that extra burst of freshness.

Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better

• Use Ripe Mangoes: I recommend using the ripest mangoes you can find, as they will yield a naturally sweet and fragrant flavor.
• Chill Before Serving: After mixing the ingredients, refrigerate the dessert for about an hour before serving. It gives the flavors time to meld and makes it even more refreshing.
• Play With Textures: If you prefer a smoother consistency, you can blend all the mango cubes, but I personally love the added texture from the fresh mango chunks on top.
• Adjust Sweetness: Taste the mango puree and adjust the sweetness by adding more condensed milk if necessary. Everyone’s sweetness preference is different, so feel free to customize it to your liking.

How to Serve Mango Sago?

Mango Sago is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a summer treat or an after-dinner dessert. Serve it chilled in individual bowls and top with fresh mango cubes for a pop of color. 

If you want to elevate the presentation, add a sprig of mint or a sprinkle of toasted coconut on top for extra flair. This dessert can also be served in small glasses or jars for a more elegant, layered look. You can pair it with these timeless and buttery peanut butter cookies.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick glance at the nutritional content of this delicious Mango Sago:

• Calories: 463 kcal per serving
• Protein: 3.5g
• Carbohydrates: 72g
• Fat: 17g

This dessert provides a rich source of healthy fats from coconut milk and a good amount of natural sugar from the mangoes.

How to Store Mango Sago?

Refrigerating

To store the Mango Sago, place it in an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. The coconut milk might thicken slightly as it cools, but simply stir it to restore the creamy consistency.

Freezing

While it’s not ideal to freeze Mango Sago because the tapioca pearls might lose their texture, you can freeze the mango puree and coconut milk mixture separately for up to 1 month. When you’re ready to serve, defrost it and mix in the tapioca pearls.

Reheating

If you’ve refrigerated the dessert and prefer to enjoy it warm, you can microwave it in short intervals or heat it gently on the stove. However, I recommend serving it chilled for the best flavor and texture.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

Here are a few reasons why Mango Sago should become your go-to dessert:

• Quick and Easy: The recipe is super simple to make, taking just 35 minutes from start to finish.
• Perfect for Summer: The cool, creamy, and fruity dessert is incredibly refreshing, making it ideal for hot days.
• Customizable: You can easily adjust the sweetness, substitute ingredients, or even add other fruits to make it your own.
• Diet-Friendly: It’s gluten-free, low in salt, and vegetarian, making it a versatile treat for various dietary preferences.
• Minimal Ingredients: With only four basic ingredients, this dessert is budget-friendly and requires no special skills.

FAQs

Can I make Mango Sago ahead of time?

Yes! Mango Sago actually tastes even better when made in advance. Simply prepare it the day before and let it chill in the refrigerator. The tapioca pearls will soak up all the mango flavor, making the dessert even more delicious.

Can I use frozen mangoes instead of fresh?

While fresh mangoes are the best for flavor and texture, you can use frozen mangoes in a pinch. Just make sure to thaw them before blending, and you may need to adjust the sweetness since frozen mangoes can sometimes be less sweet.

Can I use other fruits besides mango?

Absolutely! While mango is the traditional choice for this dessert, you can get creative and try other tropical fruits like passion fruit, papaya, or even berries. Just blend them with the coconut milk and condensed milk to get that creamy base.

Is Mango Sago suitable for people with lactose intolerance?

Yes, as long as you use dairy-free alternatives like coconut milk and a dairy-free condensed milk option, Mango Sago is perfect for those with lactose intolerance.