Mango Sago is a pleasant Asian dessert made with ripe mangoes, chewy tapioca pearls (sago), creamy coconut milk and wealthy condensed milk. This chilled deal with combines the tropical sweetness of mango with the sunshine, pudding-like texture of sago, providing a refreshing chew that’s good for heat climate. It’s fast to assemble and completed with just a few mango cubes and contemporary mint leaves on high for a zingy twist. On this recipe of mine, I’ve additionally added some pomelo for further fruitiness.


About Mango Sago
This Mango Sago recipe is a refreshing dessert that artfully balances taste, texture, and magnificence – impressed by the basic Cantonese delight, 楊枝甘露 (Yang Zhi Gan Lu), which implies “Willow Department Candy Dew.”
Historically made with mango, pomelo, tapioca pearls, and coconut milk, this easier model stays true to the spirit of the unique. It’s an ideal make-ahead deal with for small gatherings and finest served chilled.
The dessert traces its roots again to Hong Kong within the Nineteen Eighties, the place it was first created by the well-known Lei Backyard restaurant and later turned a beloved a part of Cantonese delicacies.
Every spoonful of this Mango Sago brings collectively the tropical richness of mango, the creamy smoothness of sago (sabudana), and the juicy, citrusy crunch of pomelo.
The refined tang and bittersweet notes from pomelo superbly distinction the velvety mango base, making a dessert that feels each luxurious and light-weight.
My travels throughout Southeast Asia; from the bustling streets of Thailand to the quiet cafes in Laos; launched me to this irresistible dessert.
Its vibrant flavors lingered with me, and I knew I needed to recreate it at dwelling. I’ve tried variations with and with out pomelo, and whereas each are scrumptious, pomelo really provides that further spark – texturally and flavor-wise.
That mentioned, if pomelo is unavailable, the dessert nonetheless shines with simply mango and sago. For finest outcomes, go for candy, non-fibrous mangoes and small tapioca pearls, which mix seamlessly into the dessert’s creamy texture.
This recipe yields 8 servings and is definitely scalable relying in your gathering dimension. Whether or not for a festive dinner or a weekend indulgence, Mango Sago by no means fails to impress.
Why It’s Referred to as Mango Sago (Even With out Actual Sago)
You could be shocked to know that almost all Mango Sago desserts in the present day are made with tapioca pearls, not actual sago. True sago, which comes from the sago palm, is kind of uncommon and costly today.
What’s generally offered as “sago” – particularly in India, Southeast Asia, and even Hong Kong – is definitely small white tapioca pearls constructed from cassava starch. Since they appear comparable and are less expensive to supply, tapioca pearls have changed actual sago in on a regular basis cooking.
That’s why regardless that the identify has stayed, Mango Sago is now made with tapioca pearls in most locations, and it’s simply as scrumptious.
Step-by-Step Information
How one can Make Mango Sago
Cook dinner Tapioca Pearls (Sago)
- First measure ½ cup small tapioca pearls and switch right into a mesh strainer.


2. Rinse the tapioca pearls effectively beneath contemporary water just a few occasions.


3. In a saucepan, add 5 cups water and the rinsed tapioca pearls.


4. Cook dinner on medium warmth, stirring typically, for 12 to fifteen minutes or till the tapioca pearls are translucent and softened.
Whereas cooking, the sago pearls will soften and are available on high layer. Which means that the have cooked and have turn into gentle.
Tip: Stir typically to make sure the pearls don’t stick on the backside of the pan.


5. Flip off warmth. Drain and rinse beneath water.


6. Soak the cooked and rinsed tapioca pearls in water for 10 minutes.


7. Drain effectively once more and put aside.


Put together Mango Sago
8. Peel and chop 2 medium to massive mangoes. I’ve used Alphonso mangoes right here.
You will need to get about 2 cups chopped mangoes. In a blender, take the chopped mangoes.


9. Mix right into a effective and clean puree.


10. Add ¾ cup sweetened condensed milk and 1½ cups thick coconut milk.


11. Mix once more to a clean consistency.


12. Pour in a big mixing bowl.
Add a pinch of salt (optionally available). Including salt enhances taste however be at liberty to skip it.
Add chilly water if the combination is just too thick. You possibly can choose so as to add chilly milk as an alternative of water. Combine effectively. Style and alter sweetness, if wanted.
Cowl the bowl with a lid and chill within the fridge.


13. Peel 1 medium pomelo, separate sacs and gently break into juicy threads or small chunks.


Mix & Chill
14. Fold within the cooled tapioca pearls (sago), reserving 3 to 4 tablespoons for garnish.


15. At this level, you’ll be able to add ⅔ of the pomelo threads retaining remaining for garnish. Or select to layer the pomelo threads in glasses whereas serving.


16. Chill for at the very least half-hour to 1 hour for finest taste and texture.


Serving Options
Ladle the Mango Sago (With Pomelo) into serving bowls or glasses. Garnish with mango cubes or melon-scooped balls, together with the reserved pomelo strands and sago pearls.
For an additional contact, you’ll be able to drizzle some coconut cream on high or add a sprig of contemporary mint.


Storage Options
This dessert is finest loved chilled. Refrigerate for at the very least 2 to three hours to let the flavors deepen, however serve it cool – not ice-cold – to keep up the creamy texture of the coconut milk.
It’s excellent to eat inside 24 hours. If making ready prematurely, retailer the mango base and toppings like pomelo and mango items individually, and assemble simply earlier than serving for the freshest style and texture.


Professional Suggestions
- Mango varieties: For daring, fragrant taste, Indian mangoes like Alphonso or Kesar are wonderful. For a Southeast Asian twist, go together with Ataulfo or Champagne mangoes for his or her silky texture and balanced sweetness.
- Sago prep tip: After boiling, rinse the tapioca pearls beneath water to cease the cooking course of and stop sticking. This retains them pleasantly chewy and distinct.
- Sweetness management: All the time style the mango purée first – some mangoes are sweeter than others. This manner, you’ll be able to alter the condensed milk accordingly to keep away from overpowering the dessert with sweetness.
- Pomelo tip: Select pomelos which might be candy with a slight tang – pink-fleshed ones not solely style nice but in addition add a stunning pop of coloration. Avoid overly bitter varieties.
- Lighter choice: For a extra delicate taste, mix 1½ cup of coconut milk with 1 cup of standard or plant-based milk of your alternative; including your most well-liked sweetener in response to style.
- Layered texture: Put aside some mango chunks and pomelo bits for topping slightly than mixing every thing in. It provides a pleasant distinction in texture and enhances the visible attraction.
- Vegan-friendly swap: To maintain it vegan, go for plant-based condensed milk and skip any dairy-based components.
FAQs
Go for ripe, candy mangoes with a clean, non-fibrous texture. Any selection that yields a wealthy, flavorful pulp works effectively. Keep away from stringy varieties, as they will intervene with the silky consistency of the dessert.
If the facilities stay opaque, the pearls probably want extra light cooking. Excessive warmth can cook dinner the skin too rapidly. Simmer slowly whereas stirring sometimes till most pearls flip translucent. As soon as executed, rinse the pearls beneath chilly water to cease the cooking course of which helps them to remain separate.
Completely! Whereas pomelo provides a refreshing citrusy burst, you’ll be able to skip it and nonetheless get pleasure from a wealthy, fruity Mango Sago. The dessert shall be scrumptious, although barely much less vibrant in texture and distinction.
If pomelo isn’t accessible, pink or ruby grapefruit makes an excellent substitute. It brings comparable tart and juicy notes, although it might have a barely extra pronounced bitterness.
Sure, it’s straightforward to make vegan! Swap out common condensed milk with a dairy-free model like sweetened condensed coconut milk or a drizzle of maple syrup. Use full-fat coconut milk to maintain it creamy and indulgent whereas staying plant-based.
Mango Sago is historically named after sago pearls, which had been as soon as constructed from the pith of the sago palm tree. Nonetheless, in most recipes in the present day, together with this one, small tapioca pearls are used as an alternative. Tapioca pearls are constructed from cassava starch and are a lot simpler to search out, providing the identical chewy texture that makes this dessert so pleasant.
Extra Mango Recipes To Strive!
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Mango Sago Recipe (With Pomelo)
Mango Sago is a lightweight, creamy dessert made with ripe mangoes, tender tapioca pearls, coconut milk, condensed milk, and optionally juicy pomelo. Refreshing and candy, it combines fruity flavors with a tender, chewy texture. Originating in Hong Kong, it’s now well-liked throughout many elements of Asia. Chilled and served chilly, it’s an ideal deal with for warm summer season days.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook dinner Time 15 minutes
Whole Time 30 minutes
Cooking Tapioca Pearls (Sago)
Stop your display from going darkish whereas making the recipe
Cook dinner Tapioca Pearls
First measure the small tapioca pearls and switch them to a mesh strainer.
Rinse the pearls effectively beneath contemporary water just a few occasions.
In a saucepan, add 5 cups of water and the rinsed tapioca pearls.
Cook dinner on medium warmth stirring typically for 12 to fifteen minutes till translucent with slight white facilities.
Flip off warmth. Drain and rinse beneath chilly water.
Soak in water for 10 minutes.
Drain effectively once more and put aside.
Put together Mango & Pomelo
Peel and chop 2 medium to large-sized mangoes. You will need to get about 2 cups of chopped mangoes.
In a blender, take the chopped mangoes.
Mix the mangoes right into a effective and clean puree.
Add the condensed milk and coconut milk.
Mix once more to a clean consistency.
- Pour in a big mixing bowl. Add pinch of salt, (optionally available).Including salt enhances taste however be at liberty to skip it.
Add chilly water if the combination is just too thick. Can add chilly milk as an alternative of water. Combine effectively. Style and alter sweetness if wanted.
Cowl bowl with lid and chill within the fridge.
Peel pomelo, separate sacs, and gently break into juicy threads or small chunks.
Mix & Chill
Fold within the cooled sago pearls reserving 3 to 4 tablespoons for garnish.
At this level you possibly can add ⅔ of the pomelo threads retaining remaining for garnish. Or select to layer the pomelo threads in glasses whereas serving.
Chill for at the very least half-hour to 1 hour for finest taste and texture.
Serving Options
Spoon into dessert bowls or glasses. High with mango cubes or balls (scooped from melon baller scoop) and remaining pomelo threads and sago.
Optionally drizzle a little bit of coconut cream or garnish with mint.
Storage Options
Finest served chilled. Retains effectively for twenty-four hours refrigerated. Chilling for at the very least 2 to three hours enhances taste.
Serve it chilly, however not ice-cold, so the coconut milk stays creamy and never overly agency or frozen.
Finest to eat inside a day. If making a day forward, retailer the bottom and toppings (pomelo, mango cubes) individually and mix simply earlier than serving.
- Lighter Taste: Use 1½ cup coconut milk + 1 cup plant or common milk + most well-liked sweetener in response to style
- Pomelo: Candy-tart is finest; pink most well-liked, yellow works too.
- Vegan: Use plant-based condensed milk.
- Mangoes: Alphonso, Kesar, Ataulfo, or Champagne work effectively.
- Tapioca Pearls: Cook dinner till chewy, not mushy; rinse beneath chilly water.
- Sweetness: Regulate based mostly on mango and pomelo ripeness.
- Consistency: Stir in a splash of coconut milk if too thick after chilling.
- Serving: Garnish with mango cubes, pomelo, or toasted coconut.
- Make-Forward: Chill earlier than serving; retains effectively for twenty-four hours refrigerated.
Vitamin Info
Mango Sago Recipe (With Pomelo)
Quantity Per Serving
Energy 247 Energy from Fats 108
% Each day Worth*
Fats 12g18%
Saturated Fats 10g63%
Polyunsaturated Fats 0.2g
Monounsaturated Fats 1g
Ldl cholesterol 10mg3%
Sodium 69mg3%
Potassium 343mg10%
Carbohydrates 34g11%
Fiber 2g8%
Sugar 23g26%
Protein 4g8%
Vitamin A 679IU14%
Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) 0.1mg7%
Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) 0.1mg6%
Vitamin B3 (Niacin) 1mg5%
Vitamin B6 0.1mg5%
Vitamin B12 0.1µg2%
Vitamin C 35mg42%
Vitamin D 0.1µg1%
Vitamin E 1mg7%
Vitamin Okay 2µg2%
Calcium 103mg10%
Vitamin B9 (Folate) 32µg8%
Iron 2mg11%
Magnesium 36mg9%
Phosphorus 125mg13%
Zinc 1mg7%
* P.c Each day Values are based mostly on a 2000 calorie weight loss plan.