Name: Strawberry Sago Pudding
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h 25 min
Cuisine: Fusion / Asian-inspired
Ingredients: 1/2 cup small sago pearls (tapioca); 2 cups water (for boiling sago); 1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped; 2–3 tbsp sugar (adjust to taste); 1/2 cup coconut milk or evaporated milk; 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk (optional, for extra creaminess); A few drops of vanilla (optional); Ice cubes or crushed ice (optional, for serving)

I love making this Strawberry Sago Pudding because it’s a refreshing, creamy dessert with a delightful texture from the sago pearls. The natural sweetness of fresh strawberries combined with coconut milk creates a perfect balance, making it an ideal treat for warm days or any time I want something light and tasty.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1/2 cup small sago pearls (tapioca)

2 cups water (for boiling sago)

1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped

2–3 tbsp sugar (adjust to taste)

1/2 cup coconut milk or evaporated milk

1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk (optional, for extra creaminess)

A few drops of vanilla (optional)

Ice cubes or crushed ice (optional, for serving)

Directions

Cook sago: I bring the water to a boil, then add the sago pearls. I cook them over medium heat for about 10–12 minutes, stirring often, until the pearls become mostly translucent. After turning off the heat, I cover the pot for 5 minutes, then rinse the sago under cold water and drain well.

Make strawberry puree: I blend the chopped strawberries with sugar to create a smooth puree. For an extra silky texture, I sometimes strain the puree to remove seeds.

Mix it up: In a bowl, I combine the cooked sago, strawberry puree, coconut milk, and condensed milk (if using). I add a few drops of vanilla for added aroma if I want.

Chill: I refrigerate the mixture for 1–2 hours until it’s nicely chilled and flavors meld.

Serve: I spoon the pudding into cups or bowls and often add extra strawberries or crushed ice for a refreshing finish. Sometimes I layer it with cubed fruits or top it with whipped cream for a more elegant touch.

Servings and Timing

This recipe serves 4 people.
Preparation time is about 10 minutes, with 15 minutes cooking time plus 1–2 hours chilling.

Variations

I like experimenting with this pudding by:

Using mango or kiwi instead of strawberries for different fruity twists.

Replacing coconut milk with almond or soy milk for a dairy-free version.

Adding a splash of rose water or orange blossom water for a floral note.

Mixing in chia seeds or crushed nuts for added texture.

Layering the pudding with jelly cubes or fresh fruit chunks for a parfait-style dessert.

Storage/Reheating

I store any leftover pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Since it’s served cold, I don’t recommend reheating. Just give it a good stir before serving again, and add fresh fruit or ice if needed.

FAQs

How do I know when the sago pearls are cooked?

I watch for the pearls to turn mostly translucent with just a tiny white center, which means they’re cooked but still chewy. Cooking too long can make them mushy.

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen strawberries work well too. I thaw and drain them before blending to avoid extra water diluting the pudding.

Is there a substitute for sweetened condensed milk?

If I want less sweetness or don’t have condensed milk, I skip it or add a bit more coconut milk and sugar to taste. Evaporated milk is another option, but the pudding won’t be as rich.

Can this pudding be made vegan?

Definitely! I use coconut milk and skip the condensed milk or replace it with a plant-based sweetener or coconut cream for vegan-friendly pudding.

Can I prepare this pudding in advance?

Yes, I make it a few hours or even a day ahead and keep it chilled. The flavors develop nicely over time, but I add fresh fruit or ice just before serving for the best texture.

Conclusion

I find Strawberry Sago Pudding to be a delightful and refreshing dessert that’s easy to whip up anytime I want something light yet satisfying. It’s flexible enough to adapt to different tastes or dietary needs, and the combination of chewy sago pearls with fruity strawberry puree and creamy milk is simply irresistible. Whether for a casual treat or a special occasion, this pudding never fails to impress.

Recipe: