Simple Sago Pudding Recipe with Papaya and Pomelo

Sep 08, 2021 • Updated Jun 20, 2023

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This fruity Sago recipe is a vegan, dairy-free, and gluten-free dessert pudding made with sago pearls, coconut milk, papaya, pomelo, and your favorite natural sweetener. It’s quick and easy to make and so delicious!

a bowl of sago pudding topped with coconut, pomelo, and papaya

What is Sago?

Sago is a type of starch that comes from palm trees. It’s a popular ingredient in Southeast Asia, especially Malaysia. They are often used in desserts such as puddings and custards and other baking because they thicken things up without any gluten.

The pearls are small, white, opaque balls that are similar in appearance to tapioca pearls. However, they are not the same thing. Tapioca comes from cassava root and is more commonly found in South America. Sago has smaller pearls than most tapioca.

Sago pearls are used in variations of pudding, such as mango sago pudding, coconut sago pudding, and pomelo sago. These desserts are typically found in Hong Kong-style dessert shops or Cantonese restaurants. Today, I’m making papaya and pomelo pudding, completely homemade!

You can find sago pearls in most Asian food stores near rice and grains. If you can’t find them for this recipe, small tapioca pearls will also work.

What Makes This Recipe Great

If you love boba tea or tapioca pudding, you’re going to really love this fruity sago recipe. The pudding has a mild, slightly sweet flavor and a smooth, creamy texture. It’s similar to chia pudding and has just the right amount of sweetness.

Sago pudding is a popular Southeast Asian dessert. It is often flavored with a variety of ingredients, but todayI’ve added tropical and citrus fruits for the perfect blend of sweetness and tartness. The result is a refreshing, satisfying, and totally vegan dessert you won’t want to share!

Making this simple pudding is quick and easy. All you need is a pot and a stove to whip up a big batch of creamy, sweet, and delicious sago dessert!

Ingredient Notes

recipe ingredients for with coconut milk and pomelo

Pudding Recipe

Sago: You can find this at most Asian markets or grocery stores. The pearls expand quite a bit when cooked, so a little goes a long way.
Canned Coconut Milk: I recommend full-fat coconut milk for the richest flavor and creamiest texture. You can also use a can of coconut cream if desired.
Sweetener: You can use any kind of sweetener you like. I recommend maple syrup or coconut sugar. Though cane sugar will also work.
Salt: Just a pinch helps enhance the other flavors in your pudding.
Vanilla Extract: Optional

to garnish (optional)

red papaya
red grapefruit
pomelo
golden raspberries
toasted coconut flakes
coconut condensed milk
mango chunks

overhead shot of a white bowl filled with sago pudding recipe and topped with fresh fruit

Step-by-Step Instructions

In a large pot, bring 5 cups of water to a boil. Add your sago pearls and cook according to package directions, stirring frequently. Pearls should become clear once fully cooked.
Drain and rinse your pearls in a fine mesh strainer with cold water, then return to the pot. Add coconut milk (adjust to your desired consistency, use less for a thicker pudding, use more for more of a soup), along with maple syrup or coconut sugar and salt to taste. Keep in mind the pudding will thicken up as it sits, so add more coconut milk than you think you’ll need.
At this point, you can add mashed papaya, grapefruit, and pomelo chunks into the pot to add flavour, or you can simply serve them as toppings.
Finally, transfer the mixture into a large bowl and allow it to chill in the fridge. To serve, garnish with toppings of choice.

Topping Ideas

You can mix things into your sago pudding if you like to infuse it with flavor, or simply add your favorite toppings to each serving. I like to lean into the classic Southeast Asian flavors when choosing toppings for this dessert. My favorites include:

Tropical fruits like papaya or mango
Citruses like pomelo, red grapefruit, or oranges
Tart berries like golden raspberries
Nuts like toasted coconut or cashews for crunch
Condensed coconut milk for added creaminess and sweetness

white bowl of pudding with fruit and coconut on top

Expert Tips

Tapioca Substitution: If you are cooking tapioca pearls instead of sago, the same instructions apply. Keep in mind that you will want to find small tapioca pearls if using to substitute. Cooking times may need to be adjusted depending on the size of the tapioca pearls.
Flavors: If you prefer a different flavor, that’s ok! There are so many flavors that work with this sago recipe very well. Because the pudding base is a standard recipe, it’s easy to transform into whichever flavor you like.
Variations: To make a Mango Sago recipe, simply swap the fruit topping for mango chunks. To make the actual pudding mango flavored, throw some mango cubes into a blender, blend until smooth, and add a little mango puree to the pudding along with the coconut milk and other ingredients.

Serving Tips

Typically, sago pudding is served chilled. So you can make your dessert ahead of time and chill it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.
Serve with desired toppings, or even do a “pudding bar” where the pudding can be customized to each guest’s liking with various toppings.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Use additional coconut milk to loosen the pudding and give it a good stir. Then serve with toppings and enjoy!

Recipe FAQs

Is sago and tapioca the same?

Sago and tapioca are similar in some ways, but they are not exactly the same. They are both made from starch, but they come from different plants. Tapioca comes from the cassava root, and sago comes from palm trees.

What does sago taste like?

It has a very mild, neutral taste which makes it a super versatile ingredient that takes on the flavors of the ingredients added to it. In this case, the coconut milk, sweetener, and added fruit make it a sweet, delicious dessert.

What is the best way to cook sago?

Typically, the best way to cook them is in boiling water. This will soften the pearls into the gelatinous texture that is needed for pudding.

What is sago made from?

Sago is made from the starch taken from tropical palm stems. Specifically, sago palm trees are native to Southeast Asia, which is why the pearls are a staple item in many of the countries in this region.