Mango with Tapioca Pearls Recipe
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If you’re craving a dessert that’s both refreshingly tropical and comfortingly creamy, this Mango with Tapioca Pearls Recipe is absolutely the way to go. Combining tender, luscious mangoes with chewy, translucent tapioca pearls all soaked in rich, velvety coconut milk creates a symphony of textures and flavors that feels like a sunny vacation in every spoonful. It’s simple, naturally gluten-free, and perfect for sharing with family or friends on warm days or whenever you need a little sweet escape.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Mango with Tapioca Pearls Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients, each playing a vital role in bringing the dessert to life. From the tiny tapioca pearls that delight with their chew to the silky coconut milk that adds depth, every component balances taste, texture, and color to create that irresistible bowl.
- Small tapioca pearls (1 cup): These pearls provide that classic, chewy texture that makes the dessert so memorable.
- Water for cooking tapioca (4 cups): Essential for perfectly hydrating and cooking the pearls to translucency.
- Ripe mangoes (2 large, peeled and diced): The star of the dish, offering natural sweetness and vibrant color.
- Full-fat coconut milk (1 cup): Adds luscious creaminess and a slight tropical richness that ties the dessert together.
- Sugar or honey (2 to 3 tablespoons): Sweetens the coconut milk base just enough without overpowering the mango’s natural flavor.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): A pinch to balance and enhance all the flavors.
- Vanilla extract (1/2 teaspoon, optional): Adds a delicate aromatic hint that elevates the overall experience.
- Extra coconut milk for serving: For an optional drizzle that makes each bite even creamier.
How to Make Mango with Tapioca Pearls Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Tapioca Pearls
Start by bringing 4 cups of water to a rolling boil in a medium saucepan. Add the small tapioca pearls carefully while stirring gently to prevent them from clumping or sticking to the pan. Turn the heat down to medium and cook for about 12 to 15 minutes. During this time, stir occasionally and watch for the pearls to turn mostly translucent, signaling they’re perfectly cooked but still delightfully chewy. Once done, remove from heat, cover, and let them sit for an additional 5 minutes to finish softening.
Step 2: Rinse and Drain
After the pearls have softened, drain them in a fine-mesh sieve and rinse thoroughly under cold running water. This step halts the cooking process and washes away excess starch, ensuring the pearls don’t become gummy and stay light and pillowy in your dessert.
Step 3: Prepare the Coconut Milk Mixture
While the tapioca pearls are resting, whisk together the full-fat coconut milk, your chosen sweetener (sugar or honey), a pinch of salt, and vanilla extract if using. Stir until completely smooth and the sugar has dissolved. This creates the luscious, slightly sweetened coconut base that will soak the pearls and complement the mango perfectly.
Step 4: Combine Tapioca and Coconut Milk
Mix the rinsed tapioca pearls into the coconut milk mixture gently but thoroughly. This ensures every pearl is coated and infused with that creamy, tropical flavor, uniting the dish with a heavenly texture and taste.
Step 5: Assemble and Serve
Divide the diced mango evenly among serving bowls. Spoon the coconut tapioca mixture on top of the mango, then finish with an extra drizzle of coconut milk for added richness. Serve chilled for a refreshing treat or slightly warm for a cozy indulgence — both ways are simply divine.
How to Serve Mango with Tapioca Pearls Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate your Mango with Tapioca Pearls Recipe with simple but stunning garnishes. A sprinkle of toasted shredded coconut or a few fresh mint leaves adds texture and a pop of color. If you love a hint of crunch, some chopped pistachios or sliced almonds can give a delightful contrast against the softness of the pearls and mango.
Side Dishes
Because this dessert is satisfyingly sweet and creamy, it pairs beautifully with light Asian-inspired meals. Think grilled lemongrass chicken or a crisp green papaya salad to balance the richness and add savory freshness before a comforting finish.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to impress guests? Layer the mango, tapioca, and coconut milk in clear glasses for a beautiful parfait effect. Or puree part of the mango and swirl it through the tapioca for a gorgeous marbled look that also amplifies the mango flavor. Serving in hollowed-out mango halves is a fun, tropical touch that gets everyone excited to dig in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying some of your Mango with Tapioca Pearls Recipe, keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to two days, although the texture of tapioca may soften a bit over time. Giving it a gentle stir before serving helps revive its chew.
Freezing
Freezing this dessert is not ideal because the tapioca pearls tend to become hard and lose their wonderful texture once thawed. For best results, enjoy this treat fresh or refrigerated within a couple of days.
Reheating
If you prefer your Mango with Tapioca Pearls Recipe warm, gently reheat it on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave in short bursts, stirring occasionally. Avoid overheating to maintain the pearls’ delicate chew and the creaminess of the coconut milk.
FAQs
Can I use frozen mango instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen mango works well when fresh mango isn’t available. Just thaw and drain any excess liquid before using to avoid diluting the dessert.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?
Yes! This recipe is naturally vegan-friendly since it uses coconut milk instead of dairy, making it perfect for plant-based diets.
Can I substitute coconut milk with another milk?
You can try using almond milk or cashew milk, but keep in mind that coconut milk gives this recipe its signature tropical creaminess and richness that pairs best with the mango and tapioca pearls.
How do I prevent the tapioca pearls from sticking together?
Stir the pearls gently while cooking and rinse them under cold water immediately after cooking to remove excess starch and prevent clumping.
Can I add other fruits to this recipe?
Definitely! Try adding tropical fruits like pineapple or kiwi for a colorful twist, or swirl in some mango puree for more intense mango flavor. Just keep the balance of sweetness in mind.
Final Thoughts
This Mango with Tapioca Pearls Recipe is truly one of those special dishes that feels both nostalgic and refreshing at once. It’s easy enough to whip up any day yet elegant enough to impress friends and family. I hope you give it a try soon, savoring every bite of that creamy, chewy, fruity goodness. Trust me, once you do, this tropical treat might just become your go-to dessert for many sunny days to come.
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Mango with Tapioca Pearls Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free, Vegetarian
Description
Mango with Tapioca Pearls is a refreshing Asian dessert featuring chewy tapioca pearls cooked to perfection and combined with creamy coconut milk and sweet, ripe mangoes. This tropical treat offers a delightful mix of textures and flavors, perfect for a chilled or slightly warm dessert.
Ingredients
Tapioca Pearls
- 1 cup small tapioca pearls
- 4 cups water (for cooking tapioca)
Main Ingredients
- 2 large ripe mangoes, peeled and diced
- 1 cup full-fat coconut milk
- 2 to 3 tablespoons sugar or honey, to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- Extra coconut milk, for serving
Instructions
- Cook the Tapioca Pearls: Bring 4 cups of water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add 1 cup of small tapioca pearls, stirring gently to prevent them from sticking together. Reduce the heat to medium and cook for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pearls turn mostly translucent.
- Rest and Rinse: Remove the saucepan from heat, cover it, and let the tapioca pearls sit for 5 minutes. Then drain the pearls and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process and remove excess starch.
- Prepare the Coconut Mixture: In a bowl, combine 1 cup of full-fat coconut milk, 2 to 3 tablespoons of sugar or honey (adjust to your taste), 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract if using. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well incorporated.
- Mix Cocoanut Milk and Tapioca: Add the cooked tapioca pearls to the coconut milk mixture and stir thoroughly to combine all the flavors.
- Assemble the Dessert: Divide the diced mango evenly into serving bowls. Spoon the coconut tapioca mixture over the mango pieces. Drizzle some extra coconut milk on top for added creaminess and flavor.
- Serve: Enjoy the dessert chilled or slightly warm according to your preference.
Notes
- For extra richness, use full-fat coconut milk.
- You can blend part of the mango into a puree and swirl it into the tapioca mixture for a stronger mango flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
