If you’ve ever wanted to dive into a dessert that’s both refreshingly tropical and comfortingly creamy, this Mango with Tapioca Pearls Recipe is your new best friend. It perfectly combines the chewy delight of tapioca pearls with the sweetness of ripe mango, all embraced by the velvety richness of coconut milk. This Asian-inspired treat is not only vibrant in color but also balanced in flavor, making it a standout dessert that’s surprisingly simple to whip up anytime you crave something special yet easy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Mango with Tapioca Pearls Recipe lies in its simple ingredients that each bring something essential to the table. From the chewy tapioca pearls to the luscious coconut milk, every component plays a crucial role in creating that signature texture and bright flavor.
- Small tapioca pearls (1/2 cup): These are the star chewy elements that give the dessert its wonderful texture.
- Water (2 cups for boiling): Needed to cook the tapioca pearls to perfection without them sticking together.
- Ripe mango (1, peeled and diced): Provides natural sweetness and vibrant color that makes the dish irresistible.
- Coconut milk (1 cup): Adds rich creaminess and a tropical flair that complements the mango beautifully.
- Sweetened condensed milk (2 tablespoons, optional): Enhances sweetness and creaminess, but you can skip or substitute it for a dairy-free option.
- Sugar (1 tablespoon, adjust to taste): Balances all the flavors and brightens the dessert.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): A small pinch to amplify the sweetness and deepen flavors.
- Ice cubes (optional, for serving): Perfect for serving chilled, especially on hot days.
How to Make Mango with Tapioca Pearls Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Tapioca Pearls
Start by bringing 2 cups of water to a rolling boil in a saucepan. Once boiling, add the small tapioca pearls and stir gently to prevent them from sticking together or to the bottom of the pan. Allow them to boil for about 10 to 15 minutes until the pearls turn mostly translucent with just a tiny white core in the center. After turning off the heat, cover the pot and let the tapioca pearls sit for another 10 minutes to finish cooking through to the perfect chewy texture.
Step 2: Rinse and Drain
Once the tapioca pearls are cooked, pour them into a fine mesh strainer and rinse them under cold running water. This step cools the pearls down and removes excess starch, helping to keep them from clumping and ensuring they have that pleasant, non-mushy bite we all love.
Step 3: Prepare the Coconut Milk Mixture
In a mixing bowl, combine the coconut milk, sweetened condensed milk if you’re using it, sugar, and salt. Stir gently until the sugar dissolves completely. This creamy base is where the magic starts, bringing together the sweetness and the tropical flavors that make this dish stand out.
Step 4: Combine Pearls and Coconut Mixture
Add the cooled tapioca pearls to the coconut milk mixture. Mix gently but thoroughly so that every tapioca pearl is coated with the luscious coconut cream. This step is key to getting that harmonious blend of texture and flavor that makes the Mango with Tapioca Pearls Recipe irresistible.
Step 5: Chill the Dessert
Transfer the mixture into serving bowls or glasses and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes. Chilling not only helps the flavors meld together beautifully but also gives the dessert a refreshing quality that’s perfect for any occasion.
Step 6: Serve with Fresh Mango and Ice Cubes
Just before serving, add generous cubes of ripe mango on top and, if desired, a few ice cubes to keep it cool and refreshing. The contrast between the creamy pearls and the fresh juicy mango is what makes this dessert so delightful.
How to Serve Mango with Tapioca Pearls Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh mint leaves or a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes bring added aroma and texture, turning this simple dessert into a visually stunning delight. A drizzle of extra condensed milk or a few chia seeds can also add a little flair and nutritional boost.
Side Dishes
This dessert pairs beautifully with light Asian-inspired snacks like fresh spring rolls or a crisp green salad with citrus dressing. Staying on the lighter side keeps your meal balanced while allowing the Mango with Tapioca Pearls Recipe to shine as the sweet finale.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider layering the tapioca and mango with a mango puree for a parfait effect or serving it inside hollowed-out mango halves for a fun and eye-catching presentation. You could even pour the coconut-tapioca mix into popsicle molds and freeze them for a refreshing summer treat that your friends will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. The tapioca pearls may thicken over time, so giving the mixture a gentle stir before serving helps restore its creamy texture.
Freezing
Since the coconut milk and tapioca pearls tend to change texture upon freezing, it’s best not to freeze this dessert. The mango also loses its fresh texture when frozen and thawed, so enjoy this recipe fresh for the best experience.
Reheating
This recipe is meant to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so reheating is not recommended. Instead, simply bring it out from the fridge a few minutes before serving to take the chill off slightly and enjoy the cool creaminess as intended.
FAQs
Can I use large tapioca pearls instead of small ones?
While large tapioca pearls can be used, small pearls work best in this recipe because their delicate size provides the perfect chewiness without overpowering the mango or coconut milk.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely! Simply skip the sweetened condensed milk or replace it with a plant-based condensed milk or extra maple syrup, and you’ll have a vegan-friendly Mango with Tapioca Pearls Recipe that tastes just as amazing.
How ripe should the mango be?
Choose a mango that is fully ripe but still firm to the touch. It should have a sweet aroma and vibrant orange flesh, which ensures juicy pieces that complement the creamy tapioca perfectly.
Can I prepare the tapioca pearls in advance?
Yes, you can cook the tapioca pearls ahead of time, but be sure to store them separately in water in the fridge to prevent clumping. Add them to the coconut mixture right before serving.
What can I substitute for coconut milk if someone is allergic?
If coconut milk is a no-go, a rich almond or oat milk can be used, though it will slightly change the flavor profile. Consider enhancing with a bit of vanilla extract for extra depth.
Final Thoughts
This Mango with Tapioca Pearls Recipe has such a special way of bringing joyful tropical flavors and satisfying textures together in a simple, elegant dessert. Whether you’re after a cooling summer treat or a taste of something delightfully Asian-inspired, this recipe delivers every time. Give it a try, share it with friends, and watch it become a cherished favorite in your dessert rotation.
Print
Mango with Tapioca Pearls Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Gluten Free, Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing Asian dessert featuring chewy tapioca pearls soaked in creamy coconut milk, sweetened lightly and topped with fresh ripe mango cubes for a perfect balance of texture and tropical flavor.
Ingredients
For the Tapioca Pearls
- 1/2 cup small tapioca pearls
- 2 cups water (for boiling)
For the Coconut Milk Mixture
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 2 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk (optional)
- 1 tablespoon sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For Serving
- 1 ripe mango (peeled and diced)
- Ice cubes (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Tapioca Pearls: Bring 2 cups of water to a boil in a saucepan. Add the tapioca pearls and stir immediately to prevent sticking. Boil for 10 to 15 minutes until the pearls turn mostly translucent with a slight white center.
- Rest and Rinse: Turn off the heat, cover the saucepan, and let the pearls sit for an additional 10 minutes to finish cooking. Drain the tapioca pearls in a sieve and rinse under cold running water to remove excess starch and cool them down.
- Prepare Coconut Milk Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the coconut milk, sweetened condensed milk (if using), sugar, and salt. Stir well until the sugar completely dissolves, creating a smooth sweetened coconut base.
- Combine Tapioca and Coconut Mixture: Add the drained tapioca pearls to the coconut milk mixture and gently fold to mix evenly without breaking the pearls.
- Chill the Dessert: Transfer the combined mixture to the refrigerator and chill for at least 30 minutes. This allows flavors to meld and the dessert to become refreshingly cool.
- Serve: Divide the chilled tapioca-coconut mixture into serving bowls or glasses. Top each serving with fresh diced mango and add ice cubes if desired for an extra cool treat.
Notes
- You can substitute sweetened condensed milk with additional sugar or maple syrup to keep the recipe dairy-free.
- For a mango-flavored base, try blending some of the mango flesh into the coconut milk mixture before combining it with the tapioca pearls.
