
Mango sago is my go-to cool-down treat, especially when I want something creamy and bursting with tropical goodness. This dessert mixes juicy mango with silky coconut milk and the bouncy bite of sago pearls. Whenever I have too many mangos or need something simple that wows a crowd, I whip this up.
The first time I brought mango sago along to a backyard cookout, people practically fought over seconds. Now, it’s what I make when I’m after something tasty that’s also super chill to throw together.
Irresistible Ingredients
- Mango jelly: adds bright color and a double hit of mango, optional but super fun
- Coconut jelly: gentle coconut chew, skip this if you’re after a softer texture
- Condensed milk: makes it sweet and smooths out any tartness, add more if you love it extra sweet
- Evaporated milk: creamy finish that lets the coconut and mango shine without being heavy
- Full fat coconut milk: gives it that signature rich and tropical vibe
- Small sago pearls: classic soft and chewy, quick-cook ones work best
- Ripe mangos: sniff the stem and give ‘em a squeeze – they should smell sweet and have a tiny give
Tips
Pick out the heaviest mangos you see with smooth skin, and always sniff your coconut milk to make sure it’s fresh and well mixed
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Chill and serve:
- Pop your finished mixture in the fridge for an hour so it’s extra cool and tasty, or drop in some ice to speed things up. Scoop into cups or bowls and dress up with more mango on top.
- Combine everything:
- Drain sago and move it to a big bowl. Add your chopped mango, coconut jelly, mango jelly, condensed milk, and coconut milk. Pour in the mango blend and mix until smooth. Taste. Add more condensed milk if you want. Stir again.
- Blend the mangos:
- Take the peel off your mangos and cut them up. Toss them into a blender with evaporated milk and whiz until it’s totally silky.
- Cool the sago:
- Pour cooked sago into a sieve and rinse under cold water. Shake off the water and plop them into a bowl of fresh cold water so they don’t get sticky. Leave till you’re ready to mix everything up.
- Cook the sago:
- Fill up a pot with water and bring to a rolling boil. Toss in the sago, stirring so they don't clump. Let them bubble for 15 minutes – most should look see-through, even if there’s a little white left in the middle. Take off the heat, cover and let sit for another 15 minutes until they’re see-through and chewy.

Every time I whip this up, I make sure to hunt for the juiciest mangos around. My kids love stacking chewy sago and jelly into bowls, then gobbling it up for a weekend snack.
Storage Tips
Keep any leftovers tucked in a sealed container in your fridge for up to three days. Give it a stir before scooping since things might separate. If the tapioca sops up too much milk, splash in coconut milk to perk it right back up.
Ingredient Swaps
No ripe mangos handy? Frozen mango (just thaw it) or even canned pulp can work when you’re in a rush. For a dairy-free version, ditch the condensed and evaporated milk and toss in extra coconut milk with a squeeze of maple or agave syrup for sweetness. If you’re out of coconut or mango jellies, try some diced nata de coco or lychee for a new spin.
Serving Ideas
This dessert gets even cooler if you top it with mango chunks right before serving. A pinch of toasted coconut or some fresh mint sprigs amps up the flavor. Serve it tall in glasses for a fun layered look or add ice in bowls for the hottest summer days.

Fun Background
Mango sago is a favorite across Southeast Asia and Hong Kong, where folks jazzed up coconut desserts with tropical fruit. That chewy, creamy mix is a regular at dim sum spots and summer food stalls. When I bring it to our family get-togethers, someone always starts talking about tropical holidays and old memories.
Common Recipe Questions
- → What’s the trick to perfect sago pearls?
Simmer sago pearls till you see most are nearly see-through, then cover and leave off the stove till they’re all clear. That’s how you nail the chewy bite.
- → Is it okay to swap out coconut milk?
For the creamiest bowl, stick with full-fat coconut milk. But you can totally use regular milk or plant-based ones like almond or oat if you want a little different taste.
- → Do I have to use fresh mango or is frozen fine?
Fresh ripe mango is the way to go for the best taste and soft bite, but thawed frozen mango works if you’re in a hurry or out of season.
- → How long does mango sago keep refrigerated?
Pop it in an airtight container in your fridge and polish it off within two days—it’s tastiest and has the best texture then.
- → What can I throw on top of mango sago for extra yum?
You’ve got options: mango jelly, coconut jelly, more mango bits, or a splash of coconut milk all work great.
- → Why rinse sago after cooking?
Give the sago a good rinse to lose the extra starch so they don’t stick. That way every bite’s smooth and yummy instead of gluey.