This watermelon sago recipe is so delicious, healthier, refreshing, and just a beautiful cup of goodness. Pink, crisp, sweet bobbles of watermelon with bouncy sago tapioca pearls will capture your senses. Then, a mixture of sweetened milk and textures really elevate this gorgeous watermelon sago drink. Discover TWO WAYS to make this yummy Asian treat.
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When I was in Vietnam and Australia (on two separate travel occassions) I had so many sago drinks! The cha sensation overcame me and how can it not? Vietnam is epic for gorgeous and delicious mixtures while Australia is kinda the “goat” because there are so many authentic Asian venues that I was surrounded on every corner with choices. Every sago drink after another, all good!
Watermelon, however, was not on the menu! It has to be! Watermelon sago is not only so pretty in pink, but it’s refreshing, healthy, yummy, and perfect with sago.
I’ll show you here how to make the milky version and also give a juicy version! Also, if you want a vegan version you can just substitute vegan ingredients. Let’s go…
What Is Watermelon Sago?
Watermelon sago is a chilled dessert that originates from Southeast Asia, where sago pearls are commonly used in various sweet dishes. Filipinos, Chinese, and many Asian cuisines use sago and tapioca pearls from sweet to savory recipes.
The recipe typically features sago pearls or tapioca pearls, fresh watermelon, and a sweet coconut milk base, but feel free to use any milk you like. I will give the suggestions in the recipe card.
Your watermelon sago will turn out creamy, fruity, and perfect for warm weather or whenever you need a light and refreshing treat. Not to mention, this is healthier than commercial desserts and kid-friendly.
Watermelon sago is really a very fun and happy spoonable drink dessert that is loved by many.
Why You’ll Love Watermelon Sago
- Refreshing and Healthier: The juicy watermelon and chilled coconut milk make this dessert a perfect way to beat the heat while being full of healthy watermelon and vitamins.
- Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up this dessert in under 30 minutes.
- Customizable: Add other fruits like mango, cantaloupe, or honeydew for a unique twist.
- Family-Friendly: This dessert is a hit with kids and adults alike, thanks to its sweet and creamy flavor.
Ingredients for Watermelon Sago
- 1/4 cup small sago pearls (tapioca pearls)
- 4 cups water – bring to a rolling boil
- 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk (full-fat for a creamier texture) – or use plant-milk of choice. For a juicy version, use pineapple, white grape juice, or blended watermelon. You can also use evaporated milk for extra creamy.
- 1/4 cup sweetened condensed milk (adjust to taste) – or vegan condensed milk
- tiny pinch of salt
- ice cubes or crushed ice
- nata de coco (coconut gel) – optional
For the Watermelon:
- 3 cups fresh watermelon, cubed, balled, or use a shape cutter for fun shapes
- Optional: additional watermelon juice for extra flavor
Toppings:
- extra watermelon
- drizzle of condensed milk
- crushed ice
- mint leaves
Equipment
- cutting board
- knife
- watermelon shapes cutter – or baller
- bowl
- measuring cups
- pot
- big straws
- tall glasses and spoons
Instructions
Prepare the Sago Pearls
- Bring 4 cups of water to a rolling boil in a medium saucepan. Add the sago pearls and stir periodically.
- Cook for 10-15 minutes until the sago pearls turn ALMOST translucent, with a mere tiny white dot in the center.
- Remove from heat, cover the pot, and let the pearls sit for another 5 minutes to fully cook.
- Drain the cooked sago and rinse under cold water to remove excess starch. Set aside in a bowl of cold water to prevent clumping.
Make the Coconut Milk Base
- In a small saucepan, combine the coconut milk, sweetened condensed milk, and salt. Heat gently over low-medium heat, stirring constantly, for ten minutes. Do not let the mixture boil. Low simmering the mixture allows the sugars and coconut milk to become velvety and mix well.
- Remove from heat and let it cool to room temperature. Refrigerate while you prepare the watermelon.
Prepare the Watermelon
- Cut the watermelon into small cubes, shapes, or use a melon baller for a more elegant presentation.
- If desired, blend a portion of the watermelon to create fresh watermelon juice. This can be added to the coconut milk base for extra watermelon flavor.
Assemble the Watermelon Sago
- Drain the sago pearls and divide them evenly among serving bowls or glasses.
- Add ice and then a generous amount of cubed or balled watermelon to each serving. Also add in any other fruit or jellies you like such as nata de coco.
- Pour the chilled coconut milk base over the sago and watermelon until well-covered. Use juice for a non-creamy version.
- Garnish with any topping of choice or more watermelon.
- Serve immediately with a big straw, tall spoon, and enjoy!
Tips for Perfect Watermelon Sago
- Choosing the Watermelon: Pick a ripe and juicy watermelon for maximum sweetness. Look for one with a deep color and a hollow sound when tapped.
- Heating the Coconut Sauce: This is a game changer and should not be skipped. It makes the coconut sauce silky and smooth, and brings out the sweet flavors.
- Customizing Sweetness: Adjust the amount of sugar or sweetened condensed milk in the coconut base to suit your taste preferences.
- Serving Ideas: For a party or gathering, serve watermelon sago in a big punchbowl and have individual clear glasses for a stylish presentation.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the coconut milk base a day in advance. Store in the fridge. You possibly can make the sago in advance, but the best texture is day of for tapioca pearls. It gets too soft if stored in the refrigerator for more than a day.
Add Ins and Variations
Add nata de coco or jellies: Incorporate these for an extra burst of chewy texture and subtle sweetness.
Mix in tropical fruits: Enhance the flavor profile with young coconut meat, cantaloupe, honeydew, papaya, or pineapple.
Create a slushy base: Use fresh watermelon juice and crushed ice for a frosty treat or blend the creamy ingredients with ice for a smooth, slushy version.
Common Questions
Can I use tapioca pearls instead of sago pearls?
Yes, tapioca pearls are a great substitute and are often used interchangeably in recipes.
How long can I store watermelon sago?
It’s best to assemble and serve watermelon sago fresh. However, you can store the coconut milk base for two days and cooked sago separately in the fridge for one day.
Is there a vegan option?
Absolutely! Replace sweetened condensed milk with vegan condensed milk or just add some sugar or agave to sweeten the coconut milk.
Watermelon sago is Summer in glass, with it’s combination of juicy watermelon, creamy coconut milk, and chewy sago pearls makes it a must-try treat for anyone who loves Asian-inspired desserts.
Perfect for family gatherings, potluck, or simply indulging at home, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your repertoire.
Did you make this recipe? Please share, like, give stars, or pin the recipe card below. Thank you for the love! Find me on IG @jackielikesrice
Watermelon Sago (2 versions!)
Equipment
- knife
- fruit shapes cutter or baller
- bowl
- pot
- big straws
- Tall glasses and spoons
Ingredients
- ¼ cup small sago pearls tapioca pearls
- 4 cups water – bring to a rolling boil
- 1 can 13.5 oz coconut milk (full-fat for a creamier texture) – or use plant-milk of choice. For a juicy version, use pineapple, white grape juice, or blended watermelon. You can also use evaporated milk for extra creamy.
- ¼ cup sweetened condensed milk adjust to taste – or vegan condensed milk
- tiny pinch of salt
- ice cubes or crushed ice
- nata de coco coconut gel – optional
For the Watermelon:
- 3 cups fresh watermelon cubed, balled, or use a shape cutter for fun shapes
- Optional: additional watermelon juice for extra flavor
Toppings:
- extra watermelon
- drizzle of condensed milk
- crushed ice
- mint leaves
Instructions
Prepare the Sago Pearls
- Bring 4 cups of water to a rolling boil in a medium saucepan. Add the sago pearls and stir periodically.¼ cup small sago pearls, 4 cups water – bring to a rolling boil
- Cook for 10-15 minutes until the sago pearls turn ALMOST translucent, with a mere tiny white dot in the center.
- Remove from heat, cover the pot, and let the pearls sit for another 5 minutes to fully cook.
- Drain the cooked sago and rinse under cold water to remove excess starch. Set aside in a bowl of cold water to prevent clumping.
Make the Coconut Milk Base
- In a small saucepan, combine the coconut milk, sweetened condensed milk, and salt. Heat gently over low-medium heat, stirring constantly, for ten minutes. Do not let the mixture boil. Low simmering the mixture allows the sugars and coconut milk to become velvety and mix well.1 can, ¼ cup sweetened condensed milk, tiny pinch of salt
- Remove from heat and let it cool to room temperature. Refrigerate while you prepare the watermelon.
Prepare the Watermelon
- Cut the watermelon into small cubes, shapes, or use a melon baller for a more elegant presentation.3 cups fresh watermelon
- If desired, blend a portion of the watermelon to create fresh watermelon juice. This can be added to the coconut milk base for extra watermelon flavor.
Assemble the Watermelon Sago
- Drain the sago pearls and divide them evenly among serving bowls or glasses.Add ice and then a generous amount of cubed or balled watermelon to each serving. Also add in any other fruit or jellies you like such as nata de coco.ice cubes or crushed ice
- Pour the chilled coconut milk base over the sago and watermelon until well-covered. Use juice for a non-creamy version.nata de coco, Optional: additional watermelon juice for extra flavor, extra watermelon
- Garnish with any topping of choice or more watermelon.Serve immediately with a big straw, tall spoon, and enjoy!drizzle of condensed milk, crushed ice, mint leaves
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