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short clear glass with watermelon sago

Watermelon Sago (2 versions!)

Watermelon sago is a refreshing, chilled, sweet, and delicious treat with crisp watermelon and bouncy, chewy sago or tapioca pearls. Indulge your tastebuds and senses. Enjoy two ways to make this in a creamy or non-creamy version.
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Course: beverages, Dessert, Drinks
Cuisine: Asian
Keyword: cha, coconut milk, sago, tapioca, tapioca drink, tapioca pearls, vegan option, watermelon
Prep Time: 35 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 3 servings
Calories: 171kcal

Equipment

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
    sago in rolling boiling water
  • 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.
    perfectly-cooked-translucent-tapioca-pearls

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
    sweet-coconut-sauce-mixture
  • 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
    watermelon cut out in mickey mouse face shapes
  • 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
    watermelon sago with coconut milk and lots of tapioca pearls in a tall glass
  • 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

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
Watermelon Sago (2 versions!)
Amount per Serving
Calories
171
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
3
g
5
%
Saturated Fat
 
2
g
13
%
Polyunsaturated Fat
 
0.2
g
Monounsaturated Fat
 
1
g
Cholesterol
 
9
mg
3
%
Sodium
 
51
mg
2
%
Potassium
 
265
mg
8
%
Carbohydrates
 
35
g
12
%
Fiber
 
1
g
4
%
Sugar
 
24
g
27
%
Protein
 
3
g
6
%
Vitamin A
 
933
IU
19
%
Vitamin C
 
13
mg
16
%
Calcium
 
83
mg
8
%
Iron
 
0.4
mg
2
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.