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Creamy Sago Pudding

A silky, lightly sweet pudding with delicate texture that comes together in under 30 minutes using basic pantry staples. Perfect for weeknight dinners or unexpected guests.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Desserts
Cuisine: Southeast Asian
Calories: 280
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main
  • 1 cup sago pearls
  • 4 cups whole milk
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream or coconut cream
  • 6 cups water for boiling sago

Equipment

  • Large saucepan or pot
  • Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Colander or fine-mesh strainer
  • Whisk
  • Serving bowls

Method
 

  1. Fill a large saucepan with about 6 cups of water and bring it to a rolling boil.
  2. Slowly pour the sago into the boiling water while stirring constantly with a wooden spoon to prevent clumping.
  3. Let the sago simmer for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pearls become mostly translucent with just a tiny white dot in the center.
  4. Pour the cooked sago into a colander and rinse under cold running water while stirring gently to remove excess starch.
  5. Pour the whole milk into a clean saucepan and warm it over medium heat until steam rises from the surface but it doesn't boil.
  6. Add the drained sago to the hot milk and stir well to combine.
  7. Stir in the sugar and salt, whisking until the sugar dissolves completely.
  8. Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and heavy cream, folding gently until fully combined.
  9. Let the pudding rest for 5 minutes, then divide among serving bowls. Serve warm or chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours if you prefer it cold.

Notes

Don't skip the rinsing step after cooking the sago. Cold water stops the cooking process and removes excess starch that makes the pudding gluey instead of creamy. Store cooled sago pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir in a splash of milk when reheating to restore creamy texture. Pairs beautifully with fresh fruit, jam, or caramel sauce.