How to Boil Pearl Sago to Perfection, Also Check Out 4 Recipes to Process It

Pearl sago often serves as a complement to various traditional Indonesian sweet dishes. With its chewy texture and attractive small shape, pearl sago can become the star ingredient in many recipes. However, one of the biggest challenges is how to boil the pearls to perfection without clumping.

Many of you may have experienced sticky, undercooked, or even broken pearl sago when cooked. This can be caused by improper boiling techniques. In fact, if done correctly, boiling pearls is not difficult and can be very time-efficient.

Well, there are several easy steps to ensure that pearl sago is cooked evenly, not sticky, and remains clear. Therefore, let's directly check out the guide on how to boil pearls and four delicious sago pearl recipes worth trying at home.

1. How to Boil Pearls

How to Boil Pearls (credit: Cookpad Indrawati)

To produce chewy, clear, and non-clumping sago pearls, it is very important to understand the boiling technique. The right way to boil pearls will determine the final result of all the dishes you make. Follow the steps below:

• Use water that is boiling completely. This is important so that the sago grains are immediately "locked" when they enter the water and do not clump together.

• Boil briefly, then let it sit in a covered pot. Just 3�5 minutes of boiling, then turn off the heat and let it sit for 30 minutes. The heat in the pot will help the cooking process.

• Boil again for perfect results. After the resting process, boil the sago again for 5�7 minutes to ensure the inside is fully cooked.

• Rinse with running water or cold water. This stops the cooking process and prevents sticking.

• Do not stir too often. Stir gently only occasionally so that the grains do not break.

• Use the right ratio of water to sago. Ideally, 35 grams of sago for 700 ml of water.

• Use a thick-bottomed pot and cover it tightly. This type of pot retains heat longer and saves gas.

• Avoid soaking sago before cooking. Soaking can actually make the sago easily break during cooking.

• Store in cooked water in the refrigerator if not used immediately. Add a little water so that the sago does not clump during storage.

The method of boiling pearls as above is very effective and can be applied to various types of sago-based dishes.

2. Fresh Milk Pearl Dessert Recipe

Fresh Milk Pearl Dessert Recipe (credit: cookpad Rahayu Sartika Br. Sembiring)

Milk pearl ice is a refreshing drink that is perfect to enjoy on a hot day. After successfully applying the correct method to boil the pearls, you can try this recipe at home. The combination of cold milk and pearl sago creates a creamy and chewy taste at the same time.

Ingredients:

• 100 g pearl sago

• 500 ml water

• 2 tbsp granulated sugar

• 200 ml full cream liquid milk

• Ice cubes as needed

How to make:

1. Boil the pearl sago until translucent, drain and rinse with cold water.

2. Cook the pearl sago again with sugar until dissolved.

3. Pour the pearls into a glass, add ice cubes and liquid milk.

4. Serve cold, you can add syrup if you want a sweeter taste.

3. Coconut Milk Pearl Pudding Recipe

Coconut Milk Pearl Pudding Recipe (credit: Cookpad Sita Wulandari)

Coconut pudding with the addition of sago pearls creates a unique texture and a savory-sweet flavor that delights the palate. This recipe is perfect for family snacks or as a treat during gatherings. The key is to boil the pearls properly so they do not break when mixed into the batter.

Ingredients:

• 100 g sago pearls, boiled until cooked

• 700 ml coconut milk

• 1 packet of white agar-agar powder

• 100 g granulated sugar

• A pinch of salt

• 1 pandan leaf

How to make:

1. Mix coconut milk, sugar, agar-agar, salt, and pandan leaf, then cook until boiling.

2. Add the sago pearls, stir well.

3. Pour into molds, cool until set.

4. Store in the refrigerator and serve cold.

4. Brown Sugar Pearl Porridge Recipe

Brown Sugar Pearl Porridge Recipe (credit: Cookpad Fitzaki Kitchen)

Want a sweet and warm classic taste? Red sugar pearl porridge is the answer. If the method of boiling the pearls is done correctly, the final result will be very appetizing, especially when combined with thick coconut milk on top.

Ingredients:

• 150 gr pearl sago

• 800 ml water

• 100 gr finely grated red sugar

• 1 pandan leaf

• A pinch of salt

• Thick coconut milk as needed (for topping)

How to make:

1. Boil the pearl sago until clear, then drain.

2. Cook again with water, red sugar, pandan leaf, and salt until the sugar dissolves and thickens.

3. Serve warm or cold with coconut milk on top.

5. Steamed Layered Pearl Cake Recipe

Steamed Layered Pearl Cake Recipe (credit: Cookpad Ery Widyastuti)

For those of you who love traditional cakes, this layered cake with added tapioca pearls is a must-try. The colorful layers combined with the pearl texture create a unique sensation. Make sure to boil your pearls correctly so that they look beautiful and do not break when steamed.

Ingredients:

• 100 gr tapioca pearls, boiled until clear and drained

• 250 gr rice flour

• 100 gr tapioca flour

• 200 gr granulated sugar

• 700 ml warm coconut milk

• A pinch of salt

• Food coloring (pink, green, or yellow)

How to make:

1. Mix rice flour, tapioca flour, sugar, salt, and coconut milk until well combined.

2. Divide the batter into several portions, adding color as desired.

3. Add tapioca pearls to one of the colors for texture variation.

4. Pour the batter in layers into a mold, steaming each layer for 5-7 minutes.

5. Once all layers are done, steam the entire cake for 20 minutes.

6. Let it cool, cut into pieces, and serve.

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(kpl/psp)