Description
A luxuriously creamy coconut tapioca pudding with a delicate sweetness and perfect pearl texture. This refreshing tropical dessert pairs beautifully with fresh fruit for an elegant finish.
Ingredients
Scale
- ⅓ cup (60 g/2 oz) small pearl tapioca
- 2⅔ cups (640 ml) coconut milk
- ⅓ cup (60 g/2 oz) granulated sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Sliced fresh fruit (mango, melon, pineapple, lychee)
- Coconut chips (optional)
Instructions
- Soak the Tapioca
- Place the tapioca pearls and coconut milk in a medium saucepan and let them soak for 30 minutes. This preliminary soaking allows the pearls to hydrate and expand slightly, which is essential for achieving the proper texture in the final dish.
- Cook the Pudding
- Add sugar and salt to the tapioca mixture, and heat over medium heat until it reaches a simmer. Reduce heat to low and let it simmer very gently for 15 minutes until the tapioca pearls become transparent and the mixture has thickened. Stir frequently during this process to prevent the tapioca from sticking to the bottom of the pan and scorching. Once done, remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract to infuse the pudding with its aromatic flavor.
- Chill Thoroughly
- Pour the pudding into individual serving cups and place in the refrigerator until completely chilled, at least 3 hours. During refrigeration, the pudding will continue to thicken and set, developing its characteristic creamy consistency.
- Serve with Garnishes
- Serve the chilled tapioca pudding topped with sliced fresh fruit or fruit puree and sprinkle with coconut chips if desired. The fresh fruit adds vibrant color, textural contrast, and complementary flavors to the creamy pudding.
Notes
- For a richer version, substitute part of the coconut milk with coconut cream.
- For a lighter version, replace some of the coconut milk with whole milk.
- Make sure to use small pearl tapioca, not instant or large pearls, for the best texture.
- The pudding will thicken considerably during refrigeration.
- Stir occasionally while cooking to prevent lumps and ensure even cooking of the tapioca pearls.
- Tapioca is best consumed within 3 days of preparation for optimal flavor and texture.
- Prep Time: 35 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Thai-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 170mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg