This strawberry matcha sag dish fits so well into our busy lives because it can be made ahead of time. I usually whip it up on Sunday afternoons, and then we can enjoy it throughout the week as a quick dessert or even a fun afternoon snack.

What I truly adore about this particular strawberry matcha sag recipe is that it is so adaptable. There are countless ingredient variations depending on what you have available.

Trust me, once you try this strawberry matcha sag, you’ll be hooked. It’s a burst of flavor and texture that will brighten up any day. Let’s get started, shall we?

INGREDIENTS

Alright, let’s gather our ingredients. Don’t worry, it’s a pretty straightforward list. For my strawberry matcha sag, I always aim for the freshest strawberries I can find – it really makes a difference!

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1/2 cup small sago pearls
4 cups water, for cooking sago
1 can (13.5 oz) full-fat coconut milk
1/2 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
1/4 cup sugar (adjust to taste)
2 tablespoons matcha powder, sifted
1/4 cup hot water, for dissolving matcha
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 pound fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
Optional: Whipped cream or coconut cream, for topping

When making strawberry matcha sag, you can find sago pearls at most Asian grocery stores or online. I’ve even seen them pop up in the international aisle of some larger supermarkets. If you can’t find sago, tapioca pearls are a good substitute, but the texture will be slightly different. Sago pearls come from the pith of sago palm stems, while tapioca pearls are derived from the cassava root. Both offer a unique, chewy texture, but sago tends to have a slightly earthier taste.

Here’s a strawberry matcha sag trick I learned from my mom: soak the sago pearls in cold water for about 30 minutes before cooking. This helps them cook more evenly and prevents them from sticking together. Soaking allows the pearls to hydrate, ensuring a more consistent texture throughout the dessert.

For cost-saving tips, you can often find frozen strawberries for a fraction of the price, especially when strawberries aren’t in season. They work just as well in this strawberry matcha sag. Just make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess liquid in your final product. Consider buying in bulk during peak season and freezing your own for year-round enjoyment.

As for storage, with leftover strawberry matcha sag ingredients, the fresh strawberries are the only items to worry about. Make sure they are dry before placing them in the fridge. Excess moisture can lead to spoilage, so pat them dry with a paper towel and store them in an airtight container.

HOW TO MAKE – STEP-BY-STEP

Okay, let’s get cooking! I promise, this strawberry matcha sag is easier than it looks. Just follow these steps, and you’ll be enjoying a delicious treat in no time.

Preparing Strawberry Matcha Sago in the Kitchen

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Cook the Sago
In a medium saucepan, bring the 4 cups of water to a boil. Add the sago pearls and stir gently. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the sago pearls are translucent with a tiny white dot in the center. Don’t worry if your strawberry matcha sag sago pearls seem a bit stubborn at first – they’ll eventually soften up! The key is to maintain a gentle simmer and stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Rinse and Drain
Once the sago pearls are cooked, drain them in a fine-mesh sieve and rinse thoroughly with cold water. This removes excess starch and prevents them from sticking together. Trust me, I learned the hard way with strawberry matcha sag that skipping this step results in a gummy mess! Rinsing not only improves the texture but also helps to cool the pearls down quickly.
Prepare the Matcha
In a small bowl, whisk together the matcha powder and hot water until smooth and frothy. Make sure there are no clumps! In my kitchen, strawberry matcha sag matcha usually takes just a minute or two to fully dissolve. Using a bamboo whisk (chasen) can help achieve a smoother consistency, but a regular whisk works just fine too. Sifting the matcha beforehand can also prevent clumping.
Combine Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the coconut milk, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, and dissolved matcha. Stir well to ensure everything is evenly mixed. While the strawberry matcha sag mixture is coming together, I usually sneak a taste to make sure it’s sweet enough for my liking. Adjust the sugar to your preference, keeping in mind that the sweetness of the strawberries will also contribute to the overall flavor.
Add Sago and Strawberries
Gently fold in the cooked sago pearls and sliced strawberries. Be careful not to mash the strawberries too much – we want them to stay intact. Your strawberry matcha sag should smell like a sweet blend of coconut, matcha, and fresh strawberries. Folding ensures that the ingredients are evenly distributed without crushing the delicate strawberries.
Chill
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight. This allows the flavors to meld together and the strawberry matcha sag to thicken slightly. Chilling is essential for achieving the right consistency and allowing the flavors to fully develop. Patience is key!
Serve
Before serving, give the strawberry matcha sag a good stir. Spoon into bowls or glasses and top with whipped cream or coconut cream, if desired. A few extra strawberry slices on top make it look extra fancy! This is also the stage to consider making it a strawberry matcha drink by adding some ice or even ice cream. Get creative with your presentation and enjoy!

This strawberry matcha sag recipe usually takes about 30 minutes of active prep time, and I will often use that time to catch up with the family.

SERVING

Now for the best part – serving this delicious strawberry matcha sag!

The kids love our strawberry matcha sag when I layer it in clear glasses with whipped cream and extra strawberry slices. It looks so pretty, and they feel like they’re getting a fancy treat. Consider using different toppings like chocolate shavings, toasted coconut, or a sprinkle of matcha powder for added visual appeal.

My go-to side dishes that pair with strawberry matcha sag are simple: a light and crispy shortbread cookie or even just a few extra fresh strawberries on the side. The cookie adds a nice textural contrast, and the extra strawberries enhance the fruity flavor. A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of Greek yogurt can also complement the flavors nicely.

This strawberry matcha sag is perfect for so many occasions. It’s great for summer barbecues, potlucks, or even just a simple weeknight dessert. I’ve even served it at brunch! Its versatility makes it a crowd-pleaser for any gathering. Consider serving it in individual cups for easy handling at parties.

For presentation tips, I love to use mason jars or small glass bowls. They show off the beautiful layers of sago, strawberries, and matcha cream. You can also garnish with a sprinkle of matcha powder or a few mint leaves for an extra pop of color. A drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of edible flowers can also elevate the presentation.

If you have extra strawberry matcha sag, it keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sago pearls might absorb some of the liquid over time, so you may need to add a splash of milk or coconut milk before serving to loosen it up. Storing it in an airtight container will help maintain its freshness and prevent it from absorbing other flavors in the fridge.

As for seasonal variations, in the fall, I sometimes add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the matcha mixture for a warm, cozy flavor. In the winter, I might use frozen berries and add a drizzle of chocolate syrup. This dessert as a strawberry sago dessert is so fun and creative! Experiment with different spices and toppings to create your own unique twist on this classic dessert.

My friends always ask for this strawberry matcha sag recipe whenever I bring it to a party. It’s always a hit! And I will often prepare a large batch and turn it into a matcha bubble tea strawberry variation. This is a fun and refreshing way to enjoy the dessert, especially during warmer months.

FAQs

Okay, let’s tackle some frequently asked questions. I’ve gotten a lot of questions about this recipe from friends, family, and my blog readers, so hopefully, these answers will help you out!

Can I use a different type of milk? Absolutely! I often use full-fat coconut milk for its rich flavor, but you can easily substitute almond milk, oat milk, or regular dairy milk. The choice is yours! You know what I do when my strawberry matcha sag needs that extra richness? I use a bit of heavy cream. It’s decadent, but oh-so-good!
Can I use frozen strawberries? Yes, you can! Frozen strawberries are a great option, especially when fresh strawberries aren’t in season. Just be sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before adding them to the strawberry matcha sag.
How long does the strawberry matcha sag last in the fridge? It typically lasts for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. The sago pearls might absorb some of the liquid over time, so you may need to add a splash of milk or coconut milk before serving. One time, my strawberry matcha sag got a little too thick, and I added a bit of coconut water to thin it out. It worked like a charm!
Can I make this vegan? Definitely! Just make sure to use plant-based milk and coconut cream for topping. It’s a delicious and naturally vegan-friendly dessert.
Can I reduce the sugar? Of course! Feel free to adjust the amount of sugar to your liking. I usually start with 1/4 cup and then add more if needed. My family prefers it on the slightly sweeter side, but you can definitely make it less sweet.
What if my sago pearls are still hard after cooking? This usually means they need to cook longer. Add a bit more water to the saucepan and continue simmering until they are translucent with just a tiny white dot in the center. I made this strawberry matcha sag mistake once and learned to be patient with the sago pearls.
Can I add other fruits? Absolutely! Blueberries, raspberries, or even diced mango would be delicious additions to this strawberry matcha sag. Feel free to get creative! One time, I added some chopped pineapple, and it gave the dessert a lovely tropical twist.

My Final Thoughts

This strawberry matcha sag recipe holds a special place in my heart because it represents a simple yet delightful treat that brings joy to my family. It’s a dish that I’ve perfected over time, adapting it to our preferences and always striving for that perfect balance of flavors and textures. And honestly, sometimes all you want in life is the best strawberry matcha drink.

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Here are my strawberry matcha sag Pro Tips:

Don’t skip the rinsing step: Rinsing the cooked sago pearls is crucial to prevent them from sticking together and creating a gummy mess.
Use high-quality matcha: The quality of your matcha powder will significantly impact the flavor of the dessert. Look for a vibrant green color and a smooth texture.
Chill thoroughly: Chilling the strawberry matcha sag for at least 2 hours allows the flavors to meld together and the dessert to thicken slightly, resulting in a more satisfying experience.

As for variations, here are some strawberry matcha sag adaptations I’ve tried with my family:

Chocolate Strawberry Matcha Sag: Add a tablespoon or two of cocoa powder to the matcha mixture for a chocolatey twist.
Strawberry Matcha Sag Parfaits: Layer the strawberry matcha sag in parfait glasses with granola and coconut flakes for a fun and textured dessert.
Spiced Strawberry Matcha Sag: Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom to the matcha mixture for a warm and cozy flavor.

My son loves the chocolate version, while my daughter prefers the classic strawberry matcha sag with extra whipped cream. As for me, I adore the spiced version – it’s like a hug in a bowl!

I hope you feel inspired to make this strawberry matcha sag your own. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different fruits, spices, or toppings to create a unique dessert that reflects your personal taste. The strawberry matcha sago variation is also just fun to say, isn’t it?

Most of all, have fun in the kitchen! Cooking should be an enjoyable experience, so don’t stress about perfection. Embrace the process, savor the aromas, and enjoy the delicious results of your labor. I’m confident that you’ll create a strawberry matcha sag that your family will absolutely adore. Happy cooking! For another complimentary recipe that incorporates matcha, check out matcha ice cream.

For more information about the health benefits of strawberries, you can check out Health Benefits of Strawberries – WebMD. For more information about the health benefits of Matcha, you can check out Health Benefits of Matcha – Healthline.