Name: Taho Filipino Dessert Recipe: A Delicious Filipino Dessert with Silken Tofu, Syrup, and Sago Pearls
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Filipino
Ingredients: 2 cups unsweetened soy milk; 1 teaspoon agar-agar powder (or 1 teaspoon gelatin for custard-like texture); 1/4 cup water; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 1/2 cup water (for syrup); 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, for syrup); 1/2 cup small tapioca pearls (white or brown); 3 cups water (for boiling sago pearls)

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Comforting and Sweet: Taho is the perfect balance of sweetness from the arnibal syrup, chewy sago pearls, and smooth tofu. The combination of textures is simply irresistible.
Customizable: Adjust the sweetness of the syrup to suit your preferences, and experiment with adding a touch of vanilla for extra flavor.
Vegan-Friendly: This Filipino treat is naturally dairy-free when made with soy milk, making it a great option for vegans.
Easy to Make: With a simple recipe that uses just a few ingredients, Taho is quick to prepare and fun to assemble.

Ingredients

For the Silken Tofu:

2 cups unsweetened soy milk
1 teaspoon agar-agar powder (or 1 teaspoon gelatin for a custard-like texture)
1/4 cup water

For the Arnibal (Sweet Syrup):

1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup water
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

For the Sago Pearls:

1/2 cup small tapioca pearls (white or brown)
3 cups water (for boiling)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Sago Pearls

Bring 3 cups of water to a boil in a pot. Add the tapioca pearls and boil for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Once the pearls are translucent, turn off the heat, cover the pot, and let the pearls sit for an additional 15 minutes.
Drain and rinse the pearls under cold water, then set them aside.

2. Make the Arnibal Syrup

In a small saucepan, combine brown sugar and water. Bring it to a boil over medium heat.
Reduce the heat and let it simmer, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has dissolved and the syrup thickens slightly, about 7-10 minutes.
Stir in vanilla extract, if using, then remove the pan from heat and let it cool slightly.

3. Prepare the Silken Tofu

In a small bowl, dissolve the agar-agar powder in 1/4 cup of water.
In a saucepan, heat the soy milk over medium-low heat, ensuring it doesn’t boil.
Stir in the dissolved agar-agar and continue stirring constantly for 5-7 minutes until the mixture starts to thicken.
Pour the tofu mixture into serving glasses or ramekins and let it cool for about 30 minutes at room temperature or refrigerate to speed up the setting process.

4. Assemble the Taho

Once the tofu has set, spoon a layer of warm or room-temperature arnibal syrup over the tofu.
Add a generous spoonful of sago pearls on top.
Serve immediately while still warm, or gently reheat before serving.

How to Serve

Solo Delight: Taho is delicious served in a glass or bowl, showing off the vibrant layers of tofu, syrup, and sago pearls.
With Fresh Fruit: Add fresh fruit like mangoes or strawberries for an extra burst of flavor.
Breakfast Treat: Serve it alongside warm pastries or as part of a morning breakfast spread.

Additional Tips

Store-Bought Tofu: If using store-bought silken tofu, gently warm it before layering it with syrup and sago pearls.
Adjust the Sweetness: The sweetness of the arnibal can be adjusted to your taste—add more or less sugar to make it as sweet as you like.
Vegan Option: Use soy milk for a fully vegan version of Taho, or swap in other plant-based milks for a unique flavor.

Recipe Variations

Taho with Coconut: Add a spoonful of coconut cream to the tofu for a richer flavor.
Taho with Mango: Layer the tofu with fresh mango slices for a tropical twist.
Coconut Sago Pearls: Swap out the sago pearls for tapioca pearls soaked in coconut milk for an extra creamy treat.

Nutrition Information

Yield: 2 servings
Calories per serving: 382
Total Fat: 4g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 45mg
Carbohydrates: 81g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 47g
Protein: 9g

Conclusion

Taho is a warm, comforting Filipino dessert that’s perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth in a unique way. With its rich combination of soft tofu, sweet syrup, and chewy sago pearls, it’s a treat that can be enjoyed anytime. Whether you’re preparing it for breakfast, a snack, or a dessert, Taho is guaranteed to bring a little taste of the Philippines to your kitchen. Enjoy every spoonful!

Taho Filipino Dessert Recipe: A Delicious Filipino Dessert with Silken Tofu, Syrup, and Sago Pearls

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Taho is a comforting Filipino dessert made with silky tofu, sweet caramelized brown sugar syrup (arnibal), and chewy tapioca pearls. It’s a simple yet indulgent treat, perfect for breakfast or as a snack.

Author: Amy
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour (including cooling time)
Yield: 2 servings
Category: Dessert
Method: Boiling, Stirring
Cuisine: Filipino
Diet: Vegan

Ingredients

2 cups unsweetened soy milk

1 teaspoon agar-agar powder (or 1 teaspoon gelatin for custard-like texture)

1/4 cup water

1/2 cup brown sugar

1/2 cup water (for syrup)

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, for syrup)

1/2 cup small tapioca pearls (white or brown)

3 cups water (for boiling sago pearls)

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Instructions

Cook the Sago Pearls: Bring 3 cups of water to a boil in a pot. Add the tapioca pearls and cook for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Once translucent, turn off the heat, cover, and let the pearls sit for another 15 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water, then set aside.
Make the Arnibal Syrup: In a saucepan, combine brown sugar and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 7-10 minutes until the syrup thickens slightly. Stir in vanilla extract if using, and remove from heat to cool slightly.
Prepare the Silken Tofu: In a small bowl, dissolve agar-agar powder in 1/4 cup of water. Heat the soy milk over medium-low heat, stirring to avoid boiling. Add the dissolved agar-agar and stir for 5-7 minutes until the mixture thickens. Pour into serving glasses or ramekins and cool for about 30 minutes at room temperature, or refrigerate for faster setting.
Assemble the Taho: Once the tofu has set, spoon warm or room-temperature arnibal syrup over the tofu. Add a generous spoonful of sago pearls on top. Serve immediately while warm or gently reheat before serving.