Easy Filipino Taho (Silken Tofu with Arnibal and Sago Pearls)
A quick and comforting Filipino treat made with silky tofu, sweet brown sugar arnibal, and chewy sago pearls. This easy taho recipe comes together fast, is naturally vegan, and tastes just like the classic street-style version.
Servings: 4 people
Calories: 708kcal
Equipment
- 1 medium pot (for cooking sago)
- 1 small sauce pan (for cooking arnibal/ syrup)
Ingredients
- 14 oz silken, extra soft or soft tofu
- 1 cup cooked sago or tapioca pearls
Arnibal/ Syrup:
- 1¼ cup dark brown sugar
- 1 cup water
- 2 teaspoon vanilla
Instructions
- In a medium pot, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Add the sago pearls and cook according to package instructions. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. The pearls should become translucent with a small white dot in the center.
- Once cooked, drain the sago pearls in a fine-mesh strainer and rinse thoroughly with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
- Make the Arnibal (Syrup): In a separate saucepan, combine 1 cup of water and brown sugar. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves.1¼ cup dark brown sugar, 1 cup water
- Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5-7 minutes. This will slightly thicken the syrup. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract (if using) and a pinch of salt (optional) to taste.2 teaspoon vanilla
- Steam or mictowave tofu to warm it up.
- Assemble Your Taho: In individual serving bowls, gently scoop the silken tofu. Tip: Use a wet spoon to prevent the tofu from sticking.14 oz silken, extra soft or soft tofu
- Top it Off: Add a spoonful of cooked sago pearls and drizzle with your homemade arnibal.1 cup cooked sago or tapioca pearls
- Enjoy Warm: Serve taho immediately while the tofu is still warm and the arnibal is hot.
Notes
- Tofu type: Silken or soft tofu gives the smoothest, classic taho texture. Avoid firm tofu—it's too dense.
- Sago pearls: Cook until fully translucent for the best chew; undercooked pearls will stay hard in the center.
- Arnibal sweetness: Adjust the sugar-to-water ratio depending on how sweet you like your taho.
- Serving temp: Taho is best served warm, but you can also enjoy it at room temperature.
- Make-ahead tip: Cook sago and arnibal ahead of time and store separately; reheat gently before serving.
Nutrition
Calories: 708kcal | Carbohydrates: 102.2g | Protein: 23.1g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 1.9g | Potassium: 588mg | Fiber: 0.9g | Sugar: 76.3g | Calcium: 456mg | Iron: 5mg
