Taiwanese Taro Balls: A Chewy & Sweet Delight!
Recipe by eva@becomingsolo.com
Course: dessert
Servings
servings
Prep time
20
minutesCooking time
10
minutesCalories
180
kcalTotal time
30
minutesIngredients
- Taro Balls:
300 g taro, peeled and cubed
100 g sweet potato starch (or tapioca starch)
30 g sugar
50 ml hot water (adjust as needed)
- Sweet Ginger Syrup (Optional):
500 ml water
100 g brown sugar
3 slices ginger
- Optional Toppings:
Red beans
Grass jelly
Condensed milk
Coconut milk
Shaved ice
Directions
- Step 1: Steam the Taro
- Peel and cut the taro into small cubes.
- Place the taro cubes in a steamer and steam for 15-20 minutes, or until fork-tender.
- Transfer the hot taro to a large mixing bowl and mash it into a smooth paste while still warm.
- Step 2: Make the Dough
- Add sugar to the mashed taro and mix well.
- Gradually add sweet potato starch while mixing.
- Slowly pour in hot water, a little at a time, and knead the dough until it forms a smooth, non-sticky consistency. If too dry, add more hot water; if too sticky, add a little more starch.
- Step 3: Shape the Taro Balls
- Divide the dough into smaller portions and roll each portion into a long rope (~1cm thick).
- Cut into small bite-sized pieces (~1.5cm each).
- Lightly dust the taro balls with extra starch to prevent sticking.
- Step 4: Cook the Taro Balls
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
- Add the taro balls and cook until they float to the surface (about 2-3 minutes).
- Once they float, continue cooking for another 1 minute for extra chewiness.
- Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked taro balls into a bowl of cold water.
- Step 5: Make the Sweet Ginger Syrup (Optional)
- In a pot, combine water, brown sugar, and ginger slices.
- Simmer on low heat for 5-10 minutes, then strain out the ginger slices.
- Step 6: Serve & Enjoy!
- Drain the taro balls and serve them warm with ginger syrup or chilled with shaved ice and toppings of your choice.
- Drizzle with coconut milk or condensed milk for an extra indulgent treat!
Notes
- ✨ Pro Tip:
For extra color and variety, substitute half the taro with purple sweet potato or pumpkin to make three-color taro balls (芋圆三色).
These taro balls store frozen for up to 1 month. Simply cook them directly from frozen when ready to eat!
Now, grab your bowl and enjoy these delicious Taiwanese taro balls! 🥣💜