Step 1: Prepare the sago pearls. Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add the sago pearls and cook according to package instructions, usually 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Cook until they are mostly translucent with only a tiny white dot in the center. Turn off the heat, cover, and let sit for an additional 5-10 minutes until completely translucent.
Step 2: Drain and rinse the sago. Drain the cooked sago pearls through a fine-mesh sieve. Rinse them thoroughly under cold running water until they are completely cool and no longer sticky. This prevents clumping. Set aside to drain well.
Step 3: Prepare the strawberry puree. In a blender, combine the hulled and sliced strawberries with the granulated sugar. Blend until smooth. For an extra smooth texture, you can pass the puree through a fine-mesh sieve.
Step 4: Assemble the strawberry milk base. In a large bowl, combine the strawberry puree, whole milk, and sweetened condensed milk. Whisk thoroughly until the mixture is uniform and a lovely light pink color. Taste and adjust the sweetness to your preference.
Step 5: Combine sago and milk. Add the drained and cooled sago pearls to the strawberry milk mixture. Stir gently to ensure the sago is evenly distributed. This ensures every bite of your Korean Strawberry Milk Sago Dessert Cups is perfect.
Step 6: Chill for best results. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2-4 hours, or preferably overnight. Chilling allows the sago to absorb the flavors fully and develop a perfect chewy texture.
Step 7: Serve and garnish. Once thoroughly chilled, give the mixture a good stir. Spoon the Korean Strawberry Milk Sago Dessert Cups into individual serving glasses or bowls. Garnish each cup with fresh strawberry slices or a whole strawberry before serving. Enjoy this delightful dessert!