Besides being used in cooking, taro can also be made into a sweet filling called “taro paste.” Recently, various taro paste desserts have become all the rage, from convenience store taro delicacies to trending taro desserts and even juicy taro paste.

What taro-inspired dishes and desserts are trending these days? Is it possible to make your own smooth, creamy taro paste? What are the secrets to creating a rich, fragrant, and smooth taro paste?

Are there any secrets to making smooth, creamy taro paste and taro paste desserts?

Sweet and Salty – Taro and Pork Floss Toast

The slightly sweet taro paste paired with the savory, old-fashioned flavor of pork floss has become a breakfast favorite.

Spread taro paste generously on toast, then top with a layer of crispy pork floss, then another layer of taro paste. Finally, sandwich the taro paste between soft toast. The cross-section is a mouth-watering display of beautiful layers. The sweet and salty flavors intertwine and create a smooth, yet intriguing, fusion of flavors.

Making it yourself isn’t difficult, but the highlight is, of course, the generous amount of taro paste. Adding cheese slices creates a perfect sweet-salty blend.

Fluorous Taro Paste – Taro Omelette, Taro Soufflé

If you’re a taro lover and have a sweet tooth, you’ve probably already tried all sorts of taro desserts. Taro paste pairs well with dorayaki, pancakes, and soufflés. It’s even become increasingly popular with taro, even with the classic red bean filling. For dorayaki or thin pancakes, first spread a layer of smooth fresh cream, then generously top with a generous amount of fluffy taro paste. This is the perfect afternoon tea treat for homemade meals.

A Delicious Snack – Crispy Taro Balls

A long-time favorite at night markets, their crispy exterior and soft, fluffy interior make them a perfect choice for those cravings. Like sweet potato balls, they hold their place among night market street food.

Fried taro balls are made by kneading taro paste into a ball. Other popular varieties are those filled with salted egg yolk or cheese shreds. Once you learn how to make taro paste, it’s easy to make it at home.

What’s the key to making smooth taro paste?

The key to making these popular taro paste desserts is a smooth and fluffy paste. A paste that’s too dry or too coarse will affect the flavor. What are the key steps to making taro paste?

Steps for making smooth taro paste:

(The following instructions use 500 grams of taro)

1. Peel and cut:

Peel 500 grams of taro and cut into small pieces or thin slices. Cutting into large pieces will take longer and require more effort to steam and mash. There are also tips to avoid itchy hands when peeling taro (click here).

2. Steaming:

Use a rice cooker to steam the taro until soft, then simmer in the pot to soften the inside.

3. Mash with a Fork:

Use a fork to gently press down on the taro until it is evenly mashed. This will prevent any lumps from forming and will result in a smoother paste.

4. Add Butter and Sugar to Adjust Flavor:

Use the heat from the taro to melt 30 grams of unsalted butter and 80 grams of powdered sugar. When combined, the fat will enhance the aroma and smoothness of the taro paste.

5. Add Milky Aroma and Moisturizing:

Use milk powder or fresh milk. The fat and milky aroma of dairy products are crucial for enhancing the flavor and moistness of the taro paste. Using 20 grams of milk powder can enhance the milky aroma. For a smoother paste, adding an appropriate amount of fresh milk or cream is ideal.

After adding the ingredients, mix thoroughly. You can sieve the taro paste to make it finer and smoother.