Let’s break down how to make the Trader Joe’s taho hack that uses silken tofu and frozen boba.
Taho is a traditional Philippine street snack made with soft tofu (silken tofu), arnibal (sugar syrup), and sago pearls. Usually early in the morning (for breakfast) or late afternoon (for myrenda), you’ll be able to find the taho man yelling out “Taho! TA-HO!”
Taho is normally served warm or at room temperature. As mentioned, it is typically enjoyed as a light breakfast or a sweet afternoon snack.
I have my original version on The Little Epicurean where I use dried tapioca pearls. This version is even easier!
Why this Shortcut Works
Everyone near a Trader Joe’s location can experience the flavor of taho! Also, with the popularity of boba, many grocery stores and supermarkets now carry some version of the frozen instant boba. Amazon Fresh also carries a nearly identical brown sugar instant boba kit.
Ingredients Breakdown
There are three components to this quick and easy sweet snack: silken tofu, arnibal, and tapioca pearls.
With this taho recipe hack, you only need two ingredients:
- Packaged silken tofu
- Frozen instant boba kit
Tofu comes in a variety of textures, ranging from extra firm to silken. Each type differs in water content, which directly impacts the tofu’s texture. Use silken or soft tofu for this recipe. Well-stocked Asian markets often carry soft silken or extra silken option as well.
Soft or silken tofu delivers the perfect consistency. I recommend choosing the refrigerated packaged tofu rather than the shelf-stable room temperature versions. This is just my preference. To me, shelf-stable silken tofu just doesn’t have the same silky, custard like consistency of the refrigerated version.
Trader Joe’s instant boba kit is located in the frozen food section along with the ice creams and frozen desserts. It comes in a pack of four and it labeled as “brown sugar tapioca pearl drink mix.”
The kit couldn’t be any easier to use. Simply heat the mixture in the microwave and its good to go. The mixture takes the place of the tapioca pearls and arnibal (sugar syrup).
Arnibal is the Tagalog word for simple syrup. It is a cooked mixture of water and unrefined sugar. Sometimes, it is pandan or vanilla flavored.
Even if you don’t have a TJ’s location nearby, you will likely find a variation instant boba kit at your supermarket. A quick google search informs me that my local Target, Albertsons, Vons, and Sprouts all carry some kind of frozen boba kit.
Traditional vs Shortcut
Traditionally, silken tofu would be made fresh by mixing together soy milk and some kind of coagulant (such as magnesium chloride or calcium sulfate). Sago pearls are similar to tapioca pearls (boba). Sago is made from tropical palm tree starch. Whereas, tapioca pearls are made from either tapioca starch or cassava starch.
This shortcut version taho hack uses convenient store-bought ingredients. This shortcut hack eliminates the most time consuming part! No need to simmer brown sugar into arnibal and no need to cook the sago pearls.
With pre-made components, you can satisfy your taho craving instantly rather than planning for an hour or so project!
Assembly
More Easy Sweet Treats
Shortcut Taho
Ingredients
- 16 oz silken tofu, preferably the refrigerated variety
- 9.2 oz package Instant Boba Kit*, (contains 4 boba pouches)
Instructions
- Optional: Steam the tofu for about 3-5 minutes until warmed throughout. *Or, use cold tofu directly from the fridge.
- Heat frozen boba pouch according to package instructions. Tear open and pour some brown sugar syrup into serving cup. (Each pouch is one serving).
- Visually divide steamed tofu in four sections. Using 1/4 of the tofu, scoop thin slivers. Layer tofu and boba mixture in serving glass. Repeat with remaining sections of tofu.
Notes
- Taho is usually served warm. However, you may use chilled tofu for a nice contrast of cold tofu and warm boba.
- Enjoy immediately after assembly.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Like this recipe? Rate & comment below!
