Taro Temptations: Unleashing the Magic of 30 Incredible Taro Recipes
Ever heard of the word “taro?” You’ve probably even tasted it but maybe had no idea what it was. So, while I’m sure you enjoyed the taste, I also wager you don’t know the many ways it can be used to prepare delectable delicacies; but that changes today!
Taro is a starchy root vegetable on plates in almost every part of the world. Of course, because it’s endearing to many people and cultures, there have been multiple ways to use taro to prepare different kinds of meals and drinks.
Sometimes, the meal is made with taro alone, but other times, it’s mixed with other ingredients to prepare something that delights the tongue!
Think of Taro as a raw ingredient that only makes meals better. You can fry, boil, steam, or mash it in curries, stews, and soups. It even lends its nutrients to anyone looking to make desserts!
Reading through all these recipes will take approximately 10 minutes or less. And by the time you’re through, I guarantee you’ll be itching to try making some or all of these recipes!
So, the issue won’t be whether you’ll enjoy these meals (I’m 100% sure you will!); rather, which one will you like the most? Let’s both find out!
1. Taro Pumpkin Buns
I’ll start with Taro pumpkin buns. They’re the first on this list for a very good reason: these fluffy wonders are full of flavor!
When you blend taro and pumpkin, expect a filling with the perfect sweetness. Fill the sweet dough with crushed taro and sugar and serve as a side dish, dessert, or breakfast!
I love these pieces of bread because they are soft and easy to make; you can freeze them to enjoy later.
2. Taro Ice Cream
If you crave something sweet, try making homemade taro ice cream. It’s a good twist on classic ice cream!
In this recipe, coconut harmonizes with the taro, giving it its unique flavor blend. And if you want that beautiful shade of taro purple in your ice cream, simply add some taro flour before mixing.
For a luscious and indulgent dessert, try making ice cream with taro puree (a paste made of coconut milk, steamed taro root, and sugar).
It will have a sweet and rich flavor profile that’s perfect on a hot summer day and for when you invite friends around. Homemade ice cream always hits the spot for me, especially taro ice cream.
3. Miso-Ginger Glazed Taro Noodles and Shrimp
For a savory dish, consider miso ginger glazed taro noodles with shrimp. This dish combines the earthy taste of taro noodles with the umami or salty flavors of miso and ginger.
The noodle texture is soft yet firm, similar to Asian noodle dishes. This gluten-free meal option is packed full of flavor- try it out for yourself!
It’s honestly surprising how something so simple to make can taste so good. But hey, I’m not complaining!
4. Taro-Root Croquettes
Taro root croquettes are an excellent appetizer or snack option with their crispy exterior and creamy filling.
After discovering that raw taro contains calcium oxalate, which isn’t safe for consumption, I opted to cook the root to soften its texture and bring out its natural sweetness. I advise you to do this too.
The croquettes are tasty when paired with vegan barbecue sauce or your favorite dipping condiment.
But listen, you don’t have to limit yourself to serving them as appetizers. They can be standalone meals you take and wash down with something sweet!
5. Taro Cake
If you’re in the mood for something sweet, might I suggest taro cake? Made from crushed taro roots and whipped cream, this mousse cake has a deliciously nutty flavor profile that’s perfect for any special occasion or an indulgent treat on a regular day.
I love the unique taste, which differs from the usual chocolate, vanilla, or strawberry cake flavors.
I’m certain you’ll enjoy this fresh taste as I did; it might even be your new favorite dish!
6. Braised Pork Ribs with Taro
Braised pork ribs with taro are worth trying if you want an easy and delicious dinner option. This dish is easy to assemble and requires frying pork slices with chopped taro, spring onions, and many others.
The result is a flavorful dish where the sweet taro perfectly complements the salty pork. Serve as is or with some fried rice on the side.
Everyone will love it; even people who do not like pork will probably make an exception for this!
7. Taro Fritters
Taro fritters are perfect for those looking for something plant-based to enjoy as a meal or snack. They are made with flour, carrots, taro, onions, and scallions.
These fritters will delight you and make you smile with their flavor. Fry them until golden brown and crispy, then pair them with your favorite dipping sauce or mix them up by trying something new.
I like taro fritters because they allow me to add my delicious concoctions to create something that tastes unlike anything else!
8. Taro Donuts
If you’re a fan of traditional donuts but looking for something unique simultaneously, then you may just need taro donuts.
These donuts have an amazing taste and bright purple color from the starchy taro root vegetable. People worldwide love taro donuts because simple recipes are needed to make these sweet treats.
Satisfy your taste buds with a unique experience indulging in freshly-made taro donuts that come tinged with a pleasant purple color due to extracts from taro root! The subtle flavor of this exotic vegetable will tantalize your palates for sure.
9. Taro Dumplings with Pork and Shrimp
This is among China’s finest culinary delicacies, and I won’t argue with this claim. It’s served as Dim Sum and is enjoyed globally across many restaurants.
Maybe you’ve even tried Dim Sums before without being in China because it has several other names: “taro croquettes,” “fried taro dumplings,” “taro leaf dumplings,” etc.
The outer layer comprises cooked and mashed taro, while minced pork is used in the fillings. The fried belly is crispy yet soft, balancing sweet with savory and satisfying true Dim Sum enthusiasts!
10. Baked Taro Buns
Introducing another baked healthy option on today’s menu: baked taro buns! These soft, light, textured buns are filled with lovely taro cream extracted from Taro roots.
They have sweet earthy notes with a vanilla-like hint, so expect something wondrous when you pop them into your mouth.
These buns will be welcomed by fans of healthy food and people like you and me who enjoy a good snack. They are fried to retain their great taste and flavors!
The delectable combination of a sweet filling and tender dough is undeniably appealing to those who adore taro.
11. Taro Chiffon Cake
If you’re looking for a light and airy dessert with a unique twist, give this taro chiffon cake recipe a go! It has a subtle taro flavor and fluffy texture that pairs well with pretty much anything.
And the best part? It’s easy to make, and it’s quite healthy. You can serve it with fresh whipped cream or pair it with ice cream for an extra treat. Give this delicious cake a try and enjoy its heavenly taste!
12. Taro Rice Cake
Here’s another recipe the Chinese graced us with! It’s made with jasmine rice, taro cubes, shiitake mushrooms, carrots, Chinese sausage, and dried shrimp. It’s a mouthwatering combination of flavors that warrants it to be on this list!
Did the oyster sauce, soy sauce, five spice powder, and other aromatic ingredients add depth and complexity to the dish? You’ll love how curry seeds and aromatic rice blend together to satisfy you.
13. Stir-fried Taro Cake with Scrambled Eggs
Here’s another amazing recipe that I can’t wait to share! This dish takes grated taro cake fried until golden brown. It goes well with creamy scrambled eggs for a delightful combination of textures.
Throw in some chopped vegetables for added nutrition, and top it off with soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil for extra flavor punch!
Garnish with chopped scallions before serving—this filling dish will keep you satisfied all day and satisfy your cravings!
14. Crispy Taro Pancakes
Treat yourself to the irresistible flavors of crispy Taro pancakes – an excellent choice for your next meal or party!
These adorable pancakes boast a crispy texture and an irresistible flavor profile owing to their unique blend of ingredients like smoked salmon, sour cream, sriracha sauce, and green onions.
You can’t beat this recipe for its ease of preparation yet fantastic output – mix taro with flour like pancake batter and cook until golden brown; exceptional results are guaranteed!
15. Savory Roasted Taro
Maximize your enjoyment of leftover soft roasted taro by creating a delicious meal using only six additional ingredients!
Why not add pickled taro as a complimentary side dish to your upcoming curry chicken entree? With a little bit of seasoning magic involved, courtesy of hot herbs and spices, this tasty treat becomes even more tantalizing.
The preparation is quick and easy enough for any busy home cook short on time or energy!
16. Crispy, Crunchy Sea Salt & Rosemary Taro Root Rounds
For recipe number sixteen, I give you the satisfying flavors of crispy, crunchy sea salt, and rosemary taro root rounds! I love how it’s perfect for any snacking occasion!
Get started by thinly slicing taro root into flat rounds, then fry until crisp and golden-brown perfection is achieved.
Transform these bites into a healthy and tasty meal by pairing them with your favorite source of protein, along with some greens on the side.
17. Taro Rolls
Add excitement to your meals with the simple yet delicious Hawaiian-inspired taro rolls dish! It combines flour, sugar, yeast, poi, eggs, milk, and butter kneaded into a dough that later rises before baking into wonderfully soft rolls thick with flavor!
The purple hue adds depth, while its aroma will have you craving more once you catch its scent. Whether it’s breakfast or dinner time- this dish complements other recipes effortlessly!
18. Vietnamese Taro Soup
Okay, this one is a big one! I want to share with you an utterly gratifyingly fulfilling soup experience. Feast your eyes on Vietnamese taro soup – a hearty recipe perfect for your next foodie adventure!
As you simmer taro cubes in a flavorful broth infused with fresh herbs, their texture turns velvety, creating a delightful blend everyone is bound to love.
The herbal infusion adds depth and tanginess to this soup’s excellent flavor profile, ensuring every sip is more delectable than the previous one.
Savor every bit of this wholesome soup that’ll leave you licking the bowl clean. So why not try this recipe today by mixing taro with veggies, broth, and herbs?
19. Taro Bubble Tea Milkshake
Let your taste buds indulge in the delightful taro bubble tea milkshake, a well-known worldwide favorite.
With its unique blend of green tea, jasmine essence, creamy milk, and two types of taro (paste and powder), this beverage is both nutritious and sweet. And don’t forget about those tasty tapioca chips!
Mix some taro powder or syrup with milk and add tapioca pearls for a refreshing drink perfect for any occasion. Satisfy your cravings while treating your body to valuable nutrients too!
20. Taiwanese Taro Swirl Mooncakes
Impress your loved ones with Taiwanese taro swirl mooncakes. These treats are delicious and also incredibly eye-catching!
These Chinese cookies come in various enticing flavors – including this Taro version. You’ll love this pastry’s soft texture and highly addictive taste. I can’t recommend something better for anyone who enjoys baking.
Treat yourself (and others!) by sharing these uniquely flavored mooncakes at social gatherings or parties. I guarantee they’ll be the highlight of the event!
21. Simmered Taro
Sometimes, it’s the simple meals that offer the most satisfaction. Simmered taro is a dish that epitomizes this concept.
This root vegetable cooked with Japanese spices such as dashi, sake, mirin soy sauce, plus sugar delivers a blend of flavors sure to please even the pickiest eater.
With its easy-to-follow preparation instructions + ideal mix of ingredients, this dish is truly a tasty addition to any meal!
22. Purple Taro Latte Recipe
Haven’t you tried a purple taro latte recipe yet? What are you waiting for?
Combining taro powder or syrup with coconut cream and honey produces an attractive drink with a dazzling purple hue, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth without caffeine in typical lattes.
I like it because more than the lovely taste, it also looks appealing. Anytime you sip it, an aromatic essence will hit your nose and massage your sense; I’m not being overdramatic!
23. Taro Paste
Here’s one more dish you can make with little to no stress. It’s a smooth paste that’s so versatile an ingredient that it has found a home in many other dishes.
How do you make it? It’s simple: cook taro until it becomes a soft paste of goodness!
This paste is multi-purpose so you can use it as a filling for many desserts and pastries. If you love bread, you can spread it over your thick slices of toast.
Taro paste can also be a thickener or enhance flavor when cooking recipes such as taro milk tea. And speaking of taro milk tea, have a read below.
24. Taro Milk Tea with Tapioca Pearls
Need something sweet but refreshing? Pour yourself some taro milk tea with tapioca pearls! It combines smooth-tasting cubes of purple yam-like taro and sweet potato served in Jimmy Tea. This forms an exquisite base ready for adding all kinds of toppings like figs, milk, and sugar.
If you’re looking for delicious dessert ideas, why not try baking some tapioca pearls in coconut milk alongside slices of baked taro sprinkled generously with sugar? The word for the result of doing this is “scrumptious!”
25. Taro Fries
If you’re looking for a tasty addition to your meal, taro fries might be just what you need. These fries are a delicious alternative to the well-known French fries that everyone loves.
They taste great, but they’re also incredibly easy to make. Fries pair perfectly with any meal, and the saltiness and warmth on the inside make them a popular choice across America.
While I love frying regular potatoes, taro fries are an exceptional and fulfilling side dish that is both nutritious and delicious.
I’m particularly fond of cocoyam, which I salt and fry until crispy; however, spices can be added to meet your requirements!
26. Instant Pot Arbi (Taro Root)
Suppose you’re familiar with Indian cuisine or enjoy trying different cultural dishes. In that case, I have a recipe perfect for unusual cravings!
This dish features succulent Taro coins prepared in a simple yet spicy sauce that’s sweet and flavorful, making this dish delightful!
If you have an instant pot, cooking becomes even quicker and easier, so I recommend getting one.
27. Fried Taro Puff
Would you like to impress your family with a delicious vegetarian dish? Try serving fried taro puffs alone, or pair them with your favorite protein.
Once you see the golden-brown crust and know that a wonderful taro-based filling fills it, I guarantee you won’t be able to help but smile at the thought of eating it!
Though it may seem tedious, the fluffy taro flour filling encased inside these little dumplings is worth the effort. Plus, they make great finger food that everyone in the family will enjoy!
28. Sugar Coated Taro Sticks
If you’re looking for something sweet without being too overpowering in taste, sink your teeth into these fried and sugar-coated taro sticks.
Making these is as simple as coating taro sticks using thick, caramelized sugar glaze. So, what can you expect when you bite into this? Something sweet and crunchy!
And you know what’s even better? You only need four ingredients and three steps to recreate this bite-sized dessert that’ll leave you wanting more each time: water, oil, sugar, and taro!
29. Teochew-Taro Mooncakes
Teochew-style mooncakes are distinct from Cantonese ones. How? Due to the addition of water and oil in their cake mixture, they create an incredibly soft cake exterior layer around their filling, though this can vary.
Ube (purple yam) pairs wonderfully with these mooncakes if available; alternatively, try using food coloring instead.
Do you know what else makes these taro mooncakes special? People associate them with togetherness. So, in some traditions, taro mooncakes are the ideal dish for sharing with friends, family, and loved ones. That’s a beautiful gesture, don’t you think?
30. Taro Smoothie
So, we’re finally at the finish line. This is recipe number thirty. If you’re looking for an easy-to-make drink that tastes great, you can’t do better than this simple taro smoothie!
You can make this recipe by blending pureed taro root with coconut milk, sugar, ice cubes, and water until smooth perfection is achieved. But ensure you serve immediately while still cold!
I like this because you don’t have to be an expert to create something delicious that will please everybody. All you need to do is follow simple instructions, and you’re done!
Taro and Green Bean Salad
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Small bowl
- Large pot
- Salad serving utensils
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Whisk
Ingredients
- 1 medium taro root. Make sure it’s cubed and peeled.
- 1 cup of green beans. Ensure it’s blanched and trimmed.
- 1 red bell pepper. It should be thinly sliced.
- 1 small red onion. It must be thinly sliced too.
- ¼ cup of fresh cilantro. The cilantro must be chopped.
- Juice made from 1 lemon.
- 2 tbsp of fresh olive oil.
- pepper and salt.
Instructions
- First, bring a pot of salted water to boil before introducing cubed taro pieces; cook them until tender (10 to 15 mins), then remove from heat but don’t forget to drain and let cool completely.
- Next, in a large mixing bowl, delicately combine cooked/mixed ingredients such as boiled taro/ blanched green beans/ strips of red bell pepper/ chopped red onion + cilantro leaves (optional).
- After that, in another small bowl, balance out all flavors by whisking together lemon juice with olive oil and adding seasoning such as salt and pepper.
- For step number four, pour your newly made dressing over the salad ingredients (remember not too much sauce!). Then, toss gently so that everything is evenly coated with dressing. Add more season if you feel like it, then leave everything combined/sit covered for roughly ten minutes. Do this so that flavors blend perfectly to give you something spectacular.
- Finally, serve in a chilled or room temperature state. Enjoy!