29 Taro Recipes

Let’s explore the world of taro, a root vegetable that adds unique flavor and texture to a multitude of dishes. We’ve rounded up 32 taro recipes, from simple snacks to hearty mains, that will expand your culinary horizons.

Savory Taro Recipes

Crispy Taro Fries

Swap out your usual potato fries for this unique, crispy delight. Seasoned with a dash of salt and a hint of garlic, these taro fries will be your new favorite side dish.

Braised Duck with Taro

An exquisite embodiment of Asian culinary tradition, this dish combines a carefully prepared duck, meticulously braised to tender perfection, with large chunks of robust taro. The flavorful symphony of rock sugar, ginger, garlic, and scallions further enhances the dish, while a generous splash of Shaoxing wine and a blend of soy sauces add a savory depth. Infused with the aromatic oils and slowly simmered in water, this dish celebrates the delightful union of duck and taro in a dance of flavors.

Taro Soup

This comforting concoction is a heartwarming blend of taro, gently simmered until perfectly tender, releasing its characteristic earthy sweetness into a savory broth. The velvety texture of the taro beautifully contrasts with the soup’s light consistency, creating a gratifying culinary experience. This soothing soup not only nourishes the body but also appeases the soul with its homely and inviting warmth.

Taro Cakes

Adding a unique and flavorful spin to traditional Hawaiian “cakes”, ahi tuna is incorporated into the recipe, delivering a delightful surprise to your palate. This fusion of flavors offers a captivating gastronomic experience, transforming these cakes into more than just an ordinary dish.

Scrumptious Taro Rice Bowl

This dish expertly combines the creaminess of rice and the nutty flavor of taro. It’s a one-pot meal that’s hearty and flavorful, elevated with a hint of sesame oil and light soy sauce.

Taro Chips

Ditch your regular chips for this healthier, fiber-rich snack. Thinly sliced taro root is baked to a crisp, sprinkled with salt, and is ready to satisfy your munching needs.

Taro Cake

A traditional Chinese dish, this taro cake features a delicious combination of taro root, Chinese sausage, and shiitake mushrooms. The cake is steamed until firm and then pan-fried to achieve a crispy crunch.

Taro Stir-Fry

A unique take on classic stir-fry dishes, this taro stir-fry blends the earthy taste of taro with your favorite vegetables and proteins. Enhanced with fragrant garlic and onions, it’s a hearty, flavorful dish that stands out in any meal. Sprinkle with green onions when serving!

Vegan Taro Mash

Better than mashed potatoes? A comforting dish, this taro mash swaps out regular potatoes for taro root. It’s creamy, flavorful, and is a fantastic side dish to complement any meal.

Arbi Taro Roast

As a vegan dish, this shallow-fried taro root shines as a tantalizing appetizer or complements rice, curry, or dal beautifully. The recipe is straightforward, calling for ingredients that are readily accessible and simple to gather. If you like this recipe, you’ll love our Ranch potatoes!

Taro Puffs

The Taro puff is a timeless favorite on the dim sum table, showcasing the importance of texture contrast in culinary excellence. It features a crispy outer layer enveloping a velvety bed of taro that’s both creamy and soft, resulting in a delightful culinary experience. Additionally, it contains a generous amount of perfectly seasoned and juicy meat inside. If you like this recipe, try our easy-peasy crab cakes!

Braised Taro with Dried Shrimp

Here is a richly textured dish that celebrates the nutty, somewhat sweet essence of taro, perfectly complemented by the umami depth of dried shrimp. The taro is braised until it becomes irresistibly tender and absorbs the flavorful broth, resulting in a dish that is both rustic and robust in flavors. The presence of dried shrimp adds an intriguing seafood nuance, elevating the overall experience of this unique delicacy.

Braised Pork Ribs with Taro

Have you ever tried braised pork ribs and taro stew? It may not be a well-known dish, but it’s perfect for comfort during colder seasons. The succulent pork and creamy taro complement each other perfectly and make it an enduring favorite in many households. Plus, it’s easy to prepare and could be enjoyed any time of the year.

Taro Basket

This delightful Vegan Taro Basket also referred to as a Prosperity Yam Ring, is made with fresh taro root and filled with a vibrant mix of stir-fried vegetables such as baby corn, carrots, peas, and more, prepared in the Kung Pao style.

Vegan Taro Mash

A comforting dish, this taro mash swaps out regular potatoes for taro root. It’s creamy, and flavorful, and is a fantastic side dish to complement any meal.

Taro Paste

A captivating blend of sweet and creamy, taro paste offers an indulgent richness that can enhance any dessert or pastry. Its delectable flavor profile and velvety texture make it not just a delicious addition, but an essential element to various culinary creations.

Taro Balls

These delicious taro balls have the consistency almost of gnocchi and are just as versatile. But definitely packed with tons more nutritionists! Throw them in soups, stew or eat by the handful! 

Shredded Taro Meatballs

An unexpected fusion of flavors and textures, taro meatballs are a delightful surprise. Made from a blend of grated taro and spices, the meatballs have a unique, slightly fibrous texture complemented by the light, subtly sweet flavor of taro. They’re typically pan-fried or baked until golden brown

Taro Root Curry

A unique take on traditional curries, taro curry offers a harmonious blend of aromatic spices and the subtle sweetness of taro. It’s a hearty and satisfying dish where taro root chunks are simmered in a rich, flavorful curry sauce until tender, making it a must-try for any curry or root vegetable lover.

Chinese Taro and Sausage Rice

This dish combines the savory taste of Chinese sausage with the unique flavor and texture of taro. A delightful dance of textures and flavors comes together in this hearty, steamed rice dish that undoubtedly pays homage to traditional Chinese culinary artistry.

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Sweet Taro Recipes

Taro Bubble Tea

Dive into the world of homemade bubble tea with this sweet and creamy taro variant. A blend of taro powder, milk, sugar, and boba makes this refreshing drink a favorite amongst all ages.

Taro Coconut Sago Dessert Soup

Nestled within this lusciously creamy soup, fashioned from coconut milk, are delightful treasures: cubed taro, sweet potato, and purple yams, alongside homemade taro and yam balls, sago pearls, and grass jelly. What sets Chinese dessert soups apart is their customization — you’re free to adorn it with any toppings of your choice. The ones mentioned are among the most beloved!

Taro Ice Cream

Taro’s mildly sweet taste makes it a wonderful ingredient for homemade ice cream. A mixture of taro root, coconut milk, and sugar, this dessert is a must-try for all sweet tooth owners.

Taro Milk Tea

This creamy and satisfying drink features the unique flavor of taro in a refreshing format. Made with taro powder, milk, and a dash of sugar, this is a popular choice in many bubble tea shops.

Taro Smoothie

This creamy, healthy smoothie is made with taro root and a blend of vitamins-rich fruits. It’s the perfect breakfast or snack to energize your day. Not only an excellent start to your day as a power-packed breakfast, but it’s also a perfect midday snack, providing you with an essential energy kick to conquer the rest of the day.

Taro Pudding

This dessert uses taro root to create a smooth, creamy pudding that’s both vegan and gluten-free. Topped with a sprinkle of coconut flakes, it’s a dessert that will satisfy your sweet tooth.

Taro Oatmeal

A hearty bowl of Taro Oatmeal offers a unique twist to your traditional breakfast fare. Incorporating taro into your morning oatmeal not only adds a sweet and nutty flavor but also enhances the texture, making your oatmeal creamier. Paired with your choice of toppings, it’s a nutritious and filling way to start your day.

Taro Bubble Tea with Tapioca Pearls

This popular Asian drink combines sweet taro milk tea with chewy tapioca pearls. It’s a refreshing, sweet treat that you can make right at home.

Sugar-Coated Taro Sticks

The sugar-coated taro sticks combine the distinct, earthy taste of taro with a delightful sugary shell, creating a perfect balance of texture and flavor. The enticing crunch of the exterior meets a soft interior, forming an indulgent treat that is difficult to resist.

How to Prep Taro for Cooking

Taro is a root vegetable that is much-loved worldwide for its unique taste and texture, but if you’ve never worked with it before, it can seem a bit intimidating. Here are some simple steps on how to prepare taro for cooking:

Step 1: Choosing Your Taro

Selecting high-quality taro is key. Opt for roots that feel firm and heavy for their size. The exterior should be brown and hairy, without any visible damage like cuts or cracks.

Step 2: A Thorough Rinse

Before tackling the peel, give your taro a good rinse under cold running water. This helps clear any soil or dirt that might still be clinging to the root.

Step 3: Peeling Taro

With a peeler or sharp knife in hand, carefully remove the skin of the taro root. Remember, the sap can cause skin irritation, so wearing gloves is a smart choice. Once peeled, give your taro another quick rinse and pat dry using a paper towel.

Step 4: The Cut

Now it’s time to cut your taro. Whether you need rounds, cubes, or a fine grate will depend on your recipe. However, be prepared with a bowl of water nearby. Like a freshly cut apple or potato, taro tends to brown quickly when exposed to air. Submerging the cut pieces in water can help prevent this.

Step 5: Cook Time

Raw taro contains calcium oxalate, which can be harmful if ingested, so cooking taro thoroughly is essential. Your recipe will dictate the method – boiling, frying, or perhaps roasting on a baking sheet. Regardless, the end result should be a soft, mildly sweet taro that enhances the flavor of your dish.

Taro Recipes FAQs

What can you do with taro?

Taro is a versatile root vegetable that can be used in a variety of culinary applications. It can be boiled, baked, fried, or steamed and is frequently used in soups, stews, side dishes, and desserts. In many cultures, it’s also used to make chips, dumplings, cakes, and even beverages such as smoothies and bubble tea.

What are the different ways to cook taro?

Taro can be prepared in many ways, similar to potatoes. Some common methods include boiling it for use in stews or to make a mash; baking it in the oven; frying it to create taro chips or fries; or steaming it for use in dumplings or buns. Taro can also be used in baking, as its mild flavor and starchy texture lend well to cakes and pastries.

What is the best way to cook taro?

The best way to cook taro depends on the specific dish you’re preparing. For a creamy, potato-like texture, boiling or steaming is the way to go. If you’re looking for a crispier texture, try frying or baking. Always remember to peel the taro root and cook it thoroughly, as it can be irritating to the skin and stomach when raw.

Can you eat taro by itself?

While you can eat taro by itself after it’s been properly cooked, it’s often enjoyed with other ingredients due to its subtle, slightly sweet flavor. It pairs well with a variety of flavors and can be used in both sweet and savory dishes, making it a versatile addition to many meals.

Have questions or suggestions about these taro recipes? Leave them in the comments below! And in the meantime, check out our list of 66 more brown foods!