Tapioca Pearls (Bubble Tea) Recipe

Bubble tea, also known as boba tea, is a delicious and refreshing drink that originated in Taiwan. It features chewy tapioca pearls paired with sweet, creamy milk tea.

This guide will walk you through making homemade tapioca pearls and two variations of milk tea, so you can enjoy this popular treat at home!

Kitchen Tools Needed

Tool	Purpose	Check Out
Mixing bowls	To combine ingredients	Check Out
Whisk	For mixing	Check Out
Saucepan	For cooking tapioca pearls	Check Out
Strainer	To drain tapioca pearls	Check Out
Measuring cups	Ensures accurate portions	Check Out
Teapot	For steeping tea	Check Out
Tall glasses	To serve bubble tea	Check Out
Wide straws	For sipping tapioca pearls	Check Out

Ingredients

Tapioca Pearls:

• 125g tapioca starch
• 10g cocoa powder
• 60g brown sugar
• 5g tapioca starch
• 70ml water
• Additional tapioca starch for dusting

Tapioca Pearl Syrup:

• 50ml water
• 35g brown sugar

Milk Tea Recipe 1:

• 15g black tea
• 200ml hot water
• 20g brown sugar
• 60g milk powder

Milk Tea Recipe 2:

• 2 black tea bags
• 100ml hot water
• 20g brown sugar
• 140ml milk
• Whipping cream (optional)
• Cocoa powder (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Tapioca Pearls

1. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine 70ml water and 60g brown sugar. Stir until dissolved.
2. Remove from heat and add 10g cocoa powder and 5g tapioca starch. Mix quickly.
3. Gradually add the remaining tapioca starch (125g), stirring until a dough forms.
4. Knead the dough until smooth, then roll into thin logs and cut into small pieces.
5. Roll each piece into a small ball and dust with tapioca starch to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Cook the Tapioca Pearls

1. Bring a pot of water to a boil and add the tapioca pearls.
2. Cook over medium heat for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Turn off the heat and let the pearls sit for another 30 minutes.
4. Drain and rinse the pearls under cold water.

Step 3: Make the Syrup

1. In a small saucepan, heat 50ml water and 35g brown sugar over low heat.
2. Stir until a syrup forms, then add the cooked tapioca pearls.
3. Let them soak in the syrup for at least 5 minutes.

Step 4: Prepare the Milk Tea

Recipe 1:

1. Steep 15g black tea in 200ml hot water for 15 minutes.
2. Strain and stir in 20g brown sugar until dissolved.
3. Add 60g milk powder and mix well.

Recipe 2:

1. Steep 2 black tea bags in 100ml hot water for 10 minutes.
2. Remove the tea bags and stir in 20g brown sugar.
3. Add 140ml milk and mix well.

Step 5: Assemble the Bubble Tea

1. Add the tapioca pearls and syrup to a tall glass.
2. Pour in the prepared milk tea.
3. Top with whipping cream and a dusting of cocoa powder (optional).
4. Insert a wide straw and enjoy!

Pro Tips

• Use high-quality tapioca starch to ensure soft, chewy pearls.
• Cook the pearls fresh for the best texture, as they harden over time.
• Adjust sweetness by adding more or less brown sugar.
• Try different tea flavors like oolong or jasmine for variety.
• For an iced version, shake the milk tea with ice before serving.

Final Thoughts

Making homemade bubble tea is fun, rewarding, and allows you to customize flavors to your liking.

Whether you prefer classic milk tea or a richer version with whipped cream, this recipe ensures a delicious treat every time.

Enjoy your homemade bubble tea with fresh, chewy tapioca pearls! 🧋