Bubble tea, also known as boba tea, is a popular Taiwanese beverage that has taken the world by storm. Known for its chewy tapioca pearls and wide variety of flavors, bubble tea is a fun and customizable drink. Making your own tapioca pearls and bubble tea at home can be a fun and cost-effective way to enjoy this treat. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make both tapioca pearls and bubble tea.

Ingredients for Tapioca Pearls:

– 1 cup tapioca starch

– 1/2 cup water

– 1/4 cup brown sugar (for sweetness and color)

– A pinch of salt

Instructions for Tapioca Pearls:

1. Prepare the sugar syrup: In a pot, combine the brown sugar and water. Heat over medium heat until the sugar dissolves completely. This syrup will help give the pearls their color and flavor.

2. Make the dough: In a mixing bowl, add the tapioca starch and a pinch of salt. Gradually pour in the sugar syrup, stirring constantly to form a dough. The dough should be smooth and not too sticky.

3. Shape the pearls: Once the dough is ready, roll it into small balls, about the size of a marble (roughly 1 cm in diameter). Be sure to dust your hands with a bit of tapioca starch to prevent sticking.

4. Cook the pearls: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the tapioca pearls and stir gently to prevent them from sticking together. Cook the pearls for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. When the pearls float to the top, reduce the heat and let them simmer for another 10 minutes.

5. Sweeten the pearls: Once the pearls are cooked, remove them from the pot and place them in a bowl with some sugar syrup. Let them sit for 10-15 minutes to absorb the sweetness.

Ingredients for Bubble Tea:

– 1 cup brewed tea (black, green, or any variety you like)

– 1-2 tablespoons sweetener (sugar, honey, or condensed milk)

– 1/2 cup milk (or non-dairy milk)

– Ice cubes

– Tapioca pearls (from the previous recipe)

Instructions for Bubble Tea:

1. Brew the tea: Start by brewing a strong cup of your favorite tea. Black tea and green tea are the most popular choices, but you can use other varieties as well. Allow the tea to cool to room temperature or refrigerate it for faster cooling.

2. Prepare the drink: In a glass, add the cooled tea. Sweeten the tea with sugar, honey, or condensed milk, depending on your preference. Stir well to ensure the sweetener dissolves.

3. Assemble the bubble tea: Add ice cubes to the tea mixture and then spoon in the freshly made tapioca pearls. Stir gently to combine.

4. Serve: Use a wide straw, and enjoy your homemade bubble tea!

Tips for Perfect Tapioca Pearls and Bubble Tea:

– You can experiment with different types of sweeteners, like brown sugar syrup or honey, to give your bubble tea a unique flavor.

– If you’re looking for a richer flavor, consider using milk tea, which is made by steeping tea leaves in milk.

– Be sure to consume the bubble tea immediately after preparing it for the best experience. The pearls may lose their chewy texture if left in the drink for too long.

By experimenting with different teas, sweeteners, and flavors, you can create a unique and delicious bubble tea experience tailored to your tastes!

Picture credit: Ika Rahma, VeselovaElena

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