Go Back
+ servings

How to Make Tapioca Pearls (Boba Pearls)

With only three ingredients, you can make your own tapioca pearls (or boba pearls) from scratch! Pair them with homemade milk tea for an authentic, refreshing bubble tea experience that’s perfect any time of day.
Course Chinese Drinks
Cuisine Chinese
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Servings 10
Calories 84kcal

Ingredients

For the Tapioca Pearls:

  • 150 g tapioca starch
  • 50 g brown sugar
  • 100 g water

For the Milk Tea:

  • 1000 g water
  • 10 g black tea leaves or about 4-5 tea bags
  • 250 ml whole milk
  • Sugar optional, to taste

Instructions

(1) Prepare the Tapioca Pearls

  • In a small pot, combine 100g water and 50g brown sugar. Heat over medium, stirring until the sugar completely dissolves and the water reaches a gentle boil.
  • Note: Watch closely—turn off the heat as soon as it boils to prevent excess evaporation, which can alter the texture.
  • Immediately turn off the heat and quickly add 150g tapioca starch to the pot. Stir vigorously until the tapioca starch is well-incorporated, forming a cohesive, slightly sticky dough.
  • Once the dough is cool enough to handle, transfer it to a lightly floured surface (use additional tapioca starch to prevent sticking). Knead until smooth, about 3-5 minutes.

(2) Shape the Pearls

  • Divide the dough into 10 equal portions. Roll each portion into a thin log, approximately 0.5 cm in diameter.
  • Use a knife or dough cutter to cut each log into small pieces, around 0.5 cm long.
  • Roll each small piece into a ball using your palms to create smooth, round pearls. Dust with tapioca starch to prevent sticking.
  • Note: Uniform pearl sizes ensure even cooking.

(3) Cook the Tapioca Pearls

  • Bring a large pot of water to a rapid boil.
  • Carefully add the prepared tapioca pearls to the boiling water, stirring gently to prevent them from sticking together.
  • Allow the pearls to boil until they begin to float to the surface, then continue cooking for an additional 1 minute, stirring occasionally.

(4) Rinse and Sweeten the Pearls

  • Drain the pearls and transfer them to a bowl of cold water. Let them sit for a few minutes to set their chewy texture.
  • For extra sweetness and flavor, toss the cooked pearls with a small amount of brown sugar or honey before using.

(5) Prepare the Milk Tea

  • In a pot, bring 1000g water to a boil, then add 10g black tea leaves (or tea bags). Let the tea steep on medium heat until the water returns to a boil.
  • Add 250ml whole milk to the tea, stirring gently. Continue to simmer on low heat for another 2-3 minutes to infuse the milk with tea flavor.
  • If you prefer sweeter milk tea, add sugar to taste. Stir until the sugar dissolves.
  • Strain the milk tea through a sieve to remove the tea leaves or bags, leaving you with a smooth, fragrant milk tea.

(6) Assemble the Bubble Milk Tea

  • Scoop the tapioca pearls into a serving glass.
  • Pour the freshly made milk tea over the pearls.
  • Stir, and enjoy your homemade bubble tea!

Video

Nutrition

Calories: 84kcal | Carbohydrates: 19g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 0.5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.03g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 3mg | Sodium: 17mg | Potassium: 48mg | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 42IU | Calcium: 39mg | Iron: 0.2mg