How to Cook Tapioca Pearls For Bubble Tea (Brown Sugar Boba)

Do you want to learn how to cook tapioca pearls for bubble tea? There are many different recipes online, but most of them do not taste as good as the boba shops. I’ve made hundreds of boba drinks when I used to work at a boba shop, so now I can show you how to make the best “boba shop quality” pearls.

Tapioca pearls, also known as boba, bubbles, or tapioca balls, are made of tapioca flour, which comes from the cassava plant. They are a popular edible trend that originated in Asia and has made its way throughout the world. They are small round chewy balls that are sweet, gummy-like, and delicious with your favorite bubble tea drink.

Boba pearls goes well with bubble milk tea, pearl milk tea, green tea, black tea, thai tea, iced tea, and matcha bubble tea. There are many different flavors that you can choose depending on your personal taste.

The time factor

When you buy uncooked boba, some packages advertise quick cooking and claim that your boba can be made in 5 minutes, I found that making it this fast compromises the quality and texture of the boba. It’s chewy, but it doesn’t have that soft gummy sweet taste you find at the boba shops.

By using the correct cooking process, you get the best results, with the right consistency of chewy tapioca balls. The process is very simple. It doesn’t take a lot of work actually; mostly you’re just stirring in specific heat levels in order to break down the flour and make it soft and chewy and taste just right.

If you have tried the instructions on your boba packaging and weren’t impressed, try my recipe. I guarantee it’s chewier and more delicious..

There’s another alternative is to make boba from scratch. Homemade boba pearls done right take a longer time to make. You have to make the tapioca dough, then roll it individually. You usually don’t get it perfect the first time. I find using packaged uncooked boba gives the best results considering the effort you put in and the actual cook time.

One of the most basic tests I do after cooking boba a flavor check: Does it taste good with brown sugar bubble tea, which is basically this boba in the syrup and milk. If it passes, then I serve the boba with other drinks.

Boba

The most common topping for bubble tea drinks is regular boba. Boba goes by many names: tapioca boba balls, tapioca pearls, bubbles, or boba. They’re translucent black little chewy balls made from tapioca starch, which is derived from cassava root.

Though most people are accustomed to sweet and dark boba balls, they are actually naturally bland and white in appearance. It’s through a process of soaking them in dark brown sugar or a sugar syrup, and the possible addition of artificial coloring that they become the dark, chewy tapioca pearls that we all know and love. They can also come in different sizes and textures, from mini boba balls to one of my personal favorites, popping boba!

What do I need?

• For making at home, I recommend this brand of boba
• Brown sugar
• White sugar
• Boiling water
• Lots of time

How to make it

1. In a large pot, heat water to boiling.
2. On high heat on a rolling boil, slowly pour in boba to prevent splashing. Stir occasionally for 30 minutes to prevent boba from sticking to the bottom.
3. Turn heat to low. Let boba cook for 30 more minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Turn heat off. Try the boba to make sure it’s soft enough for you. If the texture is good for you, rinse boba for 30 seconds under cold water. Strain the boba and put it in a medium bowl.
5. Add brown and white sugars to the boba, stir to dissolve. Let it boba rest for 30 more minutes to soak in the sweetness.

Pro Tip: Try the boba before you rinse and strain it. If your boba is still not soft enough for your liking, I find that letting it cook for 30 more minutes over low heat will result in even softer boba. 

To serve, scoop out boba with a slotted spoon and add to your favorite drink.

Make sure to drink it with fun and colorful disposable boba straw options. Since I drink boba a lot, I prefer the reusable metal boba straws for environmental reasons. It comes with a cleaning brush too!

Soak it in

Rinse and strain boba and add to bowl of Brown Sugar Syrup to soak up the sweetness. This simple syrup also doubles as a sweetener for your drinks.

Drink it with

These sweet, chewy brown sugar boba balls goes with teas, smoothies, juices, and sweet milk teas. Try it with these recipes:

• Matcha milk tea bubble tea
• Lychee icy boba

Don’t forget to grab disposable or reusable metal boba straws! Otherwise you can eat the boba with a spoon.

Storing

Re-seal and refrigerate uncooked boba in airtight container to maintain it’s freshness up to 6 months.

Cooked boba is best enjoyed within 4 hours of being made, otherwise it gets gross, the color changes, and the texture is no longer chewy in the right way. I wouldn’t wish this upon anybody.