Print

Homemade Bubble Tea (Boba Tea) Recipe

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.3 from 8 reviews

A refreshing homemade bubble tea (boba tea) recipe featuring strong black tea or fruit-flavoured iced tea, chewy tapioca pearls cooked to perfection, and a sweet simple syrup, served with milk and optional ice for a delightful beverage experience at home.

Ingredients

Tea

  • 4 teabags or 4 tablespoons of loose-leaf strong black tea OR your favourite fruit-flavoured iced tea
  • 1 ½ litres water (divided)

Tapioca Pearls

  • 2 cups dried tapioca pearls
  • 125 ml water

Simple Syrup

  • 125 ml water
  • 110 g caster sugar (superfine sugar)

For Serving

  • Milk (to taste)
  • Ice (optional)

Instructions

  1. Make the Tea: Steep 4 teabags or 4 tablespoons of loose-leaf black tea in 1 litre (4 cups) of boiling water for about 5 minutes, depending on your preferred strength. Let the tea cool completely. Alternatively, you can use your favourite fruit-flavoured iced tea instead.
  2. Cook the Tapioca Pearls: Bring 125 ml water to a boil in a medium-sized saucepan. Add 2 cups dried tapioca pearls. Reduce the heat to medium to maintain a gentle simmer and cook for 30 minutes while stirring frequently to prevent sticking.
  3. Rest the Pearls: Remove the saucepan from heat and leave the tapioca pearls to sit in the hot water for an additional 30 minutes to fully soften.
  4. Prepare the Simple Syrup: In a small saucepan, bring 125 ml water to a boil. Remove from heat and stir in 110 g caster sugar until fully dissolved. Set aside to cool to room temperature.
  5. Sweeten the Tapioca Pearls: Drain the cooked tapioca pearls using a large colander. Transfer them to a large bowl and pour the cooled simple syrup over until just covered. Gently mix and let them soak for about 15 minutes, or until the pearls have cooled to room temperature.
  6. Assemble the Bubble Tea: Use a small slotted spoon to place 2-3 tablespoons of tapioca pearls into a tall glass. Pour the cooled tea over the pearls. Add milk to taste and some extra simple syrup for sweetness if desired. Add ice cubes if using, then serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.

Notes

  • The tea can be substituted with fruit-flavoured iced tea for a fruity twist.
  • Cooked tapioca pearls are best consumed within a few hours for optimal chewy texture.
  • Stir the pearls frequently while cooking to prevent them from sticking to the pan.
  • Adjust milk and sweetness according to personal preference.
  • Use a large bowl to soak the tapioca pearls in syrup to ensure even coating.

Find it online: https://glowcooks.com/homemade-bubble-tea-boba-tea-recipe/