Those chewy little pearls at the bottom of bubble tea? That’s boba. And yes—you can make them at home. It’s part cooking, part science experiment, part “why am I weirdly proud of this?”
They’re soft, chewy, slightly sweet, and 100% worth it for homemade bubble tea nights. 🧋✨
Why This Recipe is Awesome
- Fun kitchen project
- Customizable sweetness
- Fresh boba texture = elite
- Way cheaper than takeout
Once you make them, you feel powerful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- ½ cup tapioca starch (tapioca flour)
- ¼ cup water
- 2 tbsp brown sugar (for classic dark pearls)
For cooking:
- 4 cups water
- Extra brown sugar or honey (for soaking)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Heat the liquid.
In a small pot, heat ¼ cup water with brown sugar until hot (not boiling). - Add tapioca starch.
Remove from heat and quickly stir in tapioca starch until a sticky dough forms. - Knead.
Let cool slightly, then knead until smooth. Add more starch if too sticky. - Shape pearls.
Roll dough into thin ropes, cut tiny pieces, and roll into balls. - Dust with starch.
Keeps pearls from sticking. - Boil water.
Bring 4 cups water to a boil. - Cook pearls.
Add pearls and stir. When they float, cook 15–20 minutes. - Rest.
Turn off heat, cover, and let sit 10 minutes. - Rinse.
Drain and rinse lightly. - Sweet soak.
Soak in brown sugar syrup 10–15 minutes before using.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Dough too dry. Pearls crack.
- Dough too wet. Impossible to roll.
- Overcooking. Mushy pearls.
- Waiting too long to use them. They harden.
Alternatives & Substitutions
- Use cocoa powder for darker pearls.
- Honey instead of brown sugar.
- Add matcha powder for green pearls.
- Use store-bought pearls for speed.
Fresh pearls are best used the same day.
FAQ
Do they taste sweet?
Mildly—most sweetness comes from syrup.
How long do they last?
Best within a few hours.
Can I store leftovers?
They harden quickly, so not ideal.
Why are mine hard?
Undercooked or sat too long.
Can I freeze raw pearls?
Yes, then boil from frozen.
Are these gluten-free?
Yes—made from tapioca.
Final Thoughts
Homemade boba pearls are chewy, fun, and take your bubble tea game to another level. It’s a little effort, but the reward is that iconic texture.
Make a batch, add to milk tea, and enjoy your DIY café moment. 🧋✨
Printable Recipe Card
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