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Homemade Tapioca Pearls

Homemade tapioca pearls made from tapioca starch and brown sugar, cooked until chewy, then coated in a rich brown sugar syrup. Perfect for milk tea, iced milk and other refreshing drinks.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Course Beverage
Cuisine Asian-inspired
Calories 150 kcal

Equipment

  • Saucepan
  • Cooking spatula
  • Mixing bowl or clean work surface
  • Knife and chopping board
  • Pot with lid
  • Strainer
  • Measuring Cups
  • Drinking glasses

Ingredients
  

For the Tapioca Pearls

  • 1/3 cup water
  • 1/3 cup brown sugar
  • 1 cup tapioca flour or tapioca starch

For the Brown Sugar Syrup

  • 1/2 cup brown sugar

For Serving

  • Milk or milk tea as needed
  • Ice as needed

Instructions
 

  • In a saucepan over low heat, combine the water and 1/3 cup brown sugar. Stir until the sugar dissolves.
  • Add about 1/3 cup tapioca starch and mix quickly until a thick paste forms.
  • Add the remaining tapioca starch and mix until the liquid is absorbed.
  • Transfer the mixture to a clean surface once cool enough to handle. Knead until smooth and pliable.
  • Divide the dough into portions. Keep unused dough covered to prevent it from drying out.
  • Roll the dough into thin logs, cut into small pieces, and roll each piece between your palms to form small balls.
  • Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the pearls and cook for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Turn off the heat, cover the pot, and let the pearls sit in the hot water for another 15–18 minutes, or until chewy throughout.
  • Drain the pearls.
  • In a clean saucepan, heat the remaining 1/2 cup brown sugar over medium-low heat, stirring until it forms a syrup.
  • Add the cooked pearls and stir gently until coated with the syrup.
  • Place 3–4 tablespoons of pearls in a glass. Add milk or milk tea and ice. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Use tapioca starch, not all-purpose flour, for the proper chewy texture.
  • Keep unused dough covered to prevent cracking and drying.
  • Make the pearls similar in size so they cook evenly.
  • If the centers are still hard, allow them to cook longer in hot water.
  • Adjust the amount of brown sugar syrup to your preferred sweetness.
  • Homemade tapioca pearls are best enjoyed shortly after cooking because they can become firm as they cool.

Nutrition

Calories: 150kcalCarbohydrates: 48gProtein: 1gSodium: 20mgFiber: 1gSugar: 22g
Keyword Brown Sugar Boba, Homemade Boba, Homemade Milk Tea, Homemade Tapioca Pearls, Milk Tea Toppings, Tapioca Pearls Recipe
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