Bubble Tea Recipe

Tapioca pearls: These are chewy balls made from tapioca starch, essential for the classic bubble tea texture.

Water: Used for boiling the tapioca pearls to achieve the right consistency.

Milk or tea: Choose your preferred base, whether it's creamy milk or refreshing tea, to mix with the tapioca pearls.

Sugar: Adds sweetness to the tapioca pearls, enhancing the overall flavor of the drink.

When boiling tapioca pearls, ensure the water is at a rolling boil before adding them. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. After boiling, let the pearls sit in the hot water for an additional 10 minutes with the heat off to achieve the perfect chewy texture.

• tapioca pearls - Substitute with sago pearls: Sago pearls have a similar chewy texture and can be used in place of tapioca pearls in bubble tea.

• tapioca pearls - Substitute with gelatin cubes: Gelatin cubes provide a different but enjoyable texture and can be flavored to complement the tea or milk.

• boiling water - Substitute with hot tea: Using hot tea instead of plain boiling water can infuse additional flavors into the tapioca pearls.

• your choice milk - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk is a great dairy-free alternative that adds a nutty flavor to the bubble tea.

• your choice milk - Substitute with coconut milk: Coconut milk provides a rich, creamy texture and a tropical flavor that pairs well with many teas.

• your choice tea - Substitute with matcha: Matcha offers a vibrant green color and a unique, earthy flavor that enhances the bubble tea experience.

• sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey adds a natural sweetness and a subtle floral note to the bubble tea.

• sugar - Substitute with agave syrup: Agave syrup is a lower glycemic index sweetener that dissolves easily in both hot and cold beverages.

• Allow the tapioca pearls to cool completely before storing. This helps maintain their chewy texture.
• Transfer the cooled tapioca pearls to an airtight container. Make sure to cover them with a bit of sugar syrup or honey to prevent them from sticking together.
• Store the container in the refrigerator if you plan to use the pearls within the next 24 hours. For longer storage, consider freezing.
• To freeze, spread the tapioca pearls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Ensure they are not touching each other to avoid clumping.
• Place the baking sheet in the freezer for about 2 hours or until the pearls are solid.
• Once frozen, transfer the pearls to a resealable freezer bag or another airtight container. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• When ready to use, thaw the pearls in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours. You can also reheat them in a pot of boiling water for a few minutes to restore their chewy texture.
• For the milk or tea component, store any extra liquid in a separate airtight container in the refrigerator. Freshly brewed tea or milk can last up to 3-4 days.
• If you prefer to freeze the milk or tea, pour it into ice cube trays and freeze until solid. Transfer the cubes to a resealable freezer bag for longer storage.
• When ready to enjoy, simply combine the thawed or reheated tapioca pearls with your milk or tea and serve with a wide straw.

• Microwave method:

  1. Place the tapioca pearls in a microwave-safe bowl.
  2. Add a small amount of water to cover the pearls.
  3. Microwave on high for 30 seconds to 1 minute, checking halfway to ensure they don't overheat.
  4. Stir the pearls and let them sit for a minute before adding them back to your milk or tea.

• Stovetop method:

  1. Bring a small pot of water to a gentle boil.
  2. Add the tapioca pearls and simmer for 2-3 minutes until they are soft and warm.
  3. Strain the pearls and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.
  4. Mix the pearls with a bit of sugar if desired, then add them to your milk or tea.

• Steaming method:

  1. Place the tapioca pearls in a heatproof bowl.
  2. Set up a steamer and bring the water to a boil.
  3. Steam the pearls for 5-7 minutes until they are warmed through.
  4. Let the pearls cool slightly before adding them to your milk or tea.

• Hot water bath method:

  1. Boil a kettle of water.
  2. Place the tapioca pearls in a heatproof bowl.
  3. Pour the boiling water over the pearls and let them sit for 2-3 minutes.
  4. Strain the pearls and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.
  5. Add the pearls to your milk or tea.

• Pot: Used to boil the tapioca pearls in water.

• Strainer: Necessary for straining the cooked tapioca pearls.

• Cold water: Used to rinse the tapioca pearls after boiling.

• Mixing bowl: For mixing the tapioca pearls with sugar.

• Spoon: To stir the tapioca pearls and sugar together.

• Kettle or another pot: For preparing your choice of milk or tea.

• Glass or cup: To serve the bubble tea.

• Straw: Essential for drinking bubble tea, especially to enjoy the tapioca pearls.

Pre-cook the pearls: Boil tapioca pearls in advance and store them in the fridge to save time later.

Use instant tea: Opt for instant tea powders to quickly prepare your drink base.

Batch preparation: Make larger batches of milk tea and refrigerate for quick assembly.

Quick sweetening: Dissolve sugar in hot water to create a simple syrup for faster mixing.

Efficient straining: Use a fine mesh strainer to quickly rinse and cool the tapioca pearls.