Homemade Boba Tea Recipe
With easy-to-find ingredients and household items, you’ll learn to make chewy tapioca pearls and rich, flavorful tea with your favorite milk and sweetener.
Equipment
- Medium saucepan
- Strainer or slotted spoon
- Mixing bowl
- Spoon or whisk
- Glasses for serving
- Straw wide if available, optional
- Funnel optional, for transferring pearls into glasses
Ingredients
For the Tapioca Pearls:
- ½ cup quick-cooking tapioca pearls
- 4 cups water
For the Tea Base:
- 2 black tea bags or green/oolong if preferred
- 2 cups hot water
To Serve:
- ½ cup milk or non-dairy alternative e.g., almond, oat, soy
- 2-4 tbsp simple syrup or honey adjust to taste
- Ice cubes
Instructions
- Prepare the Tapioca Pearls:Bring 4 cups of water to a boil in a medium saucepan.Add tapioca pearls and stir gently to prevent sticking.Boil for 5–7 minutes or until pearls float and become translucent.Turn off the heat, cover the pot, and let sit for 5–10 minutes.Strain and rinse the pearls under cold water. Set aside.
- Brew the Tea:Steep 2 tea bags in 2 cups of hot water for 5–10 minutes, depending on your desired strength.Remove tea bags and let the tea cool to room temperature. Refrigerate for faster cooling.
- Assemble the Drink:Divide the tapioca pearls between two glasses.Add simple syrup or honey directly over the pearls for sweetness.Fill each glass halfway with ice.Pour in the cooled tea, followed by milk.Stir gently and serve with a wide straw if available.
Video
Notes
Cooking Tips
- For chewier boba, soak them in simple syrup after cooking.
- To make your own simple syrup: dissolve equal parts sugar and water over low heat.
- Use strong brewed tea to ensure the flavor isn’t diluted by milk or ice.
- Try flavor variations like taro, matcha, or fruit-infused syrups.