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326

Bubble tea (boba tea) easy method

Zainab Khan

Posted in Beverages

21 March 2025

As much as possible, I did my best to give you the right taste of boba tea, with substitutes listed below or more after the boba tea recipe—so you find ease!

Ingredients

For the Boba (Tapioca Pearls):

  •  ½ cup tapioca pearls (store-bought)

  •  4 cups water

  •  2 tablespoons brown sugar or honey

For the Tea Base:

  • 1 cup black or green tea (brewed & cooled)

  •  ½ cup milk or dairy-free alternative

  •  2 tablespoons sugar, honey, or sweetener

  •  Ice cubes

Before We Start

  • Use quick-cook tapioca pearls to save time.

  • Brew the tea in advance so it cools down.

  • Adjust sweetness to your liking.

  • Use flavored syrups like vanilla, caramel, or fruit syrups for variety.

Instructions

Cook the Tapioca Pearls

Step 1: In a pot, boil 4 cups of water.
Step 2: Add ½ cup tapioca pearls and stir to prevent sticking.
Step 3: Cook for 10-15 minutes (or follow the package instructions).
Step 4: After cooking, drain them and soak in cold water for a couple of minutes.
Step 5: Add brown sugar or honey to sweeten and avoid clumping.

Prepare the Tea

Step 1: Boil the black or green tea (brew it) and let it cool to room temperature.
Step 2: Add sugar for sweetness and stir until dissolved.

Assemble the Bubble Tea

Step 1: Add ½ cup of cooked tapioca pearls to a tall glass.
Step 2: Fill the glass with ice cubes.
Step 3: Pour the tea, plus ½ cup of milk.
Step 4: Stir well, insert a wide straw, and enjoy it with pearls.

Have it—your bubble tea! Or should I say... Boba Tea!

Serve

So after making this amazing bubble tea, it’s an honor to present it well:

  • In a cup with lids or cute mason jars

  • With colorful straws or a bamboo straw

  • Coconut jelly

  • Almond or matcha cookies

  • Sushi rolls

  • Macarons

  • Japanese cheesecakes

What Goes with Bubble Tea?

Pair bubble tea or boba tea with:

Sweet Items:

  • Mochi

  • Macarons

  • Egg tarts

Light Eats:

  • Popcorn

  • Spring rolls

  • Sushi rolls

Healthy Ideas:

  • Açaí or smoothie bowls with granola

  • Fruit skewers

  • Coconut jelly or grass jelly

What about..!

Bubble Tea Pearls

Bubble tea pearls, also called tapioca pearls or boba, are chewy balls made from tapioca starch. They add texture and flavor to bubble tea drinks.

Strawberry Bubble Tea

Made with strawberry syrup or fresh strawberries, milk or tea, and chewy boba pearls for a fruity, refreshing drink.

Bubbleology

Bubbleology is a popular bubble tea brand known for its creative and flavorful boba drinks.

Bubble Tea Fruit

Fruit-based bubble teas use fruit syrups, juices, or real fruits like mango, strawberry, and lychee for a fresh, juicy taste.

Bubble Tea with Syrup

Adding flavored syrups like honey, brown sugar, or fruit syrup enhances the taste of bubble tea and makes it sweeter.

Mango Bubble Tea

A tropical version of bubble tea, made with mango juice, mango puree, or mango syrup, combined with milk or tea.


For More Recipes, Check Out:

P.S. Don’t forget to follow me on Pinterest for more recipes, tips, and ideas!

FAQs

How to Make Bubble Tea for Kids?

Brew mild tea or use milk instead.
Add fruit syrup or fresh fruit puree for natural sweetness.
Mix with soft boba pearls and serve with a straw.

How to Make Bubble Tea Without Pearls?

You can replace boba with fruit jelly, chia seeds, or popping boba for a similar texture.

How to Make Bubble Tea with Brown Sugar?

Cook boba pearls in brown sugar syrup until caramelized.
Add to a glass, pour in milk and tea, and mix.

How to Make Bubble Tea Bubbles Steps?

Mix tapioca starch with hot water and knead into a dough.
Roll into small balls and boil for 15-20 minutes.
Soak in sugar syrup for added sweetness.

What Are the 4 Steps of Making Bubble Tea?

Prepare the pearls (boil or soak in syrup).
Brew the tea (black, green, or fruit tea).
Mix with milk or syrup for flavor.
Assemble and serve with ice and pearls.

Where Does Boba Come From, Korea or Japan?

Boba tea originated in Taiwan in the 1980s, not Korea or Japan.

Is Boba Unhealthy?

Boba itself is just tapioca starch, but the added sugars, syrups, and milk can make it high in calories. Choose low-sugar versions for a healthier option.

Do We Eat Pearls in Boba Tea?

Yes, the chewy pearls are meant to be eaten while drinking the tea.

Is Boba and Bubble Tea Different?

No, they refer to the same drink. "Bubble tea" is the general name, while "boba" often refers to the pearls.