Easy Homemade Bubble Tea (Boba)

This easy homemade Bubble Tea, also known as boba tea or pearl milk tea, has become a popular drink in recent years. Originally from Taiwan, this sweet and refreshing drink has gained worldwide popularity due to its unique and chewy tapioca pearls. With a wide range of flavors and combinations available, bubble tea has become a staple drink for many, especially in Asian communities. In this blog post, we'll be sharing an Easy Homemade Bubble Tea (Boba) recipe for two different flavours: Korean Strawberry Milk and Brown Sugar Boba with a Shot of Coffee. So grab your wide straws and let's get started!

Simple and Refreshing

Origin of Bubble Tea

Bubble tea originated in Taiwan in the 1980s and was created by a tea house owner who added tapioca pearls to his iced tea. The drink gained popularity quickly in Taiwan and eventually spread to other parts of the world. Today, bubble tea is enjoyed in many countries and has become a staple drink in many Asian communities.

Flavors of Bubble Tea

Bubble tea comes in many different flavors and combinations, but some of the most popular include:

1. Milk Tea - This is the classic bubble tea flavor and is made with tea, milk, and sugar. Tapioca pearls are added to the drink to give it a chewy texture.
2. Fruit Tea - This bubble tea flavor is made with tea and fresh fruit juice or puree. It's a refreshing and fruity drink that's perfect for hot summer days.
3. Matcha Tea - Matcha tea is a Japanese green tea that's known for its health benefits. When combined with milk and sugar, it creates a delicious and creamy bubble tea flavor.
4. Taro - Taro is a starchy root vegetable that's commonly used in Asian cuisine. When used in bubble tea, it creates a unique and slightly sweet flavor that's perfect for those who enjoy trying new things.

The ultimate drink for warmer weather

What you need for this Easy Homemade Bubble Tea

To make your own Easy Homemade Bubble Tea, you'll need a few basic ingredients, as well as some specialty items to make those iconic tapioca pearls and drink the tea with the pearls.

Ingredients:

• Tapioca Pearls
• Tea
• Milk or Cream
• Sweetener (such as sugar or honey)
• Ice

Tapioca Pearls: The tapioca pearls are what make bubble tea unique. You can find them in most Asian grocery stores, or purchase online here and they come in a variety of colors and sizes. When cooking the tapioca pearls, it's important to follow the package instructions carefully to ensure they come out chewy and tender.

Thick Straws: To drink the bubble tea, you'll need a special wide straw. These straws are typically wider than regular straws to allow the tapioca pearls to be easily slurped up with the tea. You can find these straws online here or at most Asian grocery stores.

Other Items: While not necessary, you can also add other ingredients to your bubble tea to create different flavors. Some popular additions include fresh fruit, fruit juice or puree, matcha powder, taro, or coffee.

With these ingredients and equipment in hand, you're ready to make your own Easy Homemade Bubble Tea!

Korean Strawberry Milk Bubble Tea

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup of cooked tapioca pearls
• 1/2 cup of strawberries
• 1/2 cup of milk
• 2 tablespoons of sugar
• 1/2 cup of ice

Instructions

1. Cook the tapioca pearls according to the package instructions and set them aside.
2. Add the sugar to chopped strawberries and crush with the back of a fork, the sugar will bread down the strawberry quickly. Alternatively, you can blend this but its so much more delicious with the texture.
3. Add the cooked tapioca pearls to the bottom of a large glass and pour in the strawberry mixture on top, followed by crushed ice and milk.
4. Serve with a wide straw and enjoy!

Brown Sugar Boba with a Shot of Coffee Bubble Tea

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup of cooked tapioca pearls
• 1-2 shots of coffee
• 1/2 cup of milk
• 60 gram of brown sugar
• 1/2 cup of ice

Instructions

1. Cook the tapioca pearls according to the package instructions and set them aside.
2. Brew a shot or 2 of coffee and let it cool.
3. Add the brown sugar and 2 tablespoons of water to a small pot and allow to boil on low until the syrup thickens.
4. Pour 2 tablespoons of the syrup in your chosen glass, allow to cool for 5 minutes then flip the glass upside down so the syrups drizzles down the sides of the glass and makes a pattern.
5. Add the rest of the syrup to the pearls, so they soak up syrup and become sweetened and let this sit for 10 minutes.
6. Add the tapioca pearls and syrup, to a large glass along with crushed ice and the cooled coffee and finally the milk.
7. Serve with a wide straw and enjoy!

How to make Boba/Tapioca Pearls from scratch

Ingredients:

• 1 cup tapioca flour
• 1/4 cup boiling water
• 1-2 tablespoons brown sugar or honey (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a medium bowl, mix together the tapioca flour and boiling water until a dough forms. If the mixture is too dry, add a little more water. If it's too wet, add a little more tapioca flour.
2. Knead the dough for a few minutes until it's smooth and elastic.
3. Roll the dough into small balls, about 1/4 to 1/2 inch in diameter.
4. Bring a pot of water to a boil and add the tapioca balls.
5. Let the tapioca pearls cook for 15-20 minutes or until they float to the surface and are translucent.
6. Drain the tapioca pearls and rinse them with cold water.
7. If desired, toss the cooked tapioca pearls with brown sugar or honey to add sweetness and prevent them from sticking together.

Note: This recipe yields about 1 cup of cooked tapioca pearls. You can adjust the amount of tapioca flour and water to make more or fewer pearls, depending on your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

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