Learn how to make boba tea at home with this easy-to-follow recipe! Get tips on ingredients, techniques, and flavor options for the perfect DIY boba experience.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 2
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup of dried tapioca pearls (boba)
- 2 cups of water for cooking boba
- 1 cup of brewed black tea or green tea
- 1/2 cup of milk (or dairy-free alternative)
- 2-3 tablespoons of sugar or sweetener
- Ice cubes
- Optional: Flavorings like vanilla extract, fruit syrups, or matcha powder
Step 1: Prepare the Boba Pearls
Boil 2 cups of water in a medium saucepan. Once the water is boiling, add the dried tapioca pearls. Cook for about 20–30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become soft and chewy.
Step 2: Sweeten the Boba
Once the boba pearls are cooked, drain them and transfer them into a small bowl. Mix in 1–2 tablespoons of sugar (or syrup) to sweeten the pearls and enhance their flavor.
Step 3: Brew the Tea
Brew a strong cup of black or green tea. You can use tea bags or loose-leaf tea, depending on your preference. Allow the tea to cool down to room temperature before moving to the next step.
Step 4: Assemble Your Boba Tea
In a tall glass, add the sweetened boba pearls to the bottom. Fill the glass halfway with ice cubes. Pour in the brewed tea, followed by the milk. Stir gently to combine the flavors.
Step 5: Add Flavor and Serve
Customize your boba tea by adding your choice of flavorings like vanilla extract, fruit syrup, or even matcha. Serve with a large straw, and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Protein: 3g
Additional Tips:
- Adjust sweetness: You can customize the sweetness by adding more or less sugar to your tea or boba pearls.
- Dairy-free options: Swap regular milk for almond, soy, or oat milk for a vegan-friendly boba tea.
- Tea alternatives: Try using jasmine tea or chai for a unique flavor profile.
- Storage tip: If you have extra cooked boba, store them in sugar syrup in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.