Tapioca pearls are small, chewy balls made from tapioca starch. They are commonly used in bubble tea, a popular Taiwanese drink that has spread around the world. Tapioca pearls come in different sizes and colors, and can be flavored with ingredients like sugar or fruit juice. Making tapioca pearls from scratch is a fun and easy way to enjoy this delicious treat at home.
All you need is tapioca starch and water, and a few simple steps to create your own homemade tapioca pearls.
Why This Recipe Works
Making your own tapioca pearls allows you to control the ingredients and enjoy fresh, delicious pearls. This recipe uses only a few ingredients and doesn't require any special equipment. It's easy to customize the flavor, making it perfect for your favorite drinks or desserts.
Ingredients
Tapioca starch - the main ingredient for tapioca pearls; provides the chewy texture
Water - helps form the dough and cook the pearls
Sugar - adds sweetness to the pearls
Food coloring (optional) - adds color to the pearls; substitute with natural colorants like beet or spinach juice
Flavoring (optional) - for a unique taste, add flavors like vanilla, matcha, or cocoa powder
Tips
- Knead the dough until smooth and firm
- Roll the dough into small, even-sized balls
- Cook the pearls in boiling water until they float
- Store leftover pearls in a sugar syrup to keep them soft
- For a healthier option, use natural sweeteners and colors
How to Serve
Tapioca pearls can be served in a variety of ways. They are most commonly used in bubble tea, a popular Asian drink with tea, milk, and sweeteners. You can also add them to fruit salads, ice cream, or pudding for a fun and chewy texture.
- Classic bubble tea with milk and your choice of tea base
- Tapioca pearl fruit salad with a honey-lime dressing
- Coconut tapioca pudding topped with fresh fruit
Similar Recipes
Tapioca Pearls
Ingredients
- 1 cup tapioca starch
- ½ cup water
- ¼ cup sugar
- Food coloring optional
- Flavoring optional
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix the tapioca starch with water, sugar, food coloring, and flavoring (if using) until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough until smooth and firm.
- Roll the dough into small, even-sized balls.
- Boil a pot of water and cook the pearls until they float.
- Drain the pearls and serve in your favorite drinks or desserts.
Nutrition
Notes
- Knead the dough until smooth and firm
- Roll the dough into small, even-sized balls
- Cook the pearls in boiling water until they float
- Store leftover pearls in a sugar syrup to keep them soft
- For a healthier option, use natural sweeteners and colors