Bubble Tea

Bubble Tea – refreshing Taiwanese sweet beverage
Taiwan
⏱ — min. Serves: —

Bubble Tea, also known as boba tea, is a beloved Taiwanese beverage that combines tea with chewy tapioca pearls. Originating in Taiwan in the 1980s, this drink has become a global sensation, often enjoyed as a refreshing treat or dessert. It's commonly sipped during social gatherings or as a midday pick-me-up.

⚡ Easy 🔥 ~300 kcal / serving

Ingredients

  • For the Tapioca Pearls:
  • 1 cup tapioca pearls (boba)
  • 4 cups water
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar (optional, for sweetening the pearls)
  • For the Tea:
  • 4 cups water
  • 4 black tea bags or 4 tablespoons loose black tea leaves
  • 1/2 cup sugar (adjust to taste)
  • 1 cup milk or non-dairy milk (adjust to taste)
  • For Serving:
  • Ice cubes
  • Wide straws (for the boba)

Instructions

Cook the Tapioca Pearls

Bring 4 cups of water to a boil in a large pot.

Add the tapioca pearls to the boiling water and stir gently to prevent sticking.

Cook the pearls according to the package instructions, typically about 5-7 minutes for quick-cooking pearls, or 20-30 minutes for traditional pearls, until they are soft and chewy.

Once cooked, drain the pearls and rinse them under cold water.

If desired, soak the cooked pearls in a mixture of 1/2 cup brown sugar and 1/2 cup water to sweeten them. Let them sit for at least 10 minutes to absorb the sweetness.

Brew the Tea

In a separate pot, bring 4 cups of water to a boil.

Add the black tea bags or loose tea leaves to the boiling water and steep for 5-7 minutes, or until the tea is strong.

Remove the tea bags or strain the tea leaves.

Stir in the sugar while the tea is still hot, adjusting the amount to taste. Allow the tea to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate until cold.

Assemble the Bubble Tea

Divide the cooked tapioca pearls among the serving glasses.

Add ice cubes to each glass.

Pour the sweetened black tea over the ice and pearls, filling each glass about three-quarters full.

Top off each glass with milk or non-dairy milk, adjusting the amount to your preference.

Serve

Stir the bubble tea to mix the ingredients.

Enjoy your meal!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Bubble Tea?

Bubble Tea is a sweetened tea drink mixed with chewy tapioca pearls, often served cold.

Where does Bubble Tea come from?

Bubble Tea originated in Taiwan, where it quickly became a popular street food.

What are the main ingredients in Bubble Tea?

The key ingredients include tapioca pearls, black tea, and sugar.

How long does Bubble Tea take to make?

It takes about 35-50 minutes to prepare Bubble Tea.

What do you serve with Bubble Tea?

Bubble Tea is delicious on its own but pairs well with snacks like spring rolls or dumplings.