How to make Tapioca Pearls
Making your own boba pearls is effortless, and it may be a satisfying hobby. Additionally, you may save money while satisfying your desires for bubble tea whenever they arise.
You may experiment with different flavors, colors, and shapes after you have mastered making tapioca pearls from scratch.
Meanwhile, if you want to experience rich, exquisite flavor of boba in Pasadena, go no further than Boba Cha Cha!
Our tea comes in various tastes and is made with freshly brewed, quality tea leaves.
Here we provide you with a complete guide on how to make boa pearls at home
What are Boba Pearls?
Tapioca pearls or balls are tiny, edible spheres comparable to marbles frequently used in Southeast Asian cuisine for beverages and sweets. They are formed from the starch in cassava roots, which gives them their chewy, translucent texture. To make them sweeter, they are occasionally soaked in sugar syrup and have neutral tastes.
Black tapioca pearls, also known as boba, are colored tapioca balls used in milk or "bubble" teas, which are popular today.
How are they Prepared?
Tapioca starch and water are the basic materials required to make tapioca pearls. The starch obtained from cassava roots is the starch used in tapioca products. cassava starch is another name; nevertheless, do not mistake it for cassava flour, which is usually made from powdered cassava roots. Water is the additional element that helps the starch combine to create a dough. It must be scorching hot for it to function.
How to make Tapioca Pearls or Boba?
Put tapioca starch or flour in a bowl.
A spoonful of boiling water is added to the black food coloring in a separate bowl. Pour the colored water into the bowl as soon as you have added the remaining water and the tapioca flour.
After a brief period, stir in the tapioca flour with a fork until the mixture begins to come together.
Move the dough to a flat surface and knead it until it is smooth.
Slice them up into little pieces. They should be as uniform in size as you manage and tiny enough to fit through your straw.
To make each piece circular, roll it between your palms.
How to cook Tapioca Pearls?
Using freshly manufactured tapioca pearls instead of dried ones makes cooking them considerably simpler.
Add sufficient water to a rolling boil (4 cups for every 1 cup of tapioca pearls).
Fresh tapioca pearls are added to boiling water and should simmer for at least 15 minutes to reach the desired consistency (soft or chewy). They will change from being opaque to transparent and darken as they cook.
Remove from the fire and let it a few minutes to cool. They will now become black and shrink back to their former size.
Place tapioca pearls in a sugar syrup or a dish with water to keep them from sticking together.
Put the boba balls in a saucepan of boiling water if you're using dried boba pearls. Depending on the size of the balls, cook under a cover for a certain amount of time—15 minutes for the most miniature balls, 30 minutes, or even an hour for the largest. Boil them until they no longer show a white or athletic center. You might need to add extra water if it gets too thick and slimy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I substitute cornstarch for it?
No, use tapioca starch/flour; avoid regular flour or cornstarch.
Does the water have to be hot?
Yes, you cannot use water at an average temperature. It must be boiling; ideally, it is straight from a saucepan or boiling water.
Why is my dough so dry or crumbly?
The water was insufficient if the dough was too crumbly and refused to come together. Note: When making the dough, start with a 2:1 ratio. If the dough proves too soft and sticky, add more tapioca starch until it has the consistency of play dough.
Do I need to apply food color?
Yes, you may substitute clear balls for the food coloring. Additionally, you may combine boiling water and dark brown sugar to form brown balls.
