Classic Bubble Tea (珍珠奶茶 - Zhēnzhū Nǎichá / Boba) - A Sweet Taiwanese Delight

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Classic Bubble Tea (珍珠奶茶 - Zhēnzhū Nǎichá / Boba) - A Sweet Taiwanese Delight

Indulge in the iconic Taiwanese beverage that has captivated taste buds worldwide: Bubble Tea! This recipe brings the authentic experience of chewy tapioca pearls submerged in a creamy, sweet milk tea right to your home. Perfect for a refreshing treat on a warm day or a comforting sip anytime, this recipe makes two satisfying servings.

Preparation Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 20-30 minutes (for tapioca pearls)

Total Time: 30-40 minutes

Difficulty: Easy

Serve: 2

INGREDIENTS

For the Tapioca Pearls (Boba)

ü  1/2 cup (approx. 80-100g) Dried Black Tapioca Pearls (Boba) - quick-cooking or regular

ü  4-6 cups Water (for cooking pearls)

ü  2-4 tbsp Brown Sugar (黑糖) or white sugar (for the simple syrup)

ü  1/4 cup Hot Water (for simple syrup)

For Milk Tea

ü  2 Black Tea bags (e.g., Assam, Earl Grey, or Ceylon) or 2 tbsp loose leaf black tea

ü  1.5 cups Hot Water (for brewing tea)

ü  1/2 cup Milk (全脂牛奶) or Creamer (奶精) - whole milk, evaporated milk, or non-dairy milk (e.g., oat milk, almond milk)

ü  2-4 tbsp Sweetener (糖) - white sugar, brown sugar, or condensed milk, to taste

ü  Ice Cubes (冰塊)

Tools & Equipment

  • Medium saucepan
  • Strainer or slotted spoon
  • Small bowl or jar (for simple syrup)
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Heatproof pitcher or jug
  • 2 large serving glasses
  • Wide straws (boba straws)

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. Cook the Tapioca Pearls (20-30 minutes):
    • Bring 4-6 cups of water to a rolling boil in a medium saucepan.
    • Add the dried tapioca pearls. Stir gently to prevent sticking.
    • Once the pearls float to the top, reduce the heat to medium-low and continue to simmer, covered, for 15-25 minutes (or according to package directions). Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. The pearls should be chewy but tender all the way through, with no hard center.
    • Once cooked, turn off the heat and let the pearls sit in the hot water, covered, for another 5 minutes to fully plump up.
    • Drain the pearls using a strainer and rinse them thoroughly under cold running water to remove excess starch and prevent sticking.
  2. Make the Simple Syrup (2 minutes):
    • In a small bowl or jar, combine the brown sugar (or white sugar) with 1/4 cup hot water. Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved.
    • Add the rinsed tapioca pearls to the simple syrup. Stir to coat them evenly. Let them soak for at least 5-10 minutes (or while you prepare the tea) to absorb the sweetness. This makes the pearls extra delicious!
  3. Brew the Black Tea (5 minutes):
    • Place the tea bags or loose-leaf tea in a heatproof pitcher or jug.
    • Pour 1.5 cups of hot water over the tea. Let it steep for 3-5 minutes, depending on your desired strength. Do not oversteep, as it can make the tea bitter.
    • Remove the tea bags or strain out the loose leaves. Let the tea cool slightly.
  4. Assemble the Bubble Tea:
    • In each of your serving glasses, add a generous spoonful of the sweetened tapioca pearls.
    • Fill the glasses with ice cubes.
    • Pour the brewed tea over the ice.
    • Add half of the milk/creamer to each glass.
    • Add 1-2 tablespoons of your chosen sweetener to each glass (or to taste).
    • Stir well with a spoon or your boba straw until all ingredients are combined and the sweetener is dissolved.
    • Serve immediately with a wide boba straw and enjoy!

Macros (Estimated per serving, highly variable based on ingredients and portion size)

v  Calories: 250-400 kcal

v  Protein: 3-8g

v  Carbohydrates: 50-80g (primarily from tapioca pearls and sugar)

v  Fat: 5-15g (variable based on milk type)

v  Sodium: Low

Tips and Variations

  • Tapioca Pearl Texture: For perfectly chewy pearls, follow the package instructions precisely. If they're too hard, boil them longer. If they're mushy, you've overcooked them.
  • Sweetness Control: Adjust the amount of sugar in both the simple syrup for the pearls and the milk tea itself to your personal preference.
  • Tea Type: While black tea is traditional, experiment with other teas like green tea (for a matcha boba), oolong tea, or even herbal teas for different flavor profiles.
  • Milk Alternatives: Feel free to use any milk or creamer you prefer: whole milk, skim milk, evaporated milk for creaminess, or non-dairy options like oat milk, almond milk, or soy milk.
  • Fruit Bubble Tea: Skip the milk and blend the brewed tea with fresh fruit (like mango, passion fruit, or strawberry) and ice for a fruity boba.
  • Flavor Syrups: Add a dash of flavored syrup (e.g., taro, honeydew, lychee) to your milk tea for more variety.
  • Add-ins: Explore other bubble tea toppings like grass jelly, pudding, or red beans for extra texture and flavor.
  • Make Ahead: You can brew the tea and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Cook the tapioca pearls fresh each time, as they are best consumed within a few hours of cooking.

Q&A

Q1- Why are my tapioca pearls hard in the middle?

A1: This usually means they haven't been cooked long enough. Ensure you bring the water to a full boil, then simmer for the full recommended time on the package directions, or until they are soft and chewy throughout. Letting them sit covered for 5 minutes after cooking also helps.

Q2- Can I use instant tapioca pearls?

A2: Yes, instant tapioca pearls (also known as "quick-cooking" boba) are designed for faster preparation, usually taking only 5-10 minutes to cook. Adjust cooking times according to their specific package instructions.

Q3- How do I prevent my boba from sticking together?

A3: Rinsing them thoroughly under cold water after draining helps remove excess starch. Immediately tossing them in the simple syrup also prevents sticking and adds flavor. Don't let them sit drained for too long before adding syrup.


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