Homemade Boba Balls: A Step-by-Step Bubble Tea Recipe

Boba bubble tea, a vibrant and refreshing beverage, has taken the world by storm. Its unique combination of chewy tapioca pearls, flavorful tea, and creamy milk creates a delightful sensory experience that's both satisfying and addictive. Originating in Taiwan, this beloved drink has evolved into countless variations, offering a customizable treat for every palate. From classic milk tea to fruity concoctions and even coffee-based boba, the possibilities are endless, appealing to adventurous taste buds and tea lovers alike.

This delightful drink, however, doesn’t have to be a costly cafe indulgence. Learning to make boba at home is surprisingly easy, unlocking a world of flavor experimentation and cost savings. Ready to embark on this delicious journey? Let's dive into the step-by-step process of crafting your own perfect cup of homemade boba bubble tea.

Tools Needed

  • Grinder
  • Sieve
  • Bowl
  • Spoon
  • Fork
  • Pan
  • Stove

Ingredients

  • White rice flour: 1 cup
  • Chapati flour
  • Coffee powder: 1 full pack + 1-2 tbsp
  • Cane sugar: 1-2 tbsp
  • Water
  • Brown sugar
  • Ice cubes

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1. Prepare the Boba Ball Dough

  • Gather 1 cup of white rice flour to make Gopa milk. This is a famous flour mill.
  • Grind the rice flour into a fine powder.
  • Sift the chapati flour through a sieve to remove any lumps.
  • Mix coffee powder (1 full pack + 1-2 tbsp), cane sugar (1-2 tbsp) in a bowl.
Gather 1 cup of white rice flour to make Gopa milk. This is a famous flour mill.Grind the rice flour into a fine powder.Sift the chapati flour through a sieve to remove any lumps.Mix coffee powder (1 full pack + 1-2 tbsp), cane sugar (1-2 tbsp) in a bowl.
Prepare the Boba Ball Dough
  • Add a little water to the coffee mixture and mix until it forms a dough.
  • Knead the dough until it forms a ball.
Add a little water to the coffee mixture and mix until it forms a dough.Knead the dough until it forms a ball.
Prepare the Boba Ball Dough

Step 2. Cook the Boba Balls

  • Roll the dough into small balls.
  • Boil water in a pan.
  • Add the boba balls to the boiling water and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Roll the dough into small balls.Boil water in a pan.Add the boba balls to the boiling water and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Cook the Boba Balls

Step 3. Prepare the Bubble Tea Syrup

  • Mix water, granulated sugar and let it melt well.
  • Add the cooked boba balls to the melted sugar syrup and cook for a while until the syrup is absorbed.
  • Add ice cubes to the bubble tea syrup and mix well.
Prepare bubble tea syrup: Mix water, granulated sugar and let it melt well.Add the cooked boba balls to the melted sugar syrup and cook for a while until the syrup is absorbed.Add ice cubes to the bubble tea syrup and mix well.
Prepare the Bubble Tea Syrup

Step 4. Optional: Make Dalgona Topping

  • Mix 1-3 tbsp of the cooked boba balls with coffee powder, sugar (1.5 tsp) and a little hot water. Whisk until fluffy.
Make dalgona: Mix 1-3 tbsp of the cooked boba balls with coffee powder, sugar (1.5 tsp) and a little hot water. Whisk until fluffy.
Optional: Make Dalgona Topping

Read more: Chinese Wonton Soup: Thousand-Li Fragrance Recipe

Tips

  • The consistency of the boba dough should be like a ball.
  • Don't add too much water when making the dough. Add it gradually.
  • The boba balls will cook into a slightly larger size.
  • Cook the boba balls on medium flame to avoid burning.

Nutrition

  • Calories: approximately 400-500
  • Fat: 1-2g
  • Carbs: 90-110g
  • Protein: 2-4g

FAQs

1. How long do homemade boba pearls last?

Store cooked boba pearls in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container. They may become slightly firmer after refrigeration, but reheating in boiling water for a minute will restore their texture.

2. My boba pearls are too hard/soft. What went wrong?

Hard pearls usually mean they weren't cooked long enough. Soft pearls might indicate overcooking or using too much tapioca starch. Follow the recipe closely and adjust cooking time as needed.


Making your own boba balls is a rewarding experience, allowing you to customize flavors and enjoy this popular drink without the cafe price tag. With a little practice, you'll be crafting delicious, chewy pearls in no time. Now go forth and create your own boba masterpiece!