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Brown Sugar Boba Pearls are made with tapioca starch

Brown Sugar Boba Pearls

Chewy, sweet brown sugar boba pearls from scratch with tapioca starch or wheat flour, brown sugar, and water. Perfect for bubble tea, milk tea, or desserts.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine Aisan
Servings 5

Nutrition

Calories: 180kcalCarbohydrates: 38gSugar: 14g

Ingredients
  

Using All-Purpose Flour

  • 1 ⅔ cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup instant coffee powder for flavor & color
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1 tsp cocoa powder optional – enhances color
  • 250 ml boiling water
  • Extra brown sugar for coating pearls
  • Water for boiling

Using Tapioca Starch

  • 15 tbsp tapioca starch
  • 7.5 tbsp cocoa powder
  • 5 tbsp sugar
  • 15 tbsp boiling water plus more as needed
  • Extra tapioca starch for dusting
  • 1.5 liters water for boiling

Instructions
 

Using All-Purpose Flour

  • In a small saucepan, dissolve 50g brown sugar with a bit of water. Bring to a boil over high heat until fully melted. Set aside.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, coffee powder, cocoa powder, and warm brown sugar syrup in step 1.
  • Gradually pour in 250ml boiling water, stirring constantly until a rough dough forms.
  • Let it cool slightly, then knead until smooth and pliable.
  • Roll the dough into small, even-sized balls (boba pearls).
  • Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil. Add boba pearls and boil for 20–30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  • When pearls float to the top, remove from heat, cover, and let rest for 20–30 more minutes for extra chewiness.
  • Drain and transfer the pearls into ice water for 5–7 minutes to firm them up.
  • Drain the chilled pearls and serve in your favorite milk tea or dessert.

Using Tapioca Starch

  • In a large bowl, mix tapioca starch, cocoa powder, and sugar.
  • Add 15 tbsp boiling water, mixing quickly to avoid clumps.
  • When cool enough to handle, knead until smooth. Add more boiling water 1 tbsp at a time if too dry.
  • Roll dough into small boba-sized balls.
  • Dust with tapioca starch to prevent sticking.
  • In a large pot, bring 1.5L water to a boil.
  • Add pearls and cook until they float, then simmer for 3–4 more minutes.
  • Transfer to cold water for 30 seconds, then drain.
  • Use immediately or coat in brown sugar syrup before serving.

Notes

  • The flour-based pearls are firmer than tapioca pearls, but soften beautifully after resting.
  • Always use boiling hot water when mixing the dough. Lukewarm or cold water will ruin the texture.
  • For better chewiness, don’t skip the resting step after boiling.
  • Minimize sugar in the dough to prevent excess moisture and soggy pearls.
  • Stir frequently while boiling to prevent sticking to the pot’s bottom.
  • Pears with tapioca starch has lower calories (120 kcal).
Keyword Asian recipes, boba pearls, easy recipes, vegan recipe
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