How to Cook Tapioca Pearls Perfectly
Whether you're making bubble tea at home or preparing for customers in a shop, the way you cook tapioca pearls can make or break the final drink. Perfect pearls should be soft on the outside, chewy in the center, and never mushy or undercooked.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to cook tapioca pearls perfectly every time.
What You’ll Need
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Tapioca pearls (black or white, any size)
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A large pot
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Plenty of water (at least 6:1 water-to-pearl ratio)
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Stirring utensil
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Timer
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Bowl of cold or room temperature water
How to Cook Tapioca Pearls Perfectly
Step 1: Bring the Water to a Full Boil
Use at least 6 cups of water per 1 cup of tapioca pearls. Once it’s at a rolling boil, you’re ready to add the pearls.
Tip: Never add pearls to cold water they’ll fall apart.
Step 2: Add Pearls and Stir Immediately
Pour in the pearls gently and stir immediately to prevent them from sticking to the bottom.
Let them boil uncovered for 15–30 minutes depending on the pearl size:
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Small pearls: 15–20 minutes
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Medium pearls: 20–25 minutes
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Large (standard boba): 25–30 minutes
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Watch for floating: Pearls will float once they start cooking. That’s normal.
Step 3: Turn Off the Heat and Let Them Sit
Once the cooking time is done, turn off the heat and let the pearls sit covered for another 15–20 minutes to finish cooking inside.
This step helps achieve that signature chewy center.
Step 4: Rinse and Cool
Drain the pearls and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and remove excess starch.
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Step 5: Soak in Syrup (Optional but Recommended)
If using immediately, soak the pearls in sugar syrup or brown sugar to keep them soft and flavorful.
How to Store Cooked Tapioca Pearls
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Best served within 4 hours of cooking.
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If needed, store in syrup at room temperature up to 6 hours (do not refrigerate).
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Do not freeze cooked pearls they’ll lose texture.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Using too little water (causes sticking and uneven cooking)
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Skipping the resting step
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Leaving cooked pearls in hot water too long (turns them mushy)
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Refrigerating cooked boba (they harden)
FAQ: Tapioca Pearl Cooking Tips
Q: Can I cook pearls in advance?
Yes, but they’re best consumed within a few hours.
Q: Why are my pearls still hard in the middle?
They likely need more simmering time or a longer resting period.
Q: Do different brands need different cooking times?
Yes, always check the package instructions. Some require pre-soaking.
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Final Thoughts
Cooking tapioca pearls might seem intimidating at first, but with the right method and a little patience, you can get consistent, delicious results every time. Whether you’re brewing a single cup at home or serving hundreds in your store, the secret to perfect boba starts here.
Whether you're starting a new shop or upgrading your ingredients, choosing the right tapioca pearls makes all the difference. We supplies OEM grade tapioca pearls to bubble tea brands in over 30 countries, customized to your taste, size, and brand packaging.
Contact us now to request samples, discuss wholesale pricing, or explore private label options.Perfect pearls deserve a perfect supply partner.