5 Minute Bubble Tea – Really!

Anyone who knows me knows I LOVE bubble tea. There’s a great place right by my university that I used to go to all the time – the food was decent but the bubble tea was fantastic! Alas, since I now live two states away, it’s hard for me to get over there. So, whenever I’m out and about, I always try bubble tea but nothing has come close to the other place.

Well, what is the place? Noodle Gourmet in New Brunswick, NJ…go RU!!

I’ve tried to make my own a few times recently but failed. Either I bought the wrong type of tapioca balls (duh!) or the brand took too long to make (and I’m inpatient!). However, I think I finally found a good brand!

Bubbles?

Yes! They’re slightly chewy balls of joy. The entire drink can act as a meal – it’s so delicious! Bubble Tea originated in Taiwan as “boba milk tea”. There are many variations but the milk tea w/ black bubbles is the best!! (I especially love the almond flavor.)

Locate an Asian food market in your area, such as H Mart and purchase this brand. You can also find it online for about $5.

To make Bubble Tea, you’ll need:

10 cups Water
1 cup Tapioca Pearls
Black Tea
Water for tea
Sugar or honey for tea/balls

Directions:

Boil water for the black tea. Let the tea bag steep a bit and put in the refrigerator to cool. This can even be done the day before to make sure your tea is completely chilled.
In a large pot, boil 10 cups of water. Then, add 1 cup of the Tapioca Pearls. Stir softly.
Once all the bubbles have risen to the top, lower the heat to medium and cover for about 4-5 minutes. A perfect bubble/ball should be soft on the outside but slightly firm and chewy inside.
With a slotted spoon or strainer, remove the balls and place into a container and put in the fridge for about 10 minutes to cool.

When the bubbles are done, they’ll look like this:

Depending on your sweet preference, you can sweeten the tea and/or create a simple syrup (water and sugar) for the bubbles. Or even drizzle honey on the bubbles – super easy!

5. Scoop about 1/3 cup of bubbles into a large glass, then add your tea about half -3/4 of the glass.

6. Finally, add as much milk as you’d like!

Use this opportunity to experiment with different milk flavors. Try coconut, almond, soy, etc.!

Hope you enjoy your next bubble tea at home!