Description
This Thai Boba Tea recipe combines the bold, aromatic flavors of traditional Thai tea with chewy tapioca pearls for a delightful and refreshing drink. Perfect for a fun homemade treat, this recipe uses quick-cooking tapioca pearls and rich half-and-half to create a creamy beverage that’s easy to prepare and customize to your taste.
Ingredients
Tea
- 5 cups water
- 1 cup Pantai Thai Tea Mix
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (plus more to taste)
Boba
- 8.8 ounces (1 bag) quick-cooking tapioca pearls
To Serve
- Ice
- 1 cup half and half (or milk of choice such as full-fat coconut milk, sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk)
Instructions
- Prepare the Thai tea: Bring 5 cups of water to a boil in a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Add 1 cup of Pantai Thai Tea Mix and 1/4 cup granulated sugar. Stir to combine, then reduce heat to low, cover, and gently simmer for about 2 minutes. Remove from heat and allow the tea to steep for 15-20 minutes to fully develop its rich flavor.
- Strain the tea: Pour the steeped tea through a fine mesh strainer to separate the tea leaves from the liquid. Set the strained tea aside. To speed up cooling, place the tea in the refrigerator until it is ready to be used in the drink.
- Prepare the boba pearls: About 15 minutes before serving, bring a small pot of water to a boil. Add the quick-cooking tapioca pearls immediately and stir to prevent them from sticking together. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the pearls float to the surface and achieve a chewy texture. Drain and rinse the cooked pearls under cold water, then transfer them to a clean bowl.
- Assemble your Thai Boba Tea: Divide the cooked boba pearls evenly among four drinking glasses. Fill each glass with ice, then pour approximately 1 cup of the prepared Thai tea into each glass. Top each with 3-4 tablespoons of half and half or your preferred milk. Stir well to combine and taste for sweetness, adding additional sugar or sweetener if desired. Serve with large boba straws or long spoons for a delightful sipping experience.
Notes
- Use quick-cooking tapioca pearls for a faster cooking process without compromising the chewy texture.
- Adjust the amount of sugar according to your preferred sweetness.
- Experiment with different types of milk such as coconut milk or sweetened condensed milk for a unique flavor twist.
- Allowing the tea to steep properly is essential for a bold and authentic Thai tea flavor.
- Serve immediately after assembly for the best boba texture and chilled tea experience.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Thai
