How to cook tapioca pearls

Tapioca pearls are small translucent balls produced from tapioca, a starch extracted from the root of the cassava plant.  When cooked they have a distinctively chewy texture. They make the perfect topping for bubble tea and are particularly popular in milk teas.

The quick guide (20 minutes)

Step 1: Add 400ml of boiling water to a saucepan.

Step 2: Carefully pour the tapioca pearls into the water.

Step 3: Reduce the heat to a gentle simmer and cook for 15 minutes, stirring regularly.

Step 4: Drain the cooked pearls through a sieve and rinse with cold water until cool.

Step 5: Add the pearls straight into your drink, or store at room temperature.  Must be consumed within 4 hours.

Not in a rush? Try this for added flavour (50 minutes)

Step 1: Add 400ml of boiling water to a saucepan.

Step 2: Carefully pour the tapioca pearls into the water.

Step 3: Reduce the heat to a gentle simmer and cook for 30 minutes, stirring regularly.

Step 4: Take off the heat, put a lid on the saucepan and leave for 15 minutes.

Step 4: Drain the cooked pearls through a sieve and rinse with cold water until cool.

Step 5: Add the pearls straight into your drink, or store at room temperature.  Must be consumed within 4 hours.