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Thai Milk Tea Boba: Recipe, Tips, and Variations

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Homemade Thai Milk Tea Boba! Chewy tapioca pearls in a creamy, sweet, and refreshing Thai tea. A fun and customizable treat!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup tapioca starch, plus extra for dusting
  • ¾ cup boiling water
  • ¼ cup brown sugar
  • 4 cups water
  • ½ cup Thai tea leaves (loose leaf or tea bags)
  • ½ cup granulated sugar, or to taste
  • ½ cup evaporated milk, or to taste
  • ½ cup sweetened condensed milk, or to taste
  • Ice cubes

Instructions

  1. In a heat-safe bowl, combine the brown sugar and boiling water. Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved.
  2. Gradually add the tapioca starch to the sugar water, mixing constantly with a spoon or spatula.
  3. Once the mixture has cooled slightly, turn it out onto a lightly dusted surface with tapioca starch. Knead the dough until it forms a smooth, elastic ball (5-10 minutes). If too sticky, add more tapioca starch (1 tbsp at a time). If too dry, add water (1 tsp at a time).
  4. Pinch off small pieces of dough (about ¼ teaspoon each) and roll them into small balls. Dust your hands and the working surface with tapioca starch to prevent sticking.
  5. Place the shaped boba on a plate or tray dusted with tapioca starch. Cook immediately, or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a few hours (bring to room temperature before cooking). Can also freeze (spread on parchment-lined baking sheet before freezing, then transfer to freezer bag).
  6. Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil (at least 8 times the volume of the boba).
  7. Gently add the boba to the boiling water. Stir gently to prevent sticking.
  8. Once the boba float to the surface, reduce the heat to medium and continue to cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are translucent with a slightly chewy center.
  9. Remove the pot from the heat, cover, and let the boba rest in the hot water for another 15-20 minutes.
  10. In a small saucepan, combine ½ cup water and ½ cup granulated sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar is completely dissolved. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  11. Drain the boba and rinse them under cold water. Transfer the boba to the sugar syrup and let them soak for at least 30 minutes, or up to a few hours.
  12. In a saucepan, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Add the Thai tea leaves (or tea bags) and sugar. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  13. Remove the saucepan from the heat and strain the tea through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove the tea leaves.
  14. Stir in the evaporated milk and sweetened condensed milk. Adjust the amounts to your liking.
  15. Let the tea cool completely. You can speed up the process by placing it in the refrigerator.
  16. Fill glasses with ice cubes.
  17. Spoon a generous amount of boba into each glass.
  18. Pour the chilled Thai milk tea over the boba and ice.
  19. Stir well to combine the tea and boba. Serve immediately with a wide straw.

Notes

  • Boba Texture: The key to perfect boba is the dough consistency and cooking time. Don’t be afraid to experiment to find what works best for you.
  • Sweetness Level: Adjust the amount of sugar and condensed milk in the tea to your liking. You can also use other sweeteners, such as honey or agave.
  • Tea Strength: The amount of Thai tea leaves you use will determine the strength of the tea. Start with ½ cup and adjust to your preference.
  • Milk Options: You can use other types of milk, such as whole milk, almond milk, or coconut milk, in place of evaporated milk. Keep in mind that this will affect the flavor and texture of the tea.
  • Flavor Variations: Add a splash of vanilla extract or a pinch of cinnamon to the tea for a different flavor profile.
  • Make Ahead: The boba can be made ahead of time and stored in the sugar syrup in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The Thai milk tea can also be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Serving Suggestions: Serve the Thai milk tea boba with whipped cream or a sprinkle of cocoa powder for an extra special treat.

Find it online: https://anasrecipes.com/thai-milk-tea-boba/