Ingredients
For the Tapioca Pearls
- 50 g tapioca pearls
- 25 g brown sugar
For the Strawberry Layer
- 3 large strawberries, roughly diced
For the Milk Layer
- 300 g milk (dairy or non-dairy of choice)
- Ice, to fill halfway in glass
For the Matcha Layer
- 1 teaspoon ceremonial grade matcha powder
- 55 g hot water (approximately 2 oz, just under boiling)
Instructions
- Cook tapioca pearls: Bring a small pot of water to a boil. Once boiling, add all of the tapioca pearls at once and stir gently to separate any clumps. Boil the pearls for 15 minutes to achieve a chewy texture.
- Let pearls sit: Remove the pot from heat, cover with a lid, and let the tapioca pearls sit in the hot water for another 15 minutes to fully cook and soften.
- Sugar syrup and prep pearls: Drain the water from the pearls and transfer them to a small bowl. Add brown sugar and stir until the sugar dissolves and forms a sweet syrup coating the pearls; set aside.
- Muddle strawberries: In a serving glass, add the diced strawberries and use a muddler, wooden spoon, or the flat end of a rolling pin to mash the strawberries into a rough puree, releasing their juices and flavor.
- Add tapioca pearls: Spoon the cooked pearls along with the brown sugar syrup into the glass over the muddled strawberries.
- Add ice and milk: Fill the glass halfway with ice, then pour in the milk until the glass is about three-quarters full. Stir to combine the milk with the strawberry mixture and to loosen the pearls, or leave as layered if preferred.
- Prepare matcha: In a chawan (matcha bowl) or small bowl, sift in the matcha powder to avoid clumps. Add the hot water and whisk vigorously in an ‘M’ motion using a bamboo whisk for about 15 seconds until frothy and smooth.
- Assemble and serve: Gently pour the frothy matcha on top of the strawberry milk layer to create a layered effect. Serve immediately, stirring before drinking to combine all the flavors.
Notes
- Use ceremonial grade matcha for the best flavor and a smooth, less bitter taste.
- You can substitute milk with any plant-based milk like oat, almond, or soy for a vegan or lactose-free option.
- Adjust sugar amount in the syrup to taste or use alternative sweeteners if desired.
- Serve immediately after assembling to enjoy the best texture of the boba and fresh flavors.
- If you want to keep layers intact, stir only when ready to drink.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Japanese
- Diet: Vegetarian