Tapioca pearls are small, round balls that are made from tapioca starch. They are commonly used in Asian cuisine and are a key ingredient in bubble tea. However, tapioca pearls can be used in a variety of sweet treats, drinks and recipes. Here, we will explore the various ways in which tapioca pearls can be used.
Sweet Treats
Tapioca pearls can be used to make a variety of delicious sweet treats, including desserts, puddings, and cakes.
Tapioca Pudding
To make tapioca pudding, start by soaking 1/2 cup of tapioca pearls in water for at least 30 minutes. Once soaked, drain the water and place the pearls in a saucepan. Add 2 cups of milk, 1/4 cup of sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Reduce heat to low and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 15-20 minutes, or until the pearls are cooked through and the pudding has thickened. Serve warm or chilled.
Banana Tapioca Pudding
This tasty treat is made using a mixture of tapioca pearls and bananas, creating a creamy texture with a fruity twist. Simply follow the instructions for tapioca pudding above, but add slices of ripe bananas to the mixture during the cooking process. Serve warm or chilled.
Tapioca Cake
Tapioca cake is a popular Brazilian dessert, also known as ‘Bolo de Tapioca’. It is made using tapioca pearls, coconut milk, and sugar, creating a sweet and slightly chewy cake. To make tapioca cake, start by soaking 2 cups of tapioca pearls in water for at least 2 hours, or overnight. Once soaked, drain the water and mix the soaked pearls with 1 can of sweetened condensed milk, 1 can of coconut milk, 1/2 cup of sugar, and 2 eggs. Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish and bake in the oven at 350°F for 45-50 minutes or until golden brown. Allow to cool before serving.
Drinks
Tapioca pearls are most commonly used in drinks, particularly bubble tea. However, there are many other drinks that can be made using tapioca pearls.
Bubble Tea
Bubble tea, also known as ‘Boba tea’, is a popular Asian drink that has taken the world by storm in recent years. It is made using a tea base, typically green or black tea, mixed with milk, fruit syrup, and tapioca pearls. To make bubble tea, start by cooking the tapioca pearls (see instructions below). Once cooked, add 1/4 cup of cooked tapioca pearls to the bottom of a glass. Add ice, pour in your tea, and sweeten with your chosen syrup. Top with milk or cream, and enjoy!
Tapioca Smoothie
A tapioca smoothie is a refreshing and delicious treat that is perfect for a hot summer day. To make a tapioca smoothie, start by cooking the tapioca pearls (see instructions below). Once cooked, add the pearls to a blender along with your chosen fruits and blend until smooth. Add milk, sweeten with sugar or syrup, and blend again. Pour into a glass, add ice and enjoy!
Recipes
Tapioca pearls can also be used in a variety of recipes, including savory dishes and soups.
Tapioca Soup
Tapioca soup is a simple yet flavorful dish that is commonly served in Brazil. To make tapioca soup, start by cooking 1 cup of tapioca pearls (see instructions below). Once cooked, set aside. In a separate saucepan, bring 4 cups of chicken broth to a boil. Add 1/2 cup of sliced carrots, 1/2 cup of sliced celery, and 1/2 cup of sliced onions. Simmer for 10-15 minutes or until the vegetables are cooked. Add the cooked tapioca pearls to the soup and serve hot.
Tapioca Fritters
Tapioca fritters, also known as ‘Beijinho de Tapioca’, are a popular dessert in Brazil that are made using tapioca pearls, coconut milk, and sugar. To make tapioca fritters, start by soaking 1 cup of tapioca pearls in water for at least 30 minutes. Once soaked, drain the water and place the pearls in a mixing bowl. Add 1 can of sweetened condensed milk, 1 can of coconut milk, and 1/2 cup of sugar. Stir until well combined. Roll the mixture into small balls and coat in grated coconut. Allow the fritters to chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Cooking Tapioca Pearls
Cooking tapioca pearls is a relatively simple process, but it is important to get the timing right to ensure that they have the right consistency. To cook tapioca pearls, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the tapioca pearls and stir gently to prevent them from sticking together. Cook for around 15-20 minutes, or until they become soft and chewy. Once cooked, rinse the pearls under cold water to remove any excess starch, and then soak them in a bowl of cold water for 10-15 minutes to prevent them from becoming too sticky.
Tips for Using Tapioca Pearls
- Be sure to soak the tapioca pearls before using them in any recipe. This will help to soften them and ensure that they are cooked evenly.
- Store tapioca pearls in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. They will keep for up to 6 months.
- Experiment with different flavors and textures when using tapioca pearls in drinks or desserts. They can be paired with a variety of flavors, including fruit, milk, and syrups.
- Be careful not to overcook the tapioca pearls, as they will become too mushy and lose their chewy texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are tapioca pearls?
- Can tapioca pearls be eaten raw?
- How do you cook tapioca pearls?
- What is bubble tea?
- What are some recipes that use tapioca pearls?
Tapioca pearls are small, round balls made from tapioca starch.
No, tapioca pearls must be cooked in boiling water before they can be consumed.
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the tapioca pearls and cook for around 15-20 minutes, or until they become soft and chewy. Rinse under cold water and then soak in a bowl of cold water for 10-15 minutes.
Bubble tea, also known as ‘Boba tea’, is a popular Asian drink made using a tea base, typically green or black tea, mixed with milk, fruit syrup, and tapioca pearls.
Tapioca pudding, banana tapioca pudding, tapioca cake, tapioca soup, and tapioca fritters are all popular recipes that use tapioca pearls.
References
1. https://www.seriouseats.com/2014/04/bubble-tea-tapioca-pearls-boba-tutorial.html
2. https://www.tasteofhome.com/collection/tapioca-pearls-recipes/
3. https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/235789/brazilian-tapioca-cake-bolo-de-tapioca/