Boba Tea with Sweetened Condensed Milk (Print view)

Create quick, creamy boba tea with instant pearls and sweetened condensed milk for a satisfying Asian-inspired treat.

# List of Ingredients:

→ Tapioca Pearls

01 - 1/2 cup quick-cook instant tapioca pearls

→ Tea Base

02 - 2 black tea bags or 2 teaspoons loose leaf black tea
03 - 1 1/2 cups hot water

→ Sweet & Creamy Additions

04 - 1/3 cup sweetened condensed milk
05 - 1 cup cold milk dairy or plant-based

→ For Serving

06 - 1 cup ice cubes

# Step-by-Step Directions:

01 - Cook instant tapioca pearls according to package directions, typically boiling for 3-5 minutes until tender and chewy. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
02 - Steep black tea bags in 1 1/2 cups hot water for 3-5 minutes. Remove tea bags and allow the brewed tea to cool slightly.
03 - In a pitcher or large mixing bowl, combine the brewed tea, sweetened condensed milk, and cold milk. Stir vigorously until completely blended and creamy.
04 - Distribute the cooked tapioca pearls evenly between two large glasses. Add ice cubes to each glass, then pour the milk tea mixture over the pearls and ice.
05 - Stir thoroughly to combine all layers. Serve promptly with wide straws for enjoying the tapioca pearls.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • Takes ten minutes from start to first sip, no special equipment required
  • The condensed milk creates that perfectly smooth creamy texture without measuring multiple sweeteners
02 -
  • The tapioca pearls harden quickly as they cool, so cook them right before serving and never make them hours ahead
  • Sweetened condensed milk settles at the bottom, so give your drink a good stir before each sip to get that consistent flavor
03 -
  • Use wide bubble tea straws or regular straws cut diagonally at the bottom to create a wider opening
  • If your pearls are still too firm, return them to boiling water for another minute before draining
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