Coconut Milk Boba Recipe

Boil water

Bring 6 cups of water to a rolling boil in a medium saucepan over high heat.

Add pearls

Add 1 cup of black tapioca pearls to the boiling water, stirring gently immediately to prevent clumping.

Cook pearls

Return to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-high to maintain a gentle rolling boil. Cook uncovered for 20–30 minutes, stirring every few minutes. Cooking time depends on brand and size; check package for recommended range. Pearls should be tender with a slightly chewy center.

Rest pearls

After cooking, remove the saucepan from heat, cover with a lid, and let the pearls sit in the hot water for an additional 10–15 minutes to finish cooking and become chewy.

Rinse and sweeten

Drain pearls into a fine sieve and briefly rinse under warm running water to remove excess starch. Transfer drained pearls to a small bowl and stir in 3 tablespoons brown sugar while still warm so they absorb sweetness. Set aside until ready to serve. Keep covered to prevent drying; pearls are best used within 2–3 hours.

Combine liquids

In a medium bowl or pitcher, whisk together 2 cups full-fat canned coconut milk and 1 cup cold water until homogeneous. Using full-fat coconut milk gives a rich mouthfeel similar to milk tea.

Sweeten and season

Add 3 teaspoons granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Whisk until sugar is fully dissolved. Taste and adjust sweetness — add up to 2 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk if you prefer a creamier, sweeter drink.

Chill (optional)

For the best refreshing texture, refrigerate the coconut milk base for 15–30 minutes or prepare it ahead and chill until cold.

Prepare glasses

Divide the cooked, sweetened tapioca pearls between 2 serving glasses (about 1/2 cup pearls per glass). If pearls have cooled and become firm, briefly soak them in 1–2 tablespoons hot water to loosen before draining and adding to glasses.

Add ice

Add ice cubes to each glass as desired (about 1/2 cup per glass) to chill the drink.

Pour coconut milk

Stir the chilled coconut milk base and pour about 1 cup into each glass, filling to nearly the top but leaving room to stir.

Finish and serve

Stir gently to combine pearls and coconut milk. Taste and, if desired, drizzle 1 tablespoon sweetened condensed milk over each drink for extra sweetness and creaminess. Serve immediately with a large straw.