Small Tapioca Pearls

When you want extra textures in your desserts or drinks, small tapioca pearls are a great way to get that extra chewy bite without introducing additional flavors. These plain white balls are often used in various sweet dishes like porridge, shave ice desserts, and trendy drinks.

What Are Tapioca Pearls?

Tapioca pearls, also called tapioca balls, are edible translucent spheres produced from tapioca, a starch made from the cassava root. They originated as a cheaper alternative to sago in Southeast Asian cuisine. The taste is pretty flavorless, added to drinks and desserts solely for their unique, chewy texture.

Are Tapioca Pearls Gluten-Free?

Yes, it is made from tapioca, a starch extracted from the cassava root, so it does not contain gluten.

Color and Flavor

Tapioca pearls can be found in a multitude of colors. The color of the product does not always relate to its flavor. In most cases, the coloring is artificial and only meant for visual purposes. White is their natural color because they are made from starch. They are neutral-tasting because starch, although it has a distinct sensation in the mouth, does not really have any memorable flavor.

How to Cook

Bring 5 cups of water to a boil in a deep pot and add 3/4 cup of small tapioca pearls.
Cook uncovered for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. After 15 minutes, the tapioca pearls will turn from white to mostly translucent.
Turn off the heat and cover the pot. Allow to sit for another 15 minutes until the pearls are fully translucent. If the center of the tapioca pearls is still white and not translucent, cover the pot and let them sit in the pot for another few minutes.
Drain the tapioca pearls and rinse under cold water.

Cooking Tips

Do not rinse tapioca pearls before cooking.
Pre-boil the water before adding the tapioca.
Rinse the cooked tapioca pearls under cold water. This stops the cooking process and removes excess starch that can cause the sago to stick together.