•Boil Water: Start by bringing about 4-5 cups of water to a boil for every 1 cup of tapioca pearls. You want enough water to allow the pearls to move freely and cook evenly.
•Add Tapioca Pearls: Once the water is boiling, gently add the tapioca pearls to the water. Stir occasionally to prevent them from sticking together.
•Boil the Pearls: Let the tapioca pearls cook on medium heat for 25-30 minutes or 2-3 minutes for quick cook (depending on the size of the pearls). Stir occasionally to make sure they don’t stick to the bottom. The pearls should be soft and translucent.
•Let Them Rest: Once the tapioca pearls are cooked, remove the pot from heat. Let the pearls sit in the hot water for an additional 25-30 minutes or 2-3 minutes for quick cook, as this helps them become tender and chewy.
•Drain the Pearls: After resting, drain the pearls in a colander and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process.
•Sweeten (optional): You can soak the cooked tapioca pearls in a simple syrup (made from sugar and water) if you want to sweeten them, especially if you're using them for bubble tea or desserts. This step is optional but adds flavor.
•Serve: Your tapioca pearls are now ready to be used in your favorite dishes like bubble tea, desserts, or pudding!