Description
Imagine the sweet, juicy burst of strawberries mingling with the earthy vibrance of matcha and the chewy joy of boba pearls. That’s Strawberry Matcha Boba—a refreshing, colorful drink that’s as delightful to sip as it is to look at! This easy-to-make beverage combines creamy strawberry milk, frothy matcha, and sweet tapioca pearls for a café-style treat you can whip up at home
Ingredients
With just six ingredients, Strawberry Matcha Boba is all about fresh, quality components for maximum flavor. Use ripe strawberries and ceremonial-grade matcha for the best results.
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50 g (¼ cup) tapioca pearls: Provide the chewy, signature boba texture.
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25 g (2 tablespoons) brown sugar: Creates a sweet syrup to coat the boba pearls.
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3 large strawberries, roughly diced (about ½ cup): Add sweet, tart flavor and vibrant pink color.
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300 g (1 ¼ cups) milk, dairy or non-dairy: Forms the creamy base for the strawberry layer.
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1 teaspoon matcha powder, ceremonial grade: Delivers a bold, earthy green tea flavor and vibrant green color.
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55 g (¼ cup) hot water: Dissolves the matcha into a smooth, frothy layer.
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Substitutions and Variations:
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Dairy-Free/Vegan: Use non-dairy milk like almond, oat, or coconut. Coconut milk adds a tropical twist.
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Lower Sugar: Reduce brown sugar to 15 g or use a sugar-free sweetener like stevia.
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Fruit Swap: Replace strawberries with raspberries or blueberries for a different berry flavor.
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Matcha Intensity: Use ½ teaspoon matcha for a milder flavor or 1 ½ teaspoons for a stronger kick.
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Caffeine-Free: Use a caffeine-free herbal tea powder, but note it won’t replicate matcha’s flavor.
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Why These Ingredients Matter: The strawberries provide a sweet, fruity base, while matcha adds an earthy, antioxidant-rich layer. Milk creates creaminess, and boba pearls bring the chewy fun, with brown sugar adding a caramel-like sweetness.
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Tapioca Pearls
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Bring a small pot of water to a full boil over high heat.
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Add 50 g tapioca pearls and stir immediately to prevent clumping.
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Boil uncovered for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
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Cover the pot, remove from heat, and let sit for another 15 minutes until the pearls are fully translucent with no white centers.
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Drain through a fine-mesh sieve and rinse briefly under cold water to stop cooking and remove excess starch.
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Tip: If the pearls aren’t fully translucent, boil for an extra 2–3 minutes and check again.
Step 2: Sweeten the Boba
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Transfer the drained tapioca pearls to a small bowl.
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Add 25 g brown sugar and stir until the sugar dissolves into a syrupy coating.
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Set aside to cool slightly.
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Tip: Add a teaspoon of water if the syrup is too thick to coat the pearls evenly.
Step 3: Prepare the Strawberry Layer
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In a tall serving glass, add the diced strawberries (about ½ cup from 3 large strawberries).
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Use a muddler, the flat end of a wooden spoon, or a rolling pin to mash the strawberries into a rough puree directly in the glass.
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Tip: Muddle until juicy but with some texture for a rustic, fruity base. Use ripe strawberries for the best flavor.
Step 4: Assemble the Base
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Spoon the sweetened tapioca pearls with their brown sugar syrup into the glass over the strawberry puree.
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Fill the glass halfway with ice.
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Pour 300 g milk over the ice until the glass is about ¾ full.
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Stir gently to mix the milk with the strawberry puree, creating a pink strawberry milk layer. For a layered look, skip stirring until serving.
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Tip: Pour the milk slowly over the ice to create a gradient effect with the strawberry puree.
Step 5: Prepare the Matcha
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Sift 1 teaspoon ceremonial-grade matcha powder into a chawan (tea bowl) or small bowl to remove clumps.
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Add 55 g hot water (just below boiling, about 175°F/80°C) and whisk in an “M” motion with a bamboo whisk (or small metal whisk) for 15 seconds until frothy and smooth.
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Tip: Sifting prevents lumps, and the “M” motion creates a perfect foamy texture.
Step 6: Assemble and Serve
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Pour the frothy matcha over the strawberry milk layer to create a vibrant green top.
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Serve layered for a stunning presentation, but stir before drinking to blend the flavors.
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Tip: Use a wide boba straw to enjoy the pearls, strawberry milk, and matcha in each sip