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Easy Homemade Popping Boba Recipe for Bubble Tea Lovers

This popping boba recipe shows you how to make fresh, juicy bursting pearls at home using simple ingredients, perfect for bubble tea, drinks, and desserts.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 2 cups
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Asian
Calories: 120
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tablespoons agar-agar powder
  • 1 cup fruit juice strawberry, mango, lemonade, or your choice
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1 cup filtered water
  • Ice-cold water for ice bath

Method
 

  1. In a saucepan, combine the fruit juice and sugar over medium heat and stir until the sugar is fully dissolved.
  2. In a separate bowl, whisk the agar-agar powder with the water until smooth.
  3. Add the agar-agar mixture to the saucepan and bring to a gentle boil, stirring constantly for 2–3 minutes.
  4. Lower the heat and whisk until the mixture is fully combined and slightly thickened.
  5. Prepare a bowl of ice-cold water.
  6. Using a dropper or syringe, carefully drop the hot mixture into the ice bath to form small pearls.
  7. Let the popping boba sit in the ice bath for 10–15 minutes until fully set.
  8. Remove the pearls, rinse gently with cold water, and use immediately or store for later.

Notes

Work quickly once the mixture is heated, as agar-agar sets fast. Keep the mixture warm to maintain a smooth dropping texture.