Name: Iced Soy Milk with Tapioca Pearls
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 2 servings
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 2 cups Unsweetened soy milk; 0.5 cup Black tapioca pearls; 0.25 cup Brown sugar; 3 cups Water; 1 cup Ice cubes; 1 piece Pandan leaf (optional)

"Experience the perfect balance of creamy, chilled soy milk and the delightful chew of caramelized brown sugar boba. This refreshing plant-based beverage is a wholesome take on the classic Taiwanese street food favorite, offering a satisfying texture and subtle sweetness in every sip."

Ingredients

Qty	Item
2 cups 500 ml	Unsweetened soy milk
0.5 cup 65 g	Black tapioca pearls
0.25 cup 50 g	Brown sugar
3 cups 750 ml	Water
1 cup 200 g	Ice cubes
1 piece 1 piece	Pandan leaf (optional)

How to Make Iced Soy Milk with Tapioca Pearls

Bring 3 cups of water to a rolling boil in a small pot. Add the tapioca pearls and stir gently to prevent sticking.

Cook the pearls for 20 minutes over medium heat, then turn off the heat, cover the pot, and let them sit for another 10 minutes to reach peak chewiness.

Drain the pearls and rinse them under cold running water to remove excess starch.

In the same pot, combine brown sugar with 2 tablespoons of water and the pandan leaf. Simmer over low heat until the sugar dissolves and the mixture thickens into a syrup.

Add the cooked pearls back into the syrup and toss until they are thoroughly coated and glossy.

Spoon the warm, syrupy pearls into the bottom of two tall glasses. Tilt the glasses to swirl the syrup along the sides for a marbled effect.

Fill the glasses with ice cubes and pour the chilled unsweetened soy milk over the top. Serve immediately with a wide-diameter boba straw.

·
Use high-quality, high-protein soy milk for a creamier mouthfeel similar to dairy.
·
Always cook tapioca pearls fresh, as they harden and lose their 'QQ' texture if refrigerated.
·
If using store-bought soy milk, ensure it is unsweetened so you can control the sweetness with the brown sugar syrup.
·
For an extra layer of flavor, lightly toast the brown sugar in the pot before adding water to create a deeper caramel note.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this drink ahead of time?

The soy milk can be chilled in advance, but the tapioca pearls should be made fresh. Pearls lose their chewy texture after about 4 hours.

Is this recipe naturally gluten-free?

Yes, tapioca pearls are made from cassava starch and soy milk is grain-free, making this drink suitable for gluten-free diets.

What is the best way to store leftover pearls?

It is not recommended to store cooked pearls. However, if you must, keep them at room temperature in their syrup for a few hours. Do not refrigerate them or they will become gritty.

Can I use other plant-based milks?

Absolutely. While soy milk provides the most traditional flavor profile, oat milk or almond milk also pair beautifully with brown sugar pearls.

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