How to Cook Small Tapioca Pearls

Small tapioca pearls require boiling in plenty of water with frequent stirring to achieve a soft, translucent texture. The basic cooking process takes about 15-20 minutes total.

Basic Cooking Method

Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil, using approximately 8-10 cups of water for every half cup of dried pearls. Add the small tapioca pearls to the boiling water, then reduce heat to medium and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring regularly to prevent sticking. The pearls are done when they turn almost completely translucent with only a small white center remaining. After cooking, drain the pearls through a fine mesh sieve and rinse with cold water to remove excess starch and stop the cooking process.

Optional Pre-Soaking Method

For better texture, you can soak small tapioca pearls in water for 30 minutes to 1 hour before cooking. This softens the pearls and reduces cooking time to about 8-10 minutes once boiled. After soaking, rinse the pearls before adding them to boiling water.

Tips for Best Results

Use plenty of water since tapioca pearls absorb significant amounts during cooking. Stir constantly or very frequently during the first few minutes to prevent clumping and sticking to the pot bottom. The cooked pearls should be used within 4 hours for optimal texture. You can optionally sweeten them by tossing with sugar or honey after cooking.