Strawberry Matcha Boba

Oh my gosh, let me tell you about my absolute favorite drink to make at home – Strawberry Matcha Boba! It’s like a little party in a glass with those gorgeous layers of pink strawberry milk and vibrant green matcha, all topped off with those delightfully chewy boba pearls. I first fell in love with this combo when I was living near a boba shop in college, but honestly? The homemade version tastes even better.

Plus, it’s way more fun to create those perfect layers yourself! The best part is how incredibly easy it is to whip up – you just need some fresh strawberries, good quality matcha, and about 40 minutes of your time. Trust me, once you try making your own Strawberry Matcha Boba, you’ll never want to pay cafe prices again!

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Matcha Boba

Okay, first off this drink is basically happiness in a glass. Here’s why I’m obsessed (and why you will be too):

• It’s ridiculously pretty – those pink and green layers make every sip feel like an Instagram moment
• Customizable sweetness – you control the sugar, unlike those crazy-sweet cafe versions
• That boba texture! – nothing beats homemade pearls still warm from their brown sugar bath
• 40 minutes start to finish – most of that’s passive cook time for the boba (aka perfect tea-break timing)
• Fresh strawberry flavor – unlike powdered syrups, you actually taste the fruit

Seriously, it’s like getting a fancy bubble tea… but better because you made it yourself!

Pair it with my creamy mango matcha latte for a summer matcha fix, or enjoy a snackable twist with matcha-covered strawberries.

Ingredients for Strawberry Matcha Boba

Alright, let’s gather our goodies! I’ve many many (many) batches that quality ingredients make all the difference here. Here’s exactly what you’ll need, grouped by component so you can prep like a pro:

For the Boba Pearls

• 50g tapioca pearls (uncooked) – Look for the quick-cooking kind if you’re impatient like me
• 25g brown sugar – Dark brown gives the best caramel flavor, but light works too

For the Strawberry Layer

• 3 large strawberries, diced – About 1/2 cup when chopped ( ones – ones – they’re sweeter!)
• 300g milk – I use whole dairy milk, but oat milk makes a killer vegan version

For the Matcha Layer

• 1 teaspoon matcha powder – Splurge on ceremonial grade if you can – it’s smoother
• 55g hot water – Not boiling! About 175°F (80°C) keeps the matcha from tasting bitter

Pro tip from my many kitchen experiments: measure everything before you start. Things move fast once those boba pearls start cooking!

Equipment You’ll Need

Don’t worry, you don’t need fancy gadgets to make amazing Strawberry Matcha Boba! Here’s what I grab from my kitchen (and honestly, you probably already have most of these):

• Small pot – For cooking those boba pearls to chewy perfection
• Whisk – A bamboo matcha whisk is ideal, but any small whisk works in a pinch
• Muddler or wooden spoon – To smash those strawberries into juicy submission
• Tall glass (16oz) – Show off those gorgeous layers! Clear works best
• Fine mesh strainer – For sifting matcha to avoid clumps (trust me on this one)
• Measuring cups/spoons – Because eyeballing matcha never ends well

See? Nothing crazy. The only “special” thing here is the tapioca pearls, and even those are easy to find at Asian markets or online. Now let’s get mixing!

How to Make Strawberry Matcha Boba

Okay, friends – let’s get to the fun part! I’ll walk you through each step like I’m right there in the kitchen with you. Don’t let the layers intimidate you – it’s actually super simple when you break it down. Just follow these steps, and you’ll be sipping your masterpiece in no time!

Step 1: Cook the Tapioca Pearls

First things first – those glorious chewy boba pearls! Here’s my foolproof method:

Bring a small pot of water to a rolling boil (that means big, active bubbles). Dump in all your tapioca pearls at once and give them a quick stir to prevent clumping – they love to stick together at first! Let them boil for exactly 15 minutes, then turn off the heat, cover the pot, and let them sit for another 15 minutes. This rest time is magical – it makes them perfectly soft and chewy without being mushy.

Drain them (careful – they’re hot!) and immediately toss with the brown sugar while they’re still warm. The sugar will melt into this amazing syrup that coats every pearl. Set this aside while you work on the other layers.

Watch out: Overcooking makes boba disintegrate, and undercooking leaves them hard in the center. Stick to these times!

Step 2: Prepare the Strawberry Layer

Now for the sweet pink goodness! Grab your serving glass and drop in those diced strawberries. Use a muddler (or the back of a wooden spoon if you’re improvising) to gently press and twist the berries. You want them broken down but not completely smooth – little chunks add amazing texture!

I like to do this right in the drinking glass because a) less dishes and b) you can see those beautiful strawberry bits against the glass. If your strawberries aren’t super juicy, you might want to add a teaspoon of sugar here, but ripe berries usually sweeten it up just fine.

Step 3: Assemble the Drink

Time to build our masterpiece! Add your warm boba pearls and all that luscious brown sugar syrup to the glass with the strawberries. Fill the glass about halfway with ice – this keeps our layers distinct. Now slowly pour in your milk until the glass is about 3/4 full.

Here’s where you choose your adventure: For a swirled strawberry milk effect, give it a quick stir. For those Insta-worthy separate layers, leave it unstirred. I usually do a very gentle stir that leaves some streaks – best of both worlds!

Step 4: Whisk the Matcha

Matcha time! Sift your matcha powder into a small bowl (this prevents clumps – seriously, don’t skip this!). Add your hot water (not boiling! 175°F/80°C is perfect) and whisk vigorously in an “M” motion with your bamboo whisk. About 15 seconds should give you a nice frothy layer.

Pro tip: If you don’t have a matcha whisk, use a small regular whisk or even a fork – just really get in there! The “M” motion helps dissolve all the powder evenly.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

The grand finale! Hold a spoon upside down just above your strawberry milk layer and slowly pour the matcha over it. The spoon helps disperse the matcha so it floats beautifully on top instead of sinking.

Now here’s my important advice: stir before drinking! As pretty as the layers are, you’ll want all those flavors combined for the perfect sip. Serve immediately with a wide straw for maximum boba enjoyment. The whole thing takes about 40 minutes but tastes like a million bucks!

Tips for Perfect Strawberry Matcha Boba

After making this drink more times than I can count, I’ve learned all the little tricks that take it from good to “oh wow!” Here are my absolute must-know tips for Strawberry Matcha Boba perfection:

1. Matcha matters – splurge if you can

Not all matcha is created equal! Ceremonial grade makes a HUGE difference – it’s smoother, less bitter, and gives that vibrant green color we all love. If you can only find culinary grade, use slightly less (about 3/4 teaspoon) to avoid bitterness. And always, always sift it – those clumps are sneaky!

2. Ice is your friend (but don’t overdo it)

Too much ice = watered-down drink, but no ice = warm boba (ew). I’ve found that filling the glass halfway with ice is the sweet spot. For an extra pro move, make milk ice cubes with some of your milk the night before – no dilution at all!

3. Boba timing is everything

Set a timer for those pearls! The 15-minute boil + 15-minute rest gives perfect texture. And here’s my secret – if you’re not serving immediately, store cooked boba in simple syrup (equal parts sugar and water) to keep them soft for a couple hours.

4. Temperature control for layers

Want those gorgeous separate layers? Make sure your matcha isn’t piping hot when you pour it, and your milk is cold. Room temp milk makes the layers bleed together faster. I like to chill my glass for 5 minutes too – helps everything stay distinct longer.

5. Taste as you go

Strawberries vary in sweetness, so adjust as needed! After muddling, take a tiny taste. Need more sweet? Add a teaspoon of honey or sugar. Same with the matcha – if it’s too strong, whisk in a splash more hot water. This drink should make your taste buds happy!

Remember – even if your first attempt isn’t picture-perfect, it’ll still taste amazing. The more you make it, the more you’ll develop your own little tricks. That’s half the fun!

Strawberry Matcha Boba Variations

One of my favorite things about this drink? It’s like a blank canvas for creativity! Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, try these delicious twists to make it your own. I’ve experimented with all of these – some became happy accidents, others are now regulars in my rotation!

Milk Swaps for Different Dietary Needs

Don’t be afraid to play with different milks! My go-tos:

• Oat milk – Makes the creamiest vegan version (and pairs beautifully with matcha)
• Coconut milk – Adds tropical vibes that work surprisingly well with strawberry
• Almond milk – Lighter option that lets the strawberry flavor shine
• Sweetened condensed milk – For when you want it extra rich and dessert-like

Sweetener Alternatives

Brown sugar is classic, but sometimes I mix it up:

• Honey – Adds floral notes that complement the matcha beautifully
• Maple syrup – Gives a cozy autumnal twist (perfect for fall versions)
• Agave nectar – Dissolves easily and keeps things vegan
• Monk fruit sweetener – When I’m watching my sugar intake

Fruit Variations

Strawberries are just the beginning! Try:

• Blended strawberries – For a smoother texture (great for kids)
• Mango puree – Tropical matcha mango boba? Yes please!
• Raspberries – More tart, but so refreshing
• Peach slices – Summer in a glass

Matcha Mix-Ins

Want to jazz up your matcha layer?

• Vanilla extract – Just a drop adds warmth
• Mint leaves – For a refreshing herbal kick
• Coconut milk powder – Whisked right into the matcha for creaminess
• Lavender syrup – Sounds weird, tastes amazing

The possibilities are endless! My advice? Start with one variation at a time – that way you can really taste how each change affects the final drink. And don’t be afraid to get creative – some of my best combos came from “Hmm, I wonder what would happen if…” moments!

Nutritional Information

Okay, let’s talk numbers – but don’t worry, this delicious Strawberry Matcha Boba is totally worth every sip! Here’s the nutritional breakdown for one serving (because let’s be real, you’re not sharing this beauty):

• Serving Size: 1 glass (about 16oz)
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 30g
• Sodium: 50mg
• Fat: 5g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 5g

Now here’s my little disclaimer: these values are estimates and can vary based on your specific ingredients. Using different milks or adjusting the sugar will change things up. For example, swapping to almond milk cuts about 50 calories, while using sweetened condensed milk adds… well, let’s just say it’s a treat day kind of choice!

The matcha brings some awesome antioxidants to the party, and those fresh strawberries add vitamin C. So while it’s definitely an indulgent drink, it’s got some redeeming qualities too. Everything in moderation, right? Now go enjoy your creation!

Enjoy Your Homemade Strawberry Matcha Boba

There you have it – your very own cafe-quality Strawberry Matcha Boba made right at home! I can’t tell you how proud I felt the first time I nailed those perfect layers (I may have done a little happy dance in my kitchen). Now it’s your turn to experience that “heck yes, I made this!” moment.

Take that first glorious sip and let all those flavors hit you – the sweet strawberry, the earthy matcha, and those delightfully chewy boba pearls. This is what happiness tastes like, my friend! And the best part? You can make it exactly how you like it – extra sweet, less ice, different milk – the power is in your hands now.

I’d love to hear how your Strawberry Matcha Boba turns out! Did you try any fun variations? Find a new trick for perfect layers? Tag me on Instagram and use #strawberrymatchaboba and share your creations and twists in the comments below – we’re all learning from each other here. Now go enjoy your delicious drink, you brilliant boba maestro!

FAQ About Strawberry Matcha Boba

I get so many questions about this drink – which makes sense because it’s basically magic in a glass! Here are answers to the ones I hear most often (and trust me, I’ve tested all these scenarios myself!

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