Do you think green tea and strawberries make an odd pair? Think again! This colorful drink will surprise your taste buds in the best way. Sweet strawberries, creamy milk, earthy matcha, and chewy tapioca pearls come together to create Strawberry Matcha Boba, a drink that’s taking over homemade bubble tea trends. Whether you’re new to bubble tea or a longtime fan, Strawberry Matcha Boba might become your new favorite.
Jump to Recipe Print RecipeWhy Strawberry Matcha Boba Is Special
Strawberry Matcha Boba is more than just a pretty drink. It’s a blend of fresh fruit, premium matcha, and soft tapioca pearls that give you a satisfying sip every time. The recipe takes about 30 minutes and is easy enough for beginners. You don’t need fancy tools or expert skills to make it at home.
It’s perfect for a hot afternoon, a casual gathering, or even just treating yourself to something special. The layering of bright red strawberries, creamy milk, and vibrant green matcha creates a beautiful and Instagram-worthy look and the taste is just as amazing.
If you’re a fan of creative and colorful Japanese drinks like this, don’t miss our recipe for the nostalgic Japanese Classic Cream Soda it’s another beautiful and fun treat to try at home.
Table of Contents
Strawberry Matcha Boba ストロベリー抹茶タピオカ
What Is Strawberry Matcha Boba?
Strawberry Matcha Boba, or ストロベリー抜茶タピオカ, is a Japanese-inspired bubble tea drink. It combines sweet strawberry puree, chewy tapioca pearls (boba), creamy milk, and a layer of whisked matcha green tea. It’s usually served in a clear glass to showcase the colorful layers.
This drink brings together three strong elements:
- Sweetness from strawberries and brown sugar
- Creaminess from milk
- Bitterness from ceremonial-grade matcha
When mixed, these flavors create a balanced and refreshing beverage that looks as good as it tastes.
Essential Ingredients
Let’s break down the key components that make this drink shine:
- Tapioca Pearls (50g): These chewy black pearls are the heart of bubble tea. You can find them at Asian grocery stores or online. Instant boba is a great time-saving option.
- Brown Sugar (25g): Adds depth and sweetness to the tapioca pearls, turning them into a flavorful syrupy base.
- Strawberries (3 large, diced): Use fresh or frozen, but make sure they are ripe. The natural sweetness and red color are key to the strawberry layer.
- Milk (300g): Dairy or non-dairy options like oat milk or almond milk work well. Choose one with a creamy texture.
- Matcha Powder (1 tsp, ceremonial grade): Always use high-quality matcha for drinks. It should be vibrant green with a mild, sweet taste.
- Hot Water (55g): To whisk the matcha into a frothy layer.
Substitutions and Variations:
- Use maple syrup or honey instead of brown sugar.
- Swap strawberries with raspberries or mango for a twist.
- Try coconut milk for a tropical flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Tapioca Pearls
Bring a small pot of water to a boil. Add all the tapioca pearls at once and stir to separate them. Boil for 15 minutes.
2. Let Them Sit
After boiling, cover the pot and let the pearls sit for another 15 minutes. This helps them become soft and chewy.
3. Sweeten the Pearls
Drain the pearls and move them to a small bowl. Stir in the brown sugar until it melts into a syrup. Set aside.
4. Muddle the Strawberries
To begin assembling your Strawberry Matcha Boba, add the diced strawberries into a clear serving glass. Use a muddler, the back of a spoon, or a rolling pin to crush them into a rough puree.
5. Add the Boba
Spoon the sweetened pearls and syrup into the glass on top of the strawberries.
6. Add Ice and Milk
Fill the glass halfway with ice. Pour in milk until the glass is about three-quarters full. Stir gently if you want a pink strawberry milk look, or leave it layered for presentation.
7. Prepare the Matcha
In a small bowl or matcha chawan, sift in 1 tsp of matcha powder. Add 55g hot water. Use a bamboo whisk and whisk in an “M” motion until it becomes frothy.
8. Layer the Matcha
Slowly pour the matcha over the milk layer. Serve immediately with a wide bubble tea straw.
Hana’s Recipe Tips
Hana, who first introduced this drink at her small Tokyo cafe, has a few insider secrets:
- Use room-temperature water to boil pearls first, then bring it up to a boil. This prevents them from sticking.
- Sift your matcha before whisking to avoid clumps.
- Crush your strawberries gently, don’t over-puree them—you want texture.
Tips and Tricks
Always use high-quality ingredients when making Strawberry Matcha Boba to get the best taste and vibrant color.
- Use high-quality matcha powder. A good ceremonial-grade matcha makes all the difference in flavor and color.
- Pick ripe, sweet strawberries. The fresher the berries, the better the color and taste.
- Keep your tapioca pearls warm and covered. This keeps them soft and chewy.
- Don’t forget the bubble tea straw. A wide straw is a must to enjoy those pearls.
Assembly and Presentation
To build your drink: Strawberry Matcha Boba
- Start with the crushed strawberries.
- Add the warm tapioca pearls and syrup.
- Layer with ice and pour the milk gently.
- Finish with frothy matcha.
Presentation Tips:
- Serve in a tall clear glass.
- Garnish with a sliced strawberry or mint leaf on the rim.
- Snap a photo before stirring to show off the layers.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
- Tapioca pearls: Best eaten fresh. If needed, store in syrup at room temperature for up to 4 hours.
- Strawberry puree: Can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for 1-2 days.
- Matcha: Always whisk fresh. Don’t store or reheat.
- Fully assembled drink: Best served immediately. The pearls harden and the layers blend over time.
Recipe Variations
- Strawberry Mango Matcha Boba: Use half strawberries and half mango puree.
- Iced Strawberry Matcha Latte (no boba): Leave out the pearls for a lighter drink.
- Vegan Strawberry Matcha Boba: Use almond or oat milk and vegan sugar.
- Matcha Float: Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for a dessert version.
Strawberry Matcha Boba ストロベリー抹茶タピオカ
Course: BeveragesCuisine: JapaneseDifficulty: Easy1
servings10
minutes30
minutes250
kcalIngredients
50 g tapioca pearls
25 g brown sugar
3 large strawberries, diced
300 g milk (dairy or non-dairy)
1 tsp ceremonial-grade matcha powder
55 g hot water
Directions
- Boil tapioca pearls in a small pot of water for 15 minutes, stirring to separate.
- Cover and rest the pot off heat for another 15 minutes to soften the pearls.
- Drain and transfer pearls to a bowl. Mix with brown sugar until it dissolves into syrup.
- Add diced strawberries to a glass and mash them gently to form a chunky puree.
- Spoon in pearls and syrup over the strawberries.
- Add ice to the glass and pour in milk until ¾ full. Stir to mix, or keep layered for look.
- Whisk matcha with 55 g hot water until frothy, using a bamboo whisk if available.
- Top with matcha layer. Serve as is or stir before drinking. Don’t forget a wide straw!
Notes
- Use ripe, sweet strawberries for best flavor and vibrant red color.
Always choose a high-quality matcha meant for drinking—bright green and naturally sweet.
Keep tapioca pearls warm and moist until serving to maintain their soft texture.
Recipe works with any creamy milk alternative like oat or almond milk.
For a fun twist, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream to turn it into a dessert drink.
Conclusion
Strawberry Matcha Boba is a fun, easy, and eye-catching drink you can make at home. With fresh ingredients and simple steps, it’s perfect for both beginners and boba fans. Try it your way—add a new fruit, adjust the sweetness, or serve it layered or mixed. There are no rules, just good flavor.
So next time you’re craving something sweet, refreshing, and a little bit special, remember this recipe and give it a try. You might just discover your new favorite drink.
Want to explore more of Japan beyond its flavors? Check out this guide to plan an unforgettable trip to Nara home to temples, nature, and free-roaming deer!
FAQs
1. Can I use store-bought strawberry syrup instead of fresh fruit?
Yes, but the flavor and freshness may differ. Fresh fruit gives a better texture and natural taste.
2. Is matcha good for you?
Matcha is rich in antioxidants, helps with focus, and has a calm energy boost thanks to its caffeine and L-theanine content.
3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Some parts can be made ahead, but it’s best to assemble and serve the drink fresh.
4. Where can I buy boba pearls?
Most Asian supermarkets carry them. You can also find them online in various flavors and sizes.
5. What milk works best?
Whole milk gives a rich taste, but oat or almond milk also works well, especially for a dairy-free option.
6. How do I keep the pearls soft?
Keep them covered in syrup at room temperature until use. Don’t refrigerate them.
7. Can I make this sugar-free?
Use a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit sweetener, but test for taste as results can vary.
Strawberry Matcha Boba isn’t just a drink it’s an experience. With each layer, sip, and stir, you get a beautiful mix of flavors and textures. Enjoy your homemade Strawberry Matcha Boba!
