Forktionary

Pearl Tapioca

Manihot esculenta (cassava plant) Thickener, Starch

Pearl Tapioca Thickener, Starch

At a Glance

  • Category Thickener, Starch

The Forktionary Angle

"Tapioca is pure starch, making it an excellent gluten-free thickening agent that creates a clear, glossy finish in dishes, unlike flour or cornstarch."

Definition

Small, translucent starch pearls derived from the cassava root, commonly used as a thickener and to create chewy textures in desserts like pudding and bubble tea.

Expansion Rate Swells significantly when hydrated
Gluten Status Naturally Gluten-Free
Main Culinary Use Tapioca Pudding & Bubble Tea

Flavor Profile

The primary flavor notes for Pearl Tapioca are:

Neutral Mildly Sweet (when prepared)

Chef’s Secret

Always soak pearl tapioca (especially larger pearls) before cooking to ensure even hydration and prevent them from sticking or becoming gummy.

Best Substitutes

Small-grain sago pearls

Ratio 1:1

Cornstarch

for thickening, use less, about 0.
Ratio 5:1

Agar-agar

for texture, follow package instructions

Buying Guide

Look for uniformly sized, opaque pearls. Store in an airtight container to prevent moisture absorption.

Culinary Pairings

Coconut Milk Tropical Fruits Vanilla Brown Sugar Milk Tea

Recipes Using Pearl Tapioca

Alton Brown's Tapioca Pudding image 101
Main Ingredient Crock Pot Slow Cooker Breakfast 4 Hours Or Less

Alton Brown's Tapioca Pudding

This decadent tapioca pudding recipe, courtesy of Alton Brown (2004), uses large pearl tapioca and the magic of a slow cooker for perfectly creamy texture. Skip the stovetop fuss and enjoy a luxurious dessert with minimal effort!

See Complete Recipe
Banana Coconut Pudding image
Dinner Party Nuts Coconut Tropical Fruit

Banana Coconut Pudding

This incredibly easy Malaysian-inspired banana coconut pudding is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! Perfect for kids and adults alike, its creamy texture and subtle sweetness offer a soothing counterpoint to spicy meals. Get ready for a taste of tropical paradise in just 75 minutes!

See Complete Recipe