Tapioca

Manihot esculenta Pantry Staple

Tapioca Pantry Staple

At a Glance

  • Category Pantry Staple

The Forktionary Angle

"The secret to perfectly clear, glossy fruit fillings and irresistible puddings."

Definition

A flavorless, gluten-free starch extracted from the cassava root, commonly used as a thickening agent in desserts, puddings, and bubble tea.

Common Form Pearls & Flour
Naturally Gluten-Free Yes
Primary Use Thickener

Flavor Profile

The primary flavor notes for Tapioca are:

Neutral Mildly Sweet (when cooked into desserts)

Chef’s Secret

For fruit pies, allow tapioca to sit with fruit for 15-30 minutes before baking; this ensures it absorbs juices evenly and prevents a gritty texture.

Best Substitutes

Cornstarch

for thickening
Ratio 1:1

Arrowroot Powder

for thickening
Ratio 1:1

Buying Guide

Choose tapioca pearls or flour based on your recipe needs. Ensure it's pure tapioca, not a blend.

Recipes Using Tapioca

Main Dish Beef Preparation Dietary

Bachelor Beef Stew

Warm up on chilly nights with this unbelievably easy Bachelor Beef Stew! This classic recipe, handed down through generations, requires minimal prep – simply toss the ingredients together and let the oven work its magic for 5 hours. No stirring, no fuss, just incredibly tender beef and hearty vegetables. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekend meals. Get ready for a flavor explosion that'll make this a new family favorite!

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Number Of Servings Low Carb Oven Low Cholesterol

A To Z Bread

This incredibly versatile and moist bread is a delicious way to use up leftover frozen berries! Packed with flavor and easy to customize, A to Z Berry Bread is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a delightful afternoon treat. Make it your own by adding your favorite mix of frozen fruits, nuts, and spices.

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Thanksgiving Desserts Thanksgiving Crock Pot Slow Cooker

Apple Tapioca Crock Pot

Warm up your autumn with this comforting Apple Tapioca Crock-Pot Delight! A family favorite, this recipe adapts a classic oven-baked dessert for modern convenience. Enjoy the simple, delicious flavors of perfectly cooked apples and creamy tapioca, a perfect way to use up your fall apple harvest. This slow-cooked treat is the ultimate in cozy comfort food.

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Main Dish Preparation Occasion Inexpensive

Ann's Shopping Trip Beef Stew

This hearty beef stew is perfect for busy days! Whether you're running errands, hitting the slopes, or simply need a comforting meal, this recipe delivers rich, flavorful beef simmered to perfection. Its long, slow cook time allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a tender, melt-in-your-mouth stew that's ideal for a cozy night in. Serve with crusty French bread or sourdough for dipping into the delicious, savory gravy. #beefstew #slowcooker #comfortfood #easyrecipe #weeknightdinner

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Main Ingredient Preparation Inexpensive One Dish Meal

Beefy Vegetable Casserole

Warm up your winter nights with this hearty and budget-friendly Beefy Vegetable Casserole! This easy recipe is a family favorite, packed with tender beef and colorful vegetables in a rich and savory sauce. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal. No more boring casseroles!

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American Dietary Equipment Main Ingredient

4 Hour Beef Stew

This incredibly tender 4-hour beef stew is a comforting classic, perfect for a chilly evening! This adaptable recipe can be made in the oven or slow cooker. Enjoy fall-off-the-bone beef and perfectly tender vegetables with minimal prep work – just some rough chopping! The secret? Baking (or slow cooking) it low and slow, allowing the steam to create melt-in-your-mouth magic. Serve with crusty bread for dipping in the rich, flavorful gravy. #beefstew #slowcooker #ovenbaked #comfortfood #easyrecipe #fallrecipe

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Middle Eastern European Equipment Soups Stews

Beid Bi Lamoun Egg And Lemon Soup

Experience the vibrant flavors of the Middle East with this beloved Beid Bi Lamoun, a comforting and creamy egg and lemon soup. This recipe, similar to the Greek Avgolemono, uses the magic of egg yolks (or whole eggs!) to create a luxuriously thick and lemony broth. Perfect for a light yet satisfying meal, this soup is quick, easy, and bursting with fresh citrus flavor. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this classic dish!

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American Main Dish Course Weeknight

Baked Beef Stew

Warm up your fall evenings with this hearty Baked Beef Stew! Perfect for chilly afternoons, this recipe is surprisingly easy to prep in the afternoon, leaving you with a mouthwatering supper ready by 5 pm. Feeds at least 10, making it ideal for family gatherings or potlucks. Get ready for tender beef, rich gravy, and melt-in-your-mouth vegetables.

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