How to Make a Tapioca Pearls and Agar Cooler
My passion for cooking leads me to travel to different places, eat authentic local dishes, and inspire everybody to enjoy their lives!
Most Asian countries have their own variation of this drink. The first time I had this drink was when I visited beautiful Penang Island, Malaysia. Tapioca pearls, or tapioca balls, are made from starch that is extracted from cassava root. Agar, also called agar-agar, is a vegetarian gelatin. The combination of these two in a refreshing cooler is absolutely perfect. That's why I came up with my own version. While best enjoyed during the summer season, it can certainly be made any time of year!




Ingredients
- 8 cups water
- 1/2 cups brown sugar
- 250 grams tapioca pearls, cook according to package instruction
- 25 grams agar, cook according to package instructions
- 2 tablespoons vanilla extract


Utensils
- Pot
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Cooking spoon
Cook Time and Yield
Prep time | Cook time | Ready in | Yields |
---|---|---|---|
1 min | 4 min | 5 min | 4 |
Instructions
- Cook tapioca pearls and agar according to package instructions. Set aside.
- Add water, sugar and vanilla extract in a pot. Bring to boil. Turn off the heat.
- Let the mixture cool down and bit before transferring it in a pitcher.
- Cut agar into small cubes.
- Keep all the ingredients inside the refrigerator.
- To serve, pour the flavored mixture into a glass then add tapioca pearls and agar. Serve cold.
Tips and Techniques
- Add sugar to improve its sweetness.
- Adjust vanilla extract if necessary. The strong flavor of vanilla extract varies depending on the product manufacturer.
- Best served as a snack.
More Snackable Juices
- How to Make Snackable Dragon Fruit Coolers
Have you wondered if it's possible to combine a snack and a drink in one? It is possible! Try this refreshing and easy-to-make recipe for snackable dragon fruit coolers. Enjoy! - How to Make Jelly Juice Using Your Favorite Powdered Juice
Jelly juice is a popular drinkable snack for kids. Make your own version at home using your favorite powdered juice. It's absolutely fun and easy to make.
© 2018 Travel Chef
Comments
Travel Chef (author) from Manila on September 04, 2018:
Hello Miebakagh,
Same to you! Cheers!
Miebakagh Fiberesima from Port Harcourt, Rivers State, NIGERIA. on September 04, 2018:
Hi, dred cuan, you are welcomed. Have a nice time.
Travel Chef (author) from Manila on September 04, 2018:
Hi Miebakagh,
I can't think of any replacement for tapioca pearls, but you can replace agar with any gelatin powder you have in your local market. Hope you can find all the ingredients so you can try this delicious drink! Thanks for dropping by!
Miebakagh Fiberesima from Port Harcourt, Rivers State, NIGERIA. on September 04, 2018:
Hi, Dred Cuan, I can't get both the cassava pearl and agar peals in my state. But I will be checking out in some important Malls that import Asian confectionaries. It can be a wonderful drink. I know because processed and smashed cassavas are at times dried into a ball. When soaked in water for five minutes and a little sugar added, it gives a refreshing drink. I think the agar pearls or fruit extracts makes it a uniquely refreshing and relaxing drink. Thank you, and enjoy the day.
Travel Chef (author) from Manila on August 23, 2018:
Hi Pamela!
Absolutely true, it's a very simple recipe that you can make at home. If you love pearlsor booba for dry, you will surely enjoy this.
Pamela Oglesby from Sunny Florida on August 23, 2018:
I have never tried something quite like this, but it sure sounds delicious. Thanks for sharing this recipe.
Travel Chef (author) from Manila on August 23, 2018:
Hi Liz,
It's just like an ordinary jelly. The only difference is it comes from seaweeds.
Liz Westwood from UK on August 23, 2018:
I have not come across agar agar before. This looks very interesting.
Travel Chef (author) from Manila on August 22, 2018:
Hi Kristina,
Yes, this rexipe has its balance sweetness that everybody can enjoy. Thanks for dropping by!
Kristina Hearn from Iowa on August 22, 2018:
This looks tasty, and something new and interesting for me to try! Thanks for sharing your recipe!