Name: Instant Pot Milk Tea Boba
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 3 Servings
Cuisine: American

It is a Keeper Verified

March 5, 2026

Milk Tea is amazing, however if you add the boba or bubbles to your drink, it is a fun and filing way to enjoy this refreshing drink. Sweet and caffeinated to get you threw that mid afternoon slump. This bubble or Boba version consists of black tea, milk, ice, and chewy tapioca pearls.

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Instant Pot Milk Tea Boba

It is a Keeper Verified

Ingredients

Warning0 allergens identified

Instructions

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Instructions

Place the boba pearls in the instant pot with 2 cups of water. Close lid and pressure valve. Pressure Cook on high for 5 minutes. Release pressure manually when finished.

Drain and rinse pearls and add 2 tablespoons of brown sugar. Stir.

Set instant pot to sauté and add 4 cups of water and tea bags. Bring tea to a boil and remove tea bags. Add the remaining brown sugar to tea and mix in milk.

In a glass, add 1/4-1/2 cups of pearls and mix the tea over ice.

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Tips & Tricks (5)

Pre-Cook Boba Separately ⏱️
Cook tapioca pearls in boiling water for 30-35 minutes before adding to your tea, ensuring they're perfectly chewy without becoming mushy when mixed with hot liquid.
Steep Earl Grey at Lower Temperature 🫖
Use water cooled to 195-200°F in the Instant Pot instead of boiling to prevent over-steeping and bitter flavors, then brew for exactly 4-5 minutes for optimal taste.
Caramelize Brown Sugar First 🍯
Toast brown sugar in a small pan before adding to create a rich caramel base that dissolves instantly and adds depth compared to plain sugar.
Use Full-Fat Milk for Creaminess 🥛
Substitute whole milk or even condensed milk instead of low-fat alternatives to achieve that signature silky texture and authentic bubble tea richness.
Quick Chill Method for Best Texture 🧊
Pour prepared tea over ice immediately after brewing and add boba right before serving to prevent pearls from hardening while maintaining ideal drinking temperature.

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About the Cook

It is a Keeper

Hi! I’m Christina… welcome to my kitchen! It’s so nice to meet you! I share tried and true recipes that anyone can make. I believe, if you can read, you can cook.