Once your pearls are all soaked and ready to go, it's time to cook them! In a large pot, combine the tapioca pearls with a generous amount of water (think at least 4 cups for every 1 cup of pearls). Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce the heat and let those little guys simmer for about 10-15 minutes, or until they're translucent and tender.
Now, here's the part where most people go wrong: stirring! You've got to stir those pearls constantly to prevent them from sticking to the bottom of the pot. Think of it like a meditation exercise - focus on the stirring, let go of your worries, and become one with the tapioca. Okay, maybe that's a bit of an exaggeration, but you get the idea!
How To Cook Tapioca Pearls
As you're stirring away, you might notice that the tapioca pearls start to release their starch, making the mixture thick and gooey. Don't worry, that's just the magic happening! It's like a little party in your pot, and everyone's invited (except for the lumps, of course - we don't want any uninvited guests crashing the party).
