Bubble tea, also known as boba tea, originated in Taiwan during the 1980s and has gained immense popularity worldwide in recent years. However, traditional bubble tea is often loaded with added sugar, making it unsuitable for those following a ketogenic diet. But fear not, boba lovers! This article provides a delightful keto-friendly bubble tea recipe that allows you to enjoy this Taiwanese treat without compromising your low-carb lifestyle.
What is Bubble Tea?
Boba tea, or bubble tea, is a popular beverage that originated in Taiwan in the 1980s. It typically consists of tea, milk, sweetener, and tapioca pearls, also known as boba. The boba balls themselves have very little flavor, but they add a unique chewy texture to the drink. Bubble tea comes in a wide variety of flavors, usually derived from syrups.
The Keto Challenge: Recreating Boba
Most boba tea out there is loaded with added sugar - that’s one of the reasons this Taiwanese treat has become so popular. Finding ways to spice up your keto diet with untraditional recipes is half the fun.
Keto Bubble Tea Recipe: Classic Milk Tea
This recipe provides a low-carb spin on the beloved beverage features creamy unsweetened almond milk, a touch of erythritol for natural sweetness, and gelatin-based tapioca pearls crafted with coconut flour and cocoa powder for a keto-friendly twist. Perfectly brewed black tea forms the bold, aromatic base, while a generous helping of ice guarantees a refreshing treat. Ready in just 25 minutes, this guilt-free bubble tea is the ultimate drink for anyone following a ketogenic lifestyle.
Ingredients
- 2 bags of black tea
- 1 cup of water (for tea)
- 100 ml of water (for boba)
- 60 ml of water
- Maple-flavored syrup
- Brown sugar replacement
- Gelatin
- Neutral oil (such as vegetable or canola oil)
- Ice (optional)
Instructions
Preparing the Keto Boba Pearls
- Chill the Oil: Refrigerate a cup of neutral oil for at least an hour. It should be cold but still liquid.
- Brew the Tea Concentrate: Boil a cup of water in a small saucepan. Turn off the heat and add two bags of black tea. Let them sit for 10 minutes. Remove and discard the tea bags.
- Prepare the Gelatin Mixture: Stir in the maple-flavored syrup and gelatin to the brewed tea concentrate. Whisk until combined and cook over medium heat until the mixture starts to boil and thicken.
- Create Boba Pearls: Transfer the gelatin mixture to a condiment bottle (or a small dropper). Slowly release small pearl-sized balls into the chilled oil. The pearls will harden immediately and sink to the bottom. Continue with the remaining mixture.
- Cook the Boba: Boil 100 ml of water in a small saucepan. Add the remaining two bags of black tea and cover. Let them sit for 10 minutes.
- Prepare the Syrup: Add the brown sugar replacement and the remaining 60ml of water to a small pot. Stir slowly and let it come to a boil, making sure all the sweetener has dissolved.
Assembling the Bubble Tea
- Combine: Put the prepared boba in a serving glass. Pour in the prepared tea and sugar syrup.
- Mix: Stir the glass so the syrup and the tea are thoroughly combined.
- Serve: Serve the bubble tea immediately. Add some ice before serving, if desired. Optionally, adjust the amount of sugar syrup according to taste.
Alternative Method for Making Boba
If you don’t have a neutral oil or want to avoid using oil, you can try this alternative method:
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- Instead of dropping the gelatin mixture in oil, use a dropper to fill a few small mini ice ball molds.
- Refrigerate them for 2 hours.
- Use immediately, or put into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Why Gelatin?
Gelatin is used to make the boba pearls, and is a rich source of the amino acid glycine. That’s because gelatin, used to make the boba pearls, is a rich source of the amino acid glycine.
Tips and Variations
- Add your boba to coffee, tea, or whatever beverage calls to you.
- Adjust the sweetness and flavor of your keto bubble tea by experimenting with different sweeteners, syrups, and tea flavors.
- For a creamier bubble tea, add a splash of unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk.
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