In a medium saucepan, combine ½ cup of dark brown sugar with ½ cup of water over medium heat. Stir until the sugar fully dissolves, then bring the mixture to a gentle boil. This should take about 3–5 minutes.

Gradually add 1 cup of tapioca starch to the boiling sugar water mixture, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. The consistency will thicken into a paste-like dough.

Remove the saucepan from heat and sprinkle in an additional ½ cup of tapioca starch while the dough is still warm. Knead the dough with your hands for about 5–7 minutes until it feels smooth and pliable.

Start rolling the kneaded dough into small balls, about the size of a marble, and lightly coat them with tapioca starch to prevent sticking.

If you're not cooking the pearls right away, spread them in a single layer on a parchment-lined tray and allow them to dry for about 4 hours.

Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil over high heat. Carefully add the boba pearls into the boiling water and cook for 30–40 minutes, or until they float and become translucent.

Once cooked, transfer the boba pearls into a bowl of cold water to stop the cooking process. Your homemade boba pearls are now ready!