Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil
Add tapioca pearls to the boiling water
Stir immediately to prevent sticking
Boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally
Cook until the pearls turn translucent, following package time
Turn off the heat and cover the pot
Let the pearls sit in the hot water until fully cooked
Drain the pearls in a strainer
Rinse briefly with cold water if needed
Soak the cooked pearls in sugar syrup or sweetener before serving