How to Make Biko: The Perfect Recipe Guide

Biko is a traditional Filipino dessert made from glutinous rice and coconut milk. It is often served during special occasions and family gatherings. Making biko at home is actually easy and requires only a few simple ingredients.

To make biko, you will need glutinous rice, coconut milk, brown sugar, and pandan leaves (optional). The key to making delicious biko is to use high-quality ingredients and to take your time in cooking it. Follow the steps below to make your own biko and impress your family and friends with this delectable dessert!

Ingredients

Before making biko, it is important to have all the ingredients ready. Here are the essential ingredients needed to make biko:

• 2 cups glutinous rice or malagkit
• 3 cups coconut milk
• 2 cups brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Banana leaves for lining (optional)

Preparing the Glutinous Rice

The first step in making biko is preparing the glutinous rice. Rinse two cups of glutinous rice in water until the water runs clear. Soak the rice in enough water to cover it for at least 2 hours. After soaking, drain the water and transfer the rice to a steamer. Steam the rice for 20-25 minutes or until it is fully cooked.

Preparing the Coconut Milk Mixture

While waiting for the rice to cook, prepare the coconut milk mixture. Combine 3 cups of coconut milk, 2 cups of brown sugar, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt in a saucepan. Heat the mixture on low heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar has dissolved. Once the sugar has dissolved, remove from heat and let it cool down.

Combining the Glutinous Rice and Coconut Milk Mixture

After the glutinous rice and coconut milk mixture have been prepared, mix them together in a large pot. Make sure that the mixture is evenly distributed. If you want to add an extra flair of presentation, you can use banana leaves to line your container.

Cooking the Biko Mixture

Cover the pot with a lid and cook the biko mixture over low heat for 30-40 minutes. Make sure to stir the mixture occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot. After 30-40 minutes, check if the biko is cooked by inserting a fork or toothpick into the center of the mixture. If it comes out clean, then it is ready.

Letting it Cool Down

Once it is cooked, turn off the heat and let the biko cool down to room temperature. Make sure not to remove it from the container while it is hot because it may fall apart or become too sticky to handle.

Serving the Biko Dish

When the biko has cooled down, it is now ready to serve. Cut it into serving sizes and transfer the pieces onto a serving platter. You can top it with latik (coconut curd) or add any other toppings of your choice. Enjoy your homemade biko as a delicious dessert dish!

Tips

Here are some tips to make your biko-making experience better:

• Use high-quality coconut milk to get the best flavor.
• Make sure that the rice is fully cooked before mixing it with the coconut milk mixture.
• Stir the biko mixture occasionally to prevent it from sticking and burning.
• Do not remove the biko from the container while it is hot to prevent it from breaking apart.
• If you want to add an extra layer of flavor and aroma, you can add pandan leaves while cooking the coconut milk mixture.

Conclusion

The Filipino dessert dish biko is a delicious and simple-to-make dessert that can be made with just a few ingredients. All you need to do is prepare the glutinous rice, mix it with the coconut milk mixture, cook it, and serve it. By following these steps and tips, you can make biko that is just as delicious as the ones you can buy from restaurants. Try making it and impress your loved ones with this scrumptious dessert dish!

Section 2: Ingredients and Preparing the Glutinous Rice

1. Choosing the Right Rice Variety

The most important ingredient for making biko is the glutinous rice used. Look for a specific rice variety called “malagkit” or “sticky rice” in Asian specialty stores or online. Avoid using other types of rice as they will not give you the desired texture for biko.

2. Washing the Rice

Before cooking, rinse the glutinous rice with water until the water runs clear. This will remove any dirt or impurities and ensure that the rice is clean.

3. Soaking the Rice

Soak the washed rice in water for at least 30 minutes to an hour. This will soften the rice and make it easier to cook. Drain the rice well before cooking.

4. Measuring the Ingredients

To make a standard-sized pan of biko, you will need 4 cups of glutinous rice, 8 cups of water, 4 cups of brown sugar or “panucha,” and 2 cans of coconut milk. Keep these ingredients ready on your counter before starting.

5. Boiling the Rice

In a large cooking pot, bring the measured water to a boil. Add the drained rice and reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot with a lid and let it simmer for about 20 to 25 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom of the pot.

6. Preparing the Sweet Glaze

While the rice is cooking, make the sweet glaze by combining the brown sugar and coconut milk in a separate saucepan. Heat the mixture over medium heat and stir until the sugar is completely dissolved. Reduce heat to low and let it simmer for 15 minutes.

7. Checking the Rice

After 20 to 25 minutes, check if the rice is cooked by squeezing a grain between your fingers. The rice should be soft and chewy, with no hard center. If the rice needs more cooking, add a little water and cook for another 5 minutes.

8. Mixing the Glaze with the Rice

When the rice is cooked, remove from heat and pour the prepared sweet glaze over the rice. Mix well using a wooden spoon until the rice is coated with the glaze.

9. Transferring to a Baking Dish

Transfer the mixture to a non-stick baking dish or greased pan. Flatten the surface using a spatula or the back of a spoon.

10. Baking the Biko

Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Place the pan of biko in the oven and bake for 20 to 30 minutes or until the top turns golden brown. Take it out of the oven and let it cool down before slicing into serving portions. Enjoy your homemade biko with family and friends!

Ingredients you’ll need to make Biko

Making Biko is an excellent way to indulge in a sweet, sticky dessert that is popular in the Philippines. The ingredients used in making it are easy to find and affordable. Here are the ingredients you’ll need:

Step one: Preparing the Glutinous Rice

First, rinse the glutinous rice three times until the water runs clear. Soak it in water for a minimum of 30 minutes before transferring it into a large pot with water. Bring to a boil over high heat. Once the water boils, reduce the heat and let it simmer until the rice is fully cooked.

Step two: Making the Sweet Coconut Sauce

While the rice is cooking, start preparing the sweet coconut sauce. In another pot, mix the coconut milk and brown sugar over medium heat. Add a pinch of salt, then stir continuously until the sugar fully dissolves.

Step three: Mixing the Rice and Coconut Sauce

Once the rice is fully cooked, remove from heat, and pour the sweet coconut sauce mixture into the pot. Mix thoroughly and let it simmer for 20 to 25 minutes. Keep stirring to prevent the rice from sticking to the pot and burning.

Step four: Transferring the Biko into a Bilao

After 25 minutes, the biko mixture should have thickened, and the color will turn to a light brownish color. Transfer the mixture to a bilao, or a round woven basket used for food. Be mindful and avoid overfilling the basket as it may cause the biko to overflow once you level it out.

Step five: Caramelizing the Top of the Biko

Caramelizing the top of Biko is the last step in making it. Pre-heat your oven at 350°F, bake it for 10 to 15 minutes until you achieve the desired caramelized result. Alternatively, if you don’t have an oven, you can do it manually over direct heat. Place the bilao over your stove top and use the medium setting to avoid burning the Biko.

That’s it; you’ve made your first biko! Allow it to cool down before serving it to your family and friends. Biko makes for a great dessert, especially during special occasions or family gatherings. Enjoy every bite!

Enjoy your homemade biko!

Now that you know how to make biko, feel free to experiment with different toppings and make it your own. Thank you so much for reading our article and we hope you found it helpful. We’ll be back with more delicious recipes and cooking tips in the future, so make sure to visit us again soon! Have fun in the kitchen and savor every bite of your homemade biko. Happy cooking!