Description
Filipino dessert Biko blends sweet coconut milk with glutinous rice and brown sugar, creating a rich cultural treat. Sticky caramelized topping and dense rice layers make this traditional Filipino delicacy irresistible for those craving authentic Southeast Asian sweets.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups glutinous rice
- 3 (14 oz/400 ml) cans coconut milk
- 2 ½ cups dark brown sugar, packed
- 1 ½ cups water
- ¼ tsp kosher salt
Instructions
- Rice Preparation: Soak glutinous rice overnight in cool water, draining and rinsing thoroughly to ensure optimal texture for this traditional Filipino delicacy.
- Preparation: Warm the oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously butter a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent adhesion.
- Rice Cooking: Merge coconut milk and water in a large pot, bringing to a gentle simmer. Introduce drained rice, stirring continuously to achieve a creamy, uniform consistency while preventing scorching.
- Flavor Infusion: Reduce heat, fold in brown sugar and kosher salt. Continue cooking until the mixture transforms into a dense, sticky amalgamation with a rich, glossy appearance.
- Layering: Transfer the rice mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly to create a smooth, compact foundation.
- Caramel Topping: In a separate saucepan, combine remaining coconut milk and brown sugar. Bring to a rolling boil, ensuring complete sugar dissolution and a glossy amber hue.
- Final Assembly: Allow caramel to cool momentarily, then cascade over the rice layer, creating a luxurious golden blanket. Bake for approximately one hour, monitoring as the topping bubbles and thickens.
- Serving Preparation: Extract from the oven and allow the Biko to rest, enabling the caramel to set and cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Soak Rice Thoroughly: Overnight soaking ensures soft, perfectly textured glutinous rice, transforming the foundation of this traditional dessert.
- Monitor Cooking Carefully: Constant stirring prevents rice from burning and creates a creamy, even consistency during stovetop preparation.
- Check Caramel Consistency: The topping should bubble and thicken, indicating it’s perfectly caramelized and ready to complement the sticky rice base.
- Cool Before Serving: Allowing the Biko to rest helps the caramel set and prevents potential burns from extremely hot topping.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus overnight soaking)
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Filipino
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 13
- Calories: 305
- Sugar: 35 g
- Sodium: 3 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 57 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg