How To Make Biko Using Rice Cooker

If you love Filipino cuisine or have a sweet tooth, then you must try making Biko. Biko is a traditional Filipino sweet rice cake that is commonly served on special occasions and celebrations. It is made with glutinous rice, coconut milk, brown sugar, and topped with latik (coconut caramel).

Making Biko can be a time-consuming process, but with the help of a rice cooker, it becomes much easier and more convenient. The rice cooker ensures that the glutinous rice is cooked perfectly and the coconut milk and brown sugar are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.

To make Biko using a rice cooker, you will need a few ingredients such as glutinous rice, coconut milk, brown sugar, and latik for the topping. The process involves cooking the glutinous rice in the rice cooker, mixing it with coconut milk and brown sugar, and then cooking it again until it becomes sticky and creamy. Finally, the Biko is topped with latik to add a delicious caramelized flavor.

Whether you are a beginner or an experienced cook, making Biko using a rice cooker is a foolproof method that guarantees delicious results. Follow this easy recipe and impress your family and friends with this delightful Filipino dessert.

Preparing the Ingredients

Before you start making biko using a rice cooker, it’s important to gather all the necessary ingredients and prepare them properly. Here’s what you’ll need:

1. Glutinous Rice

Glutinous rice, also known as sticky rice or sweet rice, is the key ingredient in biko. It has a sticky texture and a slightly sweet flavor, which is perfect for this Filipino dessert. Rinse the glutinous rice with water a few times until the water runs clear. Soak the rice in water for at least 4 hours or overnight to ensure that it becomes tender when cooked.

2. Coconut Milk

Coconut milk is another important ingredient that gives biko its rich and creamy taste. You can use either fresh or canned coconut milk for this recipe. If you’re using canned coconut milk, make sure to give it a good stir before measuring it out.

3. Brown Sugar

Brown sugar is what gives biko its distinct sweetness and caramel flavor. You can use either light or dark brown sugar, depending on your preference. It’s important to use a good quality brown sugar to enhance the taste of your biko.

4. Water

Water is used to cook the glutinous rice and coconut milk mixture. Make sure to use fresh and clean water to ensure the best flavor.

Once you have all the ingredients prepared, you’re ready to start making biko using your rice cooker. The next section will guide you through the cooking process.

Gather all the necessary ingredients for making biko

Before you start making biko using a rice cooker, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients on hand. Having everything ready will help you streamline the cooking process and ensure that you don’t forget anything along the way. Here is a list of the ingredients you will need:

2 cups glutinous rice
2 cups water
2 cups coconut milk
1 ½ cups brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup coconut cream
½ teaspoon salt

Soaking and Cooking the Rice

To make biko using a rice cooker, you will first need to soak the glutinous rice. This step is crucial to ensure that the rice is cooked properly and has the right texture.

Here’s how to soak and cook the rice:

1. Soaking the Rice

1. Measure 2 cups of glutinous rice and place it in a large bowl.

2. Rinse the rice thoroughly under cold water to remove any impurities.

3. Fill the bowl with enough water to cover the rice completely.

4. Let the rice soak for at least 4 hours or overnight. Soaking the rice will help soften it and make it easier to cook.

2. Cooking the Rice

1. After soaking, drain the rice using a fine-mesh strainer or colander.

2. Transfer the rice to the rice cooker bowl.

3. Add 2 cups of water to the rice in the cooker. The ratio of rice to water is 1:1.

4. Close the rice cooker lid and set it to cook. The rice cooker will automatically switch to the “keep warm” setting once the rice is cooked.

5. Allow the rice to steam in the rice cooker for about 20-25 minutes. This will ensure that the sticky rice is fully cooked and has absorbed all the moisture.

6. Once the cooking time is complete, open the rice cooker and fluff the rice using a fork.

Tip:
If you prefer a softer texture, you can add a bit more water when cooking the rice. Simply add an additional 1/4 cup of water to the rice cooker.

Soak the glutinous rice for a few hours and then cook using a rice cooker

One crucial step in making biko is soaking the glutinous rice before cooking. This process helps the rice to absorb water and soften, ensuring a tender and chewy texture in the final dish.

To start, measure the desired amount of glutinous rice and place it in a large bowl. Rinse the rice thoroughly with water until the water runs clear, removing any impurities or excess starch.

After rinsing, fill the bowl with enough water to cover the rice by at least an inch. Allow the rice to soak for a minimum of 4 hours, or overnight for best results. Soaking the rice for an extended period helps to soften it and speeds up the cooking process.

Once the rice has finished soaking, it is ready to be cooked using a rice cooker. Drain the soaked rice using a fine-mesh sieve or colander, removing any excess water. Transfer the rice to the rice cooker bowl.

Next, add enough water to the rice cooker bowl to reach the appropriate level for cooking glutinous rice. The ratio of water to rice typically ranges from 1:1 to 1:1.25, depending on personal preference for the rice’s texture.

Close the rice cooker lid and set it to cook according to the manufacturer’s instructions. The rice cooker will automatically switch to “keep warm” mode once the rice is cooked, ensuring it stays warm and ready to be used in the biko recipe.

Once the rice is cooked, allow it to sit in the rice cooker for an additional 10-15 minutes to steam, which helps to further enhance the texture and flavor of the rice.

Why soak the glutinous rice?

Soaking the glutinous rice is a crucial step in making biko as it helps to soften the rice and ensure a tender and chewy texture in the final dish. Soaking the rice also helps to speed up the cooking process and makes the rice easier to digest.

Why cook the rice using a rice cooker?

Using a rice cooker to cook the glutinous rice ensures a convenient and consistent cooking process. The rice cooker has built-in features that allow for easy cooking and automatically switches to “keep warm” mode once the rice is cooked, ensuring it stays warm and ready to be used in the biko recipe.

Making the Sweet Coconut Sauce

To complement the rice cake, it’s important to have a delectable sweet coconut sauce. Here’s how you can make it:

Ingredients:	Instructions:
1 cup coconut milk	1. In a small saucepan, pour in the coconut milk.
1/2 cup brown sugar	2. Add the brown sugar to the saucepan.
1/4 teaspoon salt	3. Sprinkle the salt into the mixture.
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract	4. Add the vanilla extract for a hint of flavor.

5. Place the saucepan on medium heat and stir the mixture until the sugar dissolves completely.

6. Bring the sauce to a simmer, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes or until it thickens.

7. Once the desired consistency is achieved, remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly.

8. Drizzle the sweet coconut sauce over the biko before serving to enhance its taste and provide a distinct sweetness.

Prepare the sweet coconut sauce by combining coconut milk, brown sugar, and salt

To make the delicious sweet coconut sauce for your biko, you will need to combine coconut milk, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt. This rich and creamy sauce enhances the flavor of the sticky rice and gives it a luscious sweet taste.

In a saucepan over medium heat, pour in the coconut milk. Stir in the brown sugar until it dissolves completely in the milk. Add a pinch of salt to balance out the sweetness and bring out the natural flavors of the sauce.

Continue stirring the mixture frequently to prevent the sugar from burning and sticking to the bottom of the pan. Allow the sauce to simmer for about 10-15 minutes until it thickens slightly and becomes fragrant. The aroma of the coconut and caramelized sugar will fill your kitchen, making you even more excited to taste the final dish.

Combining the Rice and Coconut Sauce

Once the rice is cooked and the coconut sauce is thickened, it’s time to combine them to create the delicious biko dish. Follow these steps to complete the final stage of the recipe:

Transfer the cooked sticky rice into a large mixing bowl.
Pour the coconut sauce over the cooked rice.
Using a spatula or a wooden spoon, gently fold the rice and sauce together until well combined.
Make sure that every grain of rice is coated in the delicious coconut sauce.
Once the rice and sauce are well mixed, transfer the mixture into the greased baking dish.
Spread the mixture evenly and press it down lightly.
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to seal in the flavors.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the biko for about 25-30 minutes.
Remove the foil during the last 10 minutes of baking to allow the top to brown slightly.

After the baking time is complete, remove the biko from the oven and let it cool before cutting it into squares or serving it directly from the dish. The biko should be sticky, sweet, and have a wonderful coconut flavor. Enjoy it as a snack or dessert!