Get that perfect sticky chewiness all the time with this easy Biko recipe. Topped with delicious coconut caramel sauce or latik that will make you want for more.
What is Biko?
Biko (pronounced bee-koh), a rice cake, is a native Filipino delicacy or 'kakanin' where glutinous rice is cooked with coconut milk and brown sugar then topped Latik. The latik can be either in curd form or syrup. Traditionally, biko is served on a bilao, a round wooden bamboo tray, lined with coconut-oiled banana leaves, and is a popular dessert for every special occasion like birthdays, reunions and fiestas.
It is well-loved throughout the country and known different names. Bibingkang malagkit is one and it is Sinukmani to the Southern Tagalog regions. We grew up calling it simply kalamay.
What do you need to make Biko Kalamay?
You will need only 4 basic ingredients to make this delicacy: glutinous rice, coconut milk, water, and brown sugar. You can either top it with latik curds or latik syrup, that is made by combining coconut and brown sugar.
The color of your biko will depend mainly on the brown sugar used. If you are trying to get that rich brown color then use a really dark brown sugar or muscovado. Brown sugar also varies in sweetness so you might have to adjust according to your preference.
Adding pandan leaves while cooking the rice will give it nice aroma and flavor. I also added a bit of vanilla extract to the latik syrup to make it extra delicious. Believe me, it is spoon-licking good, I could eat it on its own.
How to make Biko?
I found that there are several ways to cook it. The most common way is by cooking the glutinous rice first like you do regular rice. Then it will be added to the coconut caramel later.
There is also another way that an old friend taught me. He simply put the ingredients for the biko together in a rice cooker and that is it. Practical if you do not have time and just want a quick snack.
For this recipe I went with the more traditional way. But instead of just boiling the sticky rice in water, I boiled it in coconut milk with water and pandan leaves so it can absorb the flavors right from the beginning.
Here are some tips to make a perfectly chewy biko with perfect latik topping
Making this sticky rice cake is really very easy. But one simple mistake and it can turn mushy or uncooked.
- When you steam the rice make sure that you do not add too much water. It is not supposed to be completely cooked at this point. Doing so may result in the grains to break when cooked later which will give you a paste-like consistency instead of chewy whole grains.
- It is fine to give it a stir or two in the first part of cooking the rice to prevent the bottom from burning. However, avoid over stirring because, again, it will result in mushy rice.
- When the rice is added to the latik syrup, gently fold the rice to coat them completely. Let the rice absorb the liquid while stirring from time to time. Do this until all grains are cooked and have expanded and very sticky.
- The length of time to bake the biko depends on how thick the latik caramel topping is, it might take more than 20-30 minutes if it is a thick layer. Just wait that it turns bubbly and no longer gooey.
Printable Recipe
Biko Recipe (Filipino Rice Cake)
Ingredients
TO COOK RICE
- 2 cups glutinous rice - washed and drained
- 1 cup canned coconut milk
- 1 cup water
- 2 pieces pandan leaves
LATIK SYRUP
- 2 cups canned coconut milk - SEE NOTE 1
- 1 cup dark brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon vanilla (optional)
- vegetable or coconut oil - for greasing the pan
Instructions
- vegetable or coconut oilGenerously grease an 8x8-inch square baking pan and set aside.
- 2 cups glutinous rice, 1 cup canned coconut milk, 1 cup water, 2 pieces pandan leavesIn a large pot over medium heat, mix 1 cup coconut milk and 1 cup water. Add the glutinous rice and pandan leaves. Bring to a simmer then turn heat to low and cover. Let it cook until all liquids are absorbed. The rice should only be almost cooked at this point, not fully cook or the biko will be mushy. They should be softer but has not fully expanded and it is ok to see some grains are still "chalky" at the center. If it is too undercooked, you can add a bit more water (start with ¼ cup) pour along the edges.
- 2 cups canned coconut milk, 1 cup dark brown sugar, packed, 1 teaspoon vanillaWhile waiting, prepare the latik syrup by combining the 2 cups coconut milk and 1 cup dark brown sugar in a large pan. You can add the vanilla extract if desired. (I do). Cook over medium heat while constantly stirring. Cook it until the liquid is reduced into a thick syrup, the color should also have darkened into deep brown caramel. Reduce the heat to very low at this point.
- Scoop and reserve ½ cup of the latik syrup for the topping later. Add the cooked rice (without the pandan leaves) to the pan with the remaining latik syrup. Gently fold the sticky rice and the syrup until completely coated. Cook while stirring occasionally, until the rice completely absorbs the syrup, but it shold still be not mushy. The individual grains should still be visible and it is ok to see some of the grains having a bit of white parts at this point as it will continue to cook and expand in the oven.
- Transfer the rice into the greased pan and spread out evenly. Pour the reserved latik syrup on spread evenly on top of the rice. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F/180°C for 20-30 minutes or until the latik is reduced and becomes bubbly.
- Remove from oven and let it cool down. Cut into squares and serve.
Notes
Nutrition
This biko recipe was originally published on August 2016. Updated on May 2020 to include new photos and recipe video and improve the recipe itself.
Nina says
Excellent,very easy to follow how to cook it. Everyone enjoyed and favorite. Thank you po.
Bebs says
Thanks for the lovely comment, Nina.
Shane Mara G. says
Hi there! I don't have an 8x8 square pan. I have the round ones, and a 9x13 pan. If I use the 9x13 pan, do I need to double the ingredients? I've been planning to make this for the Holiday.
Bebs says
Yes, you will need to double the batch to fill a 9x13 pan.
Kayla says
So the rice cooks in the coconut milk and water? No need to cook beforehand? Very excited to try this recipe!
Bebs says
Just like the recipe says...
marissa says
hello! it looks yummy. i can’t wait to try it. what kind of brown sugar did you use? matsala
Bebs says
I used the very dark one.
Lolita says
Hi, do you have a paperback recipe book or hard bound? I will surely buy it. I’ve tried some of your recipes and loved all of them.
Bebs says
Hi Lolita, it is still on our plan and hopefully soon! 😘
Helen Hernandez says
Can you cook the rice in a rice cooker?
Bebs says
I know a lot of people do, just check and stir it once in a while.
Ellen Zabala says
Love this Biko Kalamay recipe! I'm not really a fan of kakanin, but I find this one simply irresistible. I keep coming back for seconds and thirds. Thank you so much and I will be trying your other recipes as well!
Bebs says
That is the best thing to hear, that you can't get enough of it even when it is not normally a fave. Thanks for your lovely comment, Ellen.
Cuthbert Pandey says
Thank you for your recipe . I tried it. It's taste is great. Thanks so much
Bebs says
happy to hear it.
Katherine Angeles says
Hi! Can I use your photos for an assignment in our class? Our topic is food as social practice and your photos of Biko look nice.
Bebs says
Hi Katherine, as long as it is not used for commercial purposes, sure go ahead. I hope our photo will help you in your class.
Katherine Angeles says
Thank you!
Janet P says
Forgot to rate this. See my previous post for my comment 🙂
Bebs says
Thanks for the lovely comment and perfect score, Janet!
Janet P says
My pleasure. I also appreciate that you included the Nutrition Facts and calorie count. So important to me especially right now as I’m trying to lose weight. Thank you!
Janet P says
I’ve tried various Biko recipes online now and I keep on coming back to this. It has the right sweetness with a generous topping of Coconut Caramel Sauce which I love. Looking forward to trying your other recipes. Keep up the good work!
Cerberus says
so i dont have sweet rice can i use jasmine rice?? i know technically it wont be the same but could i just add more brown sugar to substitute the jasmine rice not being sweet enough? because there is no sweet rice in my town lol so itd be nice if i can use jasmine
Bebs says
Sticky rice is not sweet at all. It tastes just like rice only sticky. I used to sub sushi rice because it is also sticky.
Hani says
Tried this recipe twice and it was amazing! My only problem was that there were some uncooked rice grains on top after pulling it from the oven. Any idea why? Thank you!
Bebs says
If you are going to use the same batch of rice next time add a bit more water.
Jew says
The biko is the oven as I'm typing. I made a mistake! When the coconut milk and brown sugar reduced and caramelised, I mixed the rice for about couple minutes. I didn't check for doneness before I put it in the baking pan. It's my fault for not checking back the instructions. Hope the rice is fully cooked after 30mins.
Bebs says
It would continue to cook and should be fine.
Donna says
Hello po Ms.Bebs, love your recipes. May I know the shelf life of Biko? Thank you!
Bebs says
It should be ok for a day or two in the fridge. But it does not do well in the fridge because it dries up and harden.
Kelli says
Hello! Thanks for sharing this recipe - I've been buying Biko from our local farmer's market for about a year now and finally decided to just give it a try myself 🙂 I'm wondering how long it lasts after cooking? Should it be stored in the fridge? Thanks!
Bebs says
Hi Kelli, you can refrigerate it but not too long as rice does not do well refrigerated. They get hard and dry.
Vanessa says
Tried this now and it’s perfect! ❤️ Your recipes are the best. Thank you!
Armin says
Thank you, Vanessa, so glad to hear that 🤗
JC says
I only have cans of coconut cream. How can I substitute? One for one can of coconut milk or not?
Thanks
Bebs says
Hi JC, normally they work the same way so just use as is.
Liza says
I just tried this today and it came out really good! Thank you finally I got the right recipe!!
I am looking forward seeing your future recipes! All the best!
Bebs says
Your welcome, Liza. Happy cooking!
Gladys says
I wanna try your recipe but there's no pandan leaves available here. Can I substitute with pandan essence?
Bebs says
Sure you can, Gladys but not too much or it will taste like "fake" pandan. You can also just skip it.
Pia Lucia Rosario Gallamaso says
I love your site! Made your ube cheese pandedal and now I'm making this biko. Love your recipes. 🙂
Bebs says
So happy to hear it, Pia!
Mae says
Yummy! Biko is my favorite. Thanks for the recipe
Bebs says
You are welcome, Mae.
Jann says
Hello! I want to try this. Is it okay not to bake it? We don't have one.
Bebs says
Sure Jann, just cook the caramel to a thicker consistency before adding it to the top.
Jann says
Hi Beb! What's the measurement to make the latik it thicker?
Bebs says
It is the same, you just cook it longer...
Tony Ortega BORJA says
That's a Tagalog version. I prefer the Visaya one
Healthy World Cuisine says
We are in love with this recipe! So miss getting fresh pandan leaves at the wet market but we do have some frozen so can't wait to make your delicious recipe. Sticky rice is our ultimate comfort food!
Martin says
WOW! This sounds fantastic and so few ingredients. I'll try to make this next week if I can. I've been finding sticky rice (any rice) tricky to get hold of during the pandemic.
Thanks for the recipe.
Armin says
You`re welcome ☺
Tsokonat says
Hi Bebs, can i use arborio rice instead or glutinous rice powder?
Bebs says
There is no glutinous rice powder in the recipe. Arborio rice might also work.
Dianne says
You're biko recipe is the best! My family loves it! Thank you so much for it.
Armin says
Hi Dianne, thank you...glad you like our recipe 🤗
Laiza says
Hi! Can Coconut cream be used instead of coconut milk? Thanks!
Bebs says
Yes, you can use that.
Vicky says
Hi Beb,
After several searching & comparing biko recipes I saw online, I decided to try yours. Just made it today & so happy with the result, it's really yummy! My hubby really enjoyed it.
Bebs says
Hi Vicky, glad you and hubby like it.😘
Jamela says
I wonder where I can buy pandan leaves.
Bebs says
Hi Jamela, I got it from our backyard. But they are normally sold also in the supermarkets (PH). You can skip it if you can't get any.
Gemma Miner says
What is the purpose of the Pandan leaves? Can I skip it? Can I use only 1/2 cup of brown sugar? I love your recipes because they are easy to follow. Thanks.
Bebs says
HI Gemma, pandan adds a nice aroma and a little flavor to the rice but you can skip it if not available. You can try 1 cup is really not that sweet already for biko.
Ann says
Can you add coconut on top than add the caramel sauce . Just asking I am making this for friends .
Bebs says
Hi Ann, you mean coconut strips? It is not usually done but why not, to make it your own special biko...
Joni says
Hi Beb,
I had tried several of your recipes and they are all very good; however, when I found out that you had a recipe for Biko, am so happy try it out.
I love the taste but I just want to know why my biko turned out to be very soft...Where did I go wrong?
Bebs says
Hi Joni, rice, including glutinous rice, absorbs water differently. I suggest using just half of the measurement for water first then adjust as needed. Thanks for the great review btw...
Richelle says
Thank you for this recipe. super sarap. Even my Syrian friend liked it so much. I can finish the whole thing.
Bebs says
You are welcome Richelle and happy that you like it!
Shirl B says
Absolutely delish 😋. My mother used to make a similar dish but uses cornmeal instead of rice.
I love this, no heartburn with this. Thanks.
Bebs says
Glad you like it, Shirl.
Generie says
Your recipes are very interesting, can't wait to try it at home.
Elle says
How do I make glutinous rice using Jasmine? Please help me on the steps. ? Thank you. ?
Bebs says
You do not make glutinous rice Elle you have to buy it. It is a type of rice that is sticky once cooked (like Sushi rice).
Imee Jackson. says
Thanks for the yummy recipes.
Happy cooking.
Bebs says
Thanks for the 5 stars, Imee and I am glad you like the Biko.
Wallace says
Thank you. This opened a whole new world to me.
My mind started going thru the different flavors I could add.
Such as Chocolate, Banana, Rum, so on and on.
Susan E says
I glad I found this recipe but I tweaked it a little bit. I used pandan flavor and added a drop of green food coloring and used white sugar instead of brown.
Liza M says
Hi Bebs, I just found your site and I'm so thankful I did! I've perused your recipes and they look so good. I've already made the Champorado and the Pork B-BQue. Both winners by the way! They are very close to how I remember them as a child in Manila. Growing up in Canada, my Mom and Grandma always made these dishes for us so we wouldn't forget our culture and finding your site and your recipes just brought back fond childhood memories.Biko is one of my alltime favourites so this recipe is next to be done 🙂 Based on the 2 recipes I've already tried, yours are the closest tasting to how my family cooked. Thanks very much for sharing.
Cheers from Canada 🙂
Bebs says
Hi Liza! Thanks so much for the nice comment and I hope you continue to find more recipes to love from our blog. ????
Kristin says
We are making all Filipino foods for Christmas this year, and my husband is super excited that I found this recipe. His mom is from the Philippines and it was something she used to make.
What brand or type of rice do you recommend for this since they usually arent marked as "glutinous" at the markets. Nishiki sushi rice is our staple rice - will this work or should I look for something like a thai sweet rice?
Bebs says
Hi Kristin, sushi rice gets sticky when cooked but not as sticky as glutinous rice. Personally, I haven't used Thai sweet rice but I looked it up and it seems to be the right kind. It should be long grained and milky white in color. I wish you all the best for your All-Filipino Christmas!
enzotronzo says
your recipes are great!????
Bebs says
Thank you!
Mary-ann says
Hi Bebs,
I've been cooking kutsinta many times but I couldn't find the good recipe that I want. I tried your recipe and I found out it's chewy and yummy. Thank you so much for sharing
Michelle Rabinowitz says
These look delicious! Can't wait to make these for my kids. By the way, what size pan did you use for this? 9x13?
Bebs says
Hi Michelle, I used a square pan- 8x8.
Eidy Thomas says
I'm glad I found this site& can't wait to try the recipes! I love Filipino desserts, I don't get to eat them very often unless I go to a Filipino party or when I'm in SanDiego where there are abundant restaurants that sell them. I live in Kansas & filipino restaurants are not common! My Mom usef to make many of these desserts but now my parents retired in the Philippines. I can't wait to try these recipes & satisfy my sweet tooth. I want to make leche flan for my husband since it's his favorite! He's a small town man from Kansas who now loves Filipino food! Salamat for all the wonderful recipes!
Bebs says
Hi Eidy, glad you like the site and I hope you enjoy the recipes. I will be updating the leche flan recipe really soon to share a secret I learned for a smoother leche flan with a video too. It will be out in some days, do wait for it! 🙂
Raj says
is it 3 cups coconut and 3 cups water?
Bebs says
It is 3 cups of coconut milk (from the 2 cans) and 2 cups of water.
Judy Paquin says
I thought it is 1 cup of water?
Emelie Bernardo Fortin says
I'm glad i ran into this site. Iba talaga ang mga lutong Pinoy at mga kakanin pa. Only in the Philippines lang talaga. I copied and pasted them all and then printed them and include them on my compilations of Pinoy Recipes.
Bebs says
Thanks for the nice comment!
Mae says
Yummy! Biko is my favorite. Thanks for the recipe
Lorma Glenda Lacson Barili says
Excellent recipes, I coied them all in my notebook! Salamuch po!
Bebs says
Glad to hear it Lorma!