These classic Filipino steamed rice cakes, 'puto', are perfect with a hot cup of coffee for a delightful filling snack or breakfast.
What is Filipino Puto?
Puto or sometimes called Putong Bigas is a traditional Filipino steamed rice cake made from galapong or rice dough. Also referred to as putong puti (white puto) because of its stark white color, it is one of the most popular types of puto in the Philippines.
This puto recipe is so simple to make with just a few ingredients and easy-to-follow steps. The traditional way of making puto involves using slightly fermented rice done by soaking it overnight. The rice is then ground using stone mills with some water and sugar to make the batter known as galapong. But nowadays, making puto is much simpler as rice flour is easily accessible.
Puto is a popular accompaniment for savory dishes like Dinuguan (pork blood stew) or pancit (rice noodles), as it gives a slightly sweet flavor that compliments the said dishes. You can also enjoy these soft, fluffy, and delicious steamed rice cakes as an all-day snack with a cup of hot coffee or chocolate or even as a dessert!
Ingredients needed for this Rice Puto Recipe
Rice Flour - if rice flour is unavailable, you can make your own galapong by soaking rice overnight in water and then making it into a batter using a blender. You may also use all-purpose flour or cake flour, but note that the taste and texture will be different.
White Granulated Sugar. You may also use caster sugar if preferred.
Baking Powder & Instant Yeast - these are used as leavening agents. The yeast will give you that fermented rice flavor without the long waiting time.
Coconut Milk - you may use whole milk as an alternative if coconut milk is unavailable.
Hot water helps in dissolving the dry ingredients faster.
Oil aids in making the steamed rice cakes stay moist.
Anise seeds are optional but I recommend trying it as they lend a sweet and licorice flavor.
Secret to fluffy soft Puto
Never skip the resting time. I made it several times and believe me, letting it rest for a few minutes makes a whole lot of difference. This is very important if you want to have that pillowy soft puto. You will only need to rest it for 20 minutes or up to 30 minutes. You will notice that the batter will get foamy and thick at the 20-minute mark. At 30 minutes, it becomes more bubbly and more volume.
I recommend resting the batter after pouring it on the molds so you won't disrupt the rising process by transferring it later, resulting in deflated or flatter rice cakes.
Don't forget to use lukewarm liquid to activate the yeast.
Tips in cooking this Puto Recipe
- Make sure the steamer water is boiling before placing the prepared puto molds in the steamer basket.
- To avoid condensation water from dripping onto the steamed rice cakes, cover the steamer lid with a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth.
- If you want a cracked top on your puto, cook under medium-high heat. For an even and smooth top, cook over low heat. You may have to adjust the cooking time though.
- You may use silicone molds for easy release of the puto.
- Avoid opening the steamer lid until the cooking time is done. To check the doneness of the rice cake, insert a toothpick in the center; if it comes out clean, the steamed cake is done.
Recipe Video
To Serve & Store
Serve Putong Puti with a hot cup of chocolate or coffee for a delicious midday snack or breakfast. Make it a complementary side for Dinuguan, Pancit, or Sopas.
Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheat in the steamer for about 3 to 5 minutes until softened or pop in the microwave for a few seconds.
FAQs
Why is my puto not fluffy?
You may have overmixed the batter making the air bubbles that make the puto fluffy disappear. Another reason may be the baking powder or instant yeast that you used.
Why is my puto soggy?
Water droplets from the steam will make the puto soggy. Make sure to line or cover the steamer lid with a cloth or kitchen towel.
Make this puto recipe now and let us know how it turns out!
Printable Recipe
Puto Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups rice flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup white sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 2 teaspoons instant yeast
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1 cup hot water
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1 teaspoon anise seeds and a bit more for topping (optional)
Instructions
- 2 cups rice flour, ¼ teaspoon salt, ¾ cup white sugar, 2 teaspoons baking powder, 2 teaspoons instant yeastCombine all dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl.
- 1 cup coconut milk, 1 cup hot waterMix coconut milk and hot water to make it lukewarm. You can also combine both and heat to lukewarm. Add this to the dry ingredients.
- 1 tablespoon oil, 1 teaspoon anise seeds and a bit more for toppingAdd oil and anise seeds, if using, and mix, using a spatula or whisk, until completely blended. The texture will be a bit runny at this point.
- Let it rest for 10 minutes and then gently mix several times, you will notice that the texture becomes thicker.
- Transfer the mixture to the molds or pan and let it rest for another 20 minutes.
- 5 minutes before the batter is ready, prepare the steamer. Fill the bottom pot with enough water and bring to boil. If you desire to have the cracked top, use medium heat, Lower the temperature to low to bring the water to a gentle simmer to get a smooth top .
- Place the mold in the steamer basket and cover with the lid, lined with cloth. Steam for 15-20 minutes or until inserted toothpick comes out clean.
- Remove the mold from heat and let it cool down a bit before unmolding.
Nutrition
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Mayi says
Was looking for a manapla puto recipe and I stumbled upon yours. Been craving for it since I am miles away from the Philippines. It was close to the taste except no banana leaves. But it was so so good! Paired it with dinuguan. Ang sarap!!! Thank you!!! Happy New Year!!! Will try your other recipes soon. Thanks! 😊
Bebs says
I am happy that you stumbled upon our site, Mayi. Glad that you enjoyed the puto recipe and, hopefully, our other recipes too.
Emily Santos says
Just concern why my finish product turned out brown color and not white. Got new pack of yeast.
Bebs says
It is not the yeast, from my experience it is baking soda. Make sure you are using baking powder and not baking soda. If you are sure you have and used baking powder, then it is the brand you used, maybe it has too much baking soda in it. So try using less or try a different brand.
Allen says
Tried many recipes but this one the best, never heard or tried puto cook with coconut milk, i made this and everyone loved it...
thank you for sharing the recipe...
Bebs says
Yes, normally they just use water but why I thought the coconut milk would make it more tender (because of the added fat) and tastier and I am glad yu like it. 🥰
April Caalim says
Hi! Can I put cheese on top?
Bebs says
Of course, you can, April. I also have a cheese puto recipe here on the blog.
Nora Vilma Balderama says
very profound and easy to follow! thank you for sharing ☺️
Althea says
Will it yield the same result if i steam using the oven?
Bebs says
What moulds will you be using, Althea. If you are using the same as I do (the small plastic ones), I will not recommend that to be used in ovens.
Sho says
Hi! Is it possible to make it to a pandan version? What's the best way?
MF says
Tried recipe for the first time … Patok 🤩
So delicious and easy to do … love the coconut milk flavor in it 👍🏽
Judy says
This looks tasty. What could you substitute for the coconut milk and still get a fluffy puto? We have a coconut allergy. Salamat!
Bebs says
Hi Judy, you can use water instead but it will not be as flavorful. Try using milk or other alternatives like almond milk.
Kimmy says
I've made this several times already. I don't add the oil anymore and waited 30 minutes before steaming it on high heat. Reminded me of fun memories growing up. Now, my two daughters can eat this delicious Filipino delicacy without going to the Filipino bakery. They both love it! Thank you for sharing this recipe.
Bebs says
Yes, I know this feeling too well, Kimmy! Same when I was in Germany and craving Filipino food and delicacies. Happy that your girls like it too.
Bebs says
I am happy your girls love them, and I am sure they will now have their own fun memories of Filipino delicacies because of you.🙂
Eve says
Why the puto turn out yellowish color instead of white
Bebs says
Hi Eve, it is most probably the baking powder you used. Maybe it has more baking soda to it. Try to use another brand or lessen the amount.
Emily says
Can I steam two trays at one time or only one tray at a time?
Thank you.
Bebs says
Of course you can, Emily. The only thing I do not like steaming in multiple trays at the same time is the water droplets forming below the top tray that falls on the top of the bottom moulds. But you can try covering it with a thin cloth to catch the droplets.
leah says
Thank you for this recipe. I've been looking for a puto lasun recipe for a long time. If I want to steam this in a cake pan, do I have to steam longer?
Maya says
This is same as "vatayappam" of kerala, south India
Thanks for the recipe
Ann says
Tried this for New Year’s Eve and it was so good! I live in Finland and I am missing manapla puto from Bacolod and this recipe was the closest to the taste. Thank you so much for sharing! It paired so well with the dinuguan my husband made. Happy New Year!!!