This traditional Ube Biko recipe combines cooked glutinous rice, creamy coconut milk, sugar, and purple ube to make a sweet and chewy dessert the whole family will love. Top with a golden brown latik for the ultimate sweet Filipino treat!
Table of Contents
Ingredients You’ll Need
Equipment Needed
How to Make Ube Biko
Serving Suggestions
Recipe FAQs
Storage Instructions
More Ube recipes You May Enjoy:
Ube Biko Recipe Recipe
The only thing better than Classic Filipino Biko is Ube Biko! It’s everything you love about the sticky Filipino rice cake, yet it is infused with the uniquely sweet and nutty flavor of ube.
If you love ube recipes as much as we do, make sure to check out our other popular Filipino treats filled with the purple yam flavor - Ube Halaya (Purple Yam Jam), Ube Pandesal, Ube Champorado, Ube Ensaymada, Ube Cinnamon Rolls, and The Best Ube Sugar Cookies!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Sweet rice: This type of rice is best for making tender sticky rice dessert recipes like biko as it gives the dessert a unique, chewy consistency and holds together well when cut into slices. If you are shopping in grocery stores or at your local Asian market, it may also be labeled as glutinous rice or Malagkit.
Full-fat coconut milk: Adds an extra rich and creamy coconut flavor that enhances the toasted coconut flavor in the homemade latik. We used 2 cans, or the equivalent of about 3 1/3 cups coconut milk (30 ounces).
Sugar: Unlike our traditional biko recipe, which uses brown sugar, this ube version uses white sugar. This adds the perfect sweetness but allows the vibrant purple hue of the ube to shine.
Ube: For the best ube flavor and pop of color, you’ll need ube powder and ube extract. We purchase ube powder and ube extract on Amazon, but you may be able to find it locally.
Banana leaves: Although optional, they help prevent the biko from sticking to the baking dish and add an authentic look and earthy aroma to the Filipino dessert. If you have access to them, we highly recommend it!
Latik: Also known as coconut curd, is a popular garnish with biko. Alternatively, you can drizzle the final dessert with Latik Sauce (Coconut Caramel Sauce!).
Equipment Needed
Medium pot with lid
8×8 baking dish
Wide pot or large saucepan
Spatula
How to Make Ube Biko
Bring the sweet rice to a boil. Add the rice into the bottom of a medium pot and wash the rice until the water runs clear. Drain and set on the stove with 2 cups of water and bring to a boil.
Simmer for 20 minutes. Once boiling, lower the heat to a simmer and cover. Simmer the rice for about 20 minutes, then remove from the heat and set aside (keep the lid on!).
Cook the coconut milk mixture. In a wide saucepan over medium heat, add the coconut milk, sugar, ube powder, ube extract, and salt. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low and add in the cooked rice.
Cook until thickened. Stir the cooked rice in until well combined, then cook the mixture, stirring often, until thickened and easily pulls away from the sides, about 10-15 minutes. You’ll know the ube biko is ready when it is difficult to stir.
Prepare the baking dish. First, grease an 8×8 baking dish. If desired, you can also line the dish with banana leaves.
Transfer biko to the baking dish. Pour the sticky rice mixture into the prepared baking dish. Using a spatula, spread it into an even layer.
Cool, then serve. Allow the sticky rice cake to cool completely. Then slice into square or diamond shapes and serve topped with latik, or as desired. Enjoy!
Serving Suggestions
In the Philippines, biko is traditionally served as a dessert or sweet afternoon snack on a banana leaf-lined tray or plate. The dish has become a staple symbol of hospitality and is regularly enjoyed at family get-togethers or holiday parties.
Serve at room temperature with a cup of coffee, tea, or your favorite warm beverage. It can also be served with your favorite fresh fruits like slices of mango, bananas, additional sweet jackfruit, and a scoop of your favorite non-dairy ice cream.
Recipe FAQs
Can I make biko with another grain?
A common question on our original biko recipe was can I make this with another grain like quinoa or brown rice?
Unfortunately, we wouldn’t recommend making this chewy rice cake with anything other than sweet rice/glutinous rice. This specific type of rice has a sticky, chewy texture that you won’t get with a grain like quinoa. For a dense, cohesive rice cake, you need sweet rice!
Can I freeze ube biko?
This dish can be frozen after cooling. Thaw it in the refrigerator or at room temperature until softened to serve. We like to warm ours up in the microwave before serving.
How do I add jackfruit to the filling?
If you love the addition of sweet, tropical jackfruit, chop it into small bite-sized pieces, then add it to the sticky rice mixture 5 minutes before removing it from the heat.
Storage Instructions
Allow the bike to cool to room temperature, then store it tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
More Ube recipes You May Enjoy:
Breakfast
Ube Champorado (Tsampurado)
Cookies
The Best Ube Sugar Cookies (Vegan)
Holiday
Creamy Ube Pie (Vegan)
Filipino
Ube Pichi Pichi (Filipino Sticky Cassava Snack)
Make sure you tag us on Instagram @sweetsimplevegan and @consciouschris and hashtag #sweetsimplevegan if you make this recipe. We love to see your photos!
This Ube Biko recipe combines cooked glutinous rice creamy coconut milk, sugar, and purple ube to make a sweet and chewy dessert the whole family will love. Top with a golden brown latik for the ultimate sweet filipino treat!
Ingredients
2 cups sweet rice (also known as glutinous rice), washed
3 cups water, divided
2 cans (30 ounces) full-fat coconut milk
1 cup white sugar
1/2 cup ube powder
4 drops ube extract
½ teaspoon salt
Oil, for greasing the pan
Optional: Banana leaves
Optional: Latik, for topping
Equipment
Medium pot with lid
8×8 baking dish
Wide pot or large saucepan
Spatula
Instructions
Bring the sweet rice to a boil. Add the rice to the bottom of a medium pot and wash it until the water runs clear. Drain and set on the stove with 2 cups of water, bringing to a boil.
Simmer for 20 minutes. Once boiling, lower the heat to a simmer and cover. Simmer the rice for about 20 minutes, then remove from the heat and set aside (keep the lid on!).
Cook the coconut milk mixture. Add coconut milk, sugar, ube powder, ube extract, and salt in a wide saucepan over medium heat. Whisk until smooth and, if needed, blend everything together with an immersion blender. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and add the cooked rice.
Cook until thickened. Stir the cooked rice in until well combined, then cook the mixture, stirring often, until thickened and easily pulls away from the sides, about 10-15 minutes. You’ll know the ube biko is ready when it is difficult to stir.
Prepare the baking dish. First, grease an 8×8 baking dish. If desired, you can also line the dish with banana leaves.
Transfer Biko to the baking dish. Pour the sticky rice mixture into the prepared baking dish. Using a spatula, spread it into an even layer.
Cool, then serve. Allow the sticky rice cake to cool completely. Then slice into square or diamond shapes and serve topped with latik, or as desired. Enjoy!
Notes
Jackfruit: If you’re a fan of jackfruit, we suggest mixing chopped sweet jackfruit in about 5 minutes before removing it from the heat.
Sugar: If you want this recipe to be sweeter, increase the sugar OR try topping it with our other latik (coconut caramel) from our suman recipe.
Banana Leaves: If your banana leaves are frozen, run them under warm water to thaw. Thoroughly rinse and then gently wipe with a towel to clean. Cut a banana as needed to line your pan. Heat both sides of the banana leaves over low heat on the stovetop and then set aside. Once cooled, line the baking dish with the banana leaf.
Storage: Allow the biko to cool to room temperature, then store it tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing: After cooling, this dish can be frozen. To serve, thaw it in the refrigerator or at room temperature until softened. We like to warm ours up in the microwave before serving.
Sweet Rice Alternative: Unfortunately, we wouldn’t recommend making this chewy rice cake with anything other than sweet rice/glutinous rice. This specific type of rice has a sticky, chewy texture that you won’t get with a grain like quinoa. For a dense, cohesive rice cake, you need sweet rice!
Prep Time:25 minutes
Cook Time:35 minutes
Category:Dessert
Method:Stove Top
Cuisine:Filipino
Keywords: ube, yam, dessert, snack, rice
The post Ube Biko appeared first on Sweet Simple Vegan.
By: Jasmine Briones Title: Ube Biko Sourced From: sweetsimplevegan.com/ube-biko-recipe/ Published Date: Mon, 18 Mar 2024 23:34:00 +0000
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Frequently Asked Questions
Supplements are necessary when you eat a plant based diet.
While a healthy, balanced plant-based diet can provide all necessary nutrients for good health and well-being, you should supplement with certain micronutrients to correct any potential deficiencies. Vitamin B12 is essential for cognitive and nervous system health and is generally only found in animal sources - supplemental forms of this vitamin may benefit those with vegan or vegetarian diets. Iron and zinc are important minerals for healthy metabolism and red blood cell production, tissue development, and repair. In normal body processes such as inflammation control and brain function, omega 3 fatty oils play an essential part. Due to their biochemical characteristics, most plant-based foods do not contain omega-3s. Supplementation can help maintain a delicate balance of this essential nutrient. The last thing is that calcium is crucial for bone strength. But, it can also come in small amounts from plants like broccoli and Kale. So if you don't have enough calcium from your food, consider adding a supplement. It is always a good idea for you to check with your doctor before adding new supplements.
Can children follow a plant-based diet?
Plant-based diets are becoming increasingly popular among adults due to their numerous health benefits. But parents might be wondering if a diet based on plants is safe for their kids. If the diet is planned well and meets all their nutritional requirements, then children can eat a plant-based diet.
Plant-based diets can provide all the necessary nutrients children need to grow and develop. It is essential that children are getting enough protein, iron and calcium as well as vitamin D and vitamin A12. For growth and development, protein is vital. Good plant-based sources of protein include beans and lentils, tofu and nuts. Fortified cereals and leafy plants contain iron. Fortified plant milk and calcium-set tofu are good sources of calcium. Vitamin D is crucial for bone health. This vitamin can be obtained by sunlight exposure and fortified dairy milk. Vitamin B12 is an essential vitamin for healthy nerves. It can be found only in animal products. A B12 supplement may be necessary for children who are on a plant-based food diet.
A plant-based diet should ensure that children consume enough calories to meet energy needs. Parents should aim to offer a variety of whole foods, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds. To meet their energy requirements, children may need to eat less or eat more often.
It is recommended that parents consult with a healthcare professional or a registered dietitian to ensure that their child's plant-based diet is nutritionally adequate. They can also guide meal planning, supplementation, and age-appropriate portion sizes.
In conclusion, children can safely follow a well-planned plant-based diet that meets their nutritional needs. Parents can offer their children a nutritious and healthy plant-based meal plan with the help of a registered dietitian and a qualified healthcare professional.
Can I eat meat while following a plant-based diet
While plant-based diets don't allow for meat, fish or poultry, some food items can be made with limited animal products. People on a plant-based lifestyle can still eat eggs and dairy in moderation. For those looking to move to a plantbased diet, there are many options. Plant-based diets emphasize fresh fruits, vegetables, legumes (such as beans and lentils), nuts and seeds like oatmeal and quinoa as well as soy products and fortified food such as non-dairy coconut or almond milk.
In addition to restaurants specializing in vegan food or offering vegan menu items (like certain fast food chains), it's possible to find vegan products in most grocery stores. Soy-based meats such as tofu, seitan (wheat gluten), tempeh (fermented soybeans), and mock duck made from mushrooms can all mimic the flavor and texture of traditional meat dishes. A variety of vegetarian burgers using black beans and/or quinoa are available that can be very close to beef burgers.
Moreover, many plant-based alternatives exist for people who want more than just meal replacements for their carnivorous favorites. You can substitute vegan ingredients such as coconut bacon strips and eggplant bacon bits; tofu Mayo; veggie hotdogs with seasoned, textured soy protein; or faux chicken strips using wheat gluten. Although some processed forms fermented mushrooms can taste just like meat, when cooked correctly, they have significantly lower water consumption than livestock production. The best part about switching to a plantbased diet is that meat that was once consumed can be replaced by these alternatives.
Statistics
According to research published, going plant-based can cut grocery bills by $750 a year per person, Journal of Hunger & Environmental Nutrition. (forksoverknives.com)
Another found that following a diet rich in plant foods and lower in animal foods was associated with a 16 percent lower risk of cardiovascular disease and a 31 to 32 percent lower risk of death from cardiovascular disease. (everydayhealth.com)
How do you navigate social situations when eating a plant-based diet
Transitioning to a plant diet is difficult. This includes social situations like eating out with friends. Before you go out to eat, make sure you are aware of the options. Confirm the restaurant options beforehand - some places are more vegan-friendly than others - opting for cuisines like Indian and Japanese can give vegetarians multiple alternatives.
Talk to your friends and family about vegan options. This will help you avoid ordering errors at the restaurant, as well as avoiding awkward explanations or misinterpretations about your dietary restrictions. Have faith in the chef by trusting their judgment when crafting vegan dishes; chat with them if necessary so that they can better understand how to accommodate your needs best.
When attending events or parties where not everyone is familiar with vegan diets, be sure to fill up beforehand on nutritious snacks or drinks available without animal products - any contribution goes a long way! Recognize even the smallest gestures regarding vegan cooking as your non-vegan family members begin to incorporate plant-based recipes into their lives.
It can be difficult to navigate social situations while following a vegan diet. It becomes second nature. You'll eventually feel it.
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Diet:
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Stove Top
Cuisine: Filipino
