Ingredients
Metric weights use grams. US weights use ounces; liquids use fluid ounces. Conversions are rounded. Spoon measures use 5 ml teaspoons and 15 ml tablespoons; cups use 240 ml.
Serves 8
Choose any positive whole number of servings. Ingredients and measured amounts in steps scale together. Times, temperatures and equipment stay unchanged. For larger yields, cook separate original-size batches. Counted ingredients can become fractions; beat eggs before dividing them. Fixed correction-water checks remain fixed.
Rice
Coconut
Equipment
Kitchen scales; measuring jug and spoons; knife; cutting board; mixing bowls; saucepan with lid; sieve; heavy frying pan; spatula; heatproof spoon; spatula.
Check all product labels and cross-contact. Diet groups describe this listed draft, not every substitution.
Steps
Rice · About 15 min
- Rinse rice from 300 g glutinous rice, 450 ml water; simmer with measured water covered 15 minutes, then rest 10 minutes.
Coconut · About 15 min
- Simmer 500 ml coconut milk, 180 g brown sugar, ¼ tsp salt in a wide pan 15 minutes until slightly thickened.
Check: Look for this result: slightly thickened.
Finish · About 30 min
- Fold rice into coconut mixture and stir over low heat 10–15 minutes until sticky. Press into a lined dish; cool 30 minutes and cut. Refrigerate promptly.
Check: Look for this result: sticky.
Tips
- Stir continuously near the end to prevent a scorched base.
- Use the texture and doneness checks in the method; cooking times depend on your pan and heat.
Substitutions
- Use dark muscovado sugar for a deeper flavour.
Storage
- Cool in shallow portions and refrigerate promptly, ideally within one hour. Keep at 4°C / 40°F or below and use within 24 hours.
- Reheat cooked rice only once, until steaming hot throughout at 74°C / 165°F. Keep cold rice dishes refrigerated until serving.
Make ahead
- Prepare the measured ingredients for Biko one day ahead. Refrigerate chopped vegetables and other perishable ingredients separately; complete the staged cooking on the serving day.
FAQ
What matters most when making Biko?
Stir continuously near the end to prevent a scorched base.
What can I substitute in Biko?
Use dark muscovado sugar for a deeper flavour.
Can I prepare Biko ahead?
Prepare the measured ingredients for Biko one day ahead. Refrigerate chopped vegetables and other perishable ingredients separately; complete the staged cooking on the serving day.
Food safety references
FoodSafety.gov: cooking temperatures · Food Standards Agency: rice storage and reheating



