Velvet

Puto: Fluffy Steamed Coconut Rice Cakes

Inspired by techniques from Serious Eats.

Puto · Filipino

Light, domed rice cakes made with coconut milk and steamed in paper cases until soft and fluffy.

Prep15 min
Cook35 min
Total50 min
DifficultyEasy
Per serving218 kcal
FreeGluten-freeDairy-freeVegetarianVegan
Servings8Recipe makes 8
Allergens (EU 14)
GlutenCrustaceansEggsFishPeanutsSoybeansMilkTree nutsCeleryMustardSesameSulphitesLupinMolluscs

None of the 14 major EU allergens. Always check the labels of the products you use.

Method

  1. 1

    Mix the batter. Whisk the rice flour, sugar, baking powder, yeast and salt in the bowl. Add the coconut milk and warm water and whisk for 2 min until smooth and pourable, like a thick pancake batter.

  2. 2

    Rest. Cover with the tea towel and leave somewhere warm for 1 h, until a few bubbles appear. Resting hydrates the rice flour, so the cakes are tender rather than gritty.

  3. 3

    Fill the cases. Bring 5 cm of water to the boil under the steamer. Set the paper cases in their moulds and fill each three-quarters full to leave room to rise.

  4. 4

    Steam. Arrange in the steamer and wrap the lid in the tea towel to catch drips that would pit the tops. Steam over steady high heat for 15-18 min, until risen and domed and a skewer comes out clean. Steam in batches if needed.

  5. 5

    Cool slightly. Leave for 5 min before lifting the cakes out of the moulds. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Storage

Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for 1 day or in the fridge for up to 3 days. Re-steam for 3-4 min to soften them again.

Equipment

  • mixing bowl
  • whisk
  • clean tea towel
  • steamer (bamboo steamer over a wok, or a steamer insert)
  • 16 paper cases in small metal or silicone moulds (about 60 ml)
  • skewer

Nutrition per serving (estimated values)

Per servingAmount
Energy218 kcal
Protein2.5 g
Carbohydrate37.5 g
of which sugars11.3 g
of which free sugars11.2 g
Fat6.9 g
of which saturates5.8 g
Fibre0.8 g
Salt0.49 g

Protein per 100 kcal

1.1 g High Protein needs ≥ 10 g

Calculated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient values