Palitaw Recipe - Foxy Folksy (2024)

BY :Bebs | Published: | Updated: | 20 Comments

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4.72 from 7 votes

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Palitaw Recipe - Foxy Folksy (1)
Palitaw Recipe - Foxy Folksy (2)

Palitaw is a Filipino afternoon snack or 'merienda' that consist mainly ofglutinous rice coated with gratedcoconut and sugar and sometimes roasted sesame seeds. This flattened sweet rice cake is very chewy and really filling but the best part is, it is really easy to make. This Palitaw recipe is as easy as it can get because I used glutinous rice flour that is readily available in Asian stores. Back in the days, I remember my Mama had to goto the wet market or 'palengke' to buy glutinous rice and have it grinded there as well. I am notsure if this is still done back home, will have to ask my Mama. Once the glutinous rice is grinded it would look like a white dough and all that is need to be done is form them into small balls and flatten them before dropping them in boiling water, but since I am using glutinous rice flour, I needed to add some water, or in this case I used coconut milk, to add a bit more flavor.

Palitaw Recipe - Foxy Folksy (3)

I find Palitaw to be a funny thing. The word 'palitaw' means 'to surface' and it was named so because once the flattened glutinous rice dough surfaces to the top of the boiling water where it is cooked, it means it done. Once cooked they are rolled in a mixture of grated coconut and sugar, and if desired, sprinkled with roasted sesame seeds. If you've read my post on Pichi-pitchi, you'll know thatfreshly grated coconut is next to impossible to find here in Germany and you will also learn about my secret: I use desiccated coconut and add some water (or in this case, again, a mixture of coconut milk and water) to it and it works perfectly!

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Palitaw Recipe - Foxy Folksy (4)

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Palitaw Recipe

4.72 from 7 votes

Palitaw is a Filipino afternoon snack or 'merienda' that consist mainly ofglutinous rice coated with gratedcoconut and sugar and sometimes roasted sesame seeds. This flattened sweet rice cakeis very chewy and really filling but the best part is, it is really easy to make.

Prep Time: 10 minutes mins

Cook Time: 10 minutes mins

Total Time: 20 minutes mins

Course :Snack

Servings =10

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Ingredients

  • 1 cup glutinous rice flour
  • ½ cup water or cup coconut milk
  • 1 cup coconut (grated)
  • ¼ cup sugar
  • cup sesame seeds (roasted) - (optional)

Instructions

  • In a bowl, combine glutinous rice flour and water and mix into a soft, pliable dough. If too soft or sticky add some more g. rice flour, a tablespoon at a time. If a piece of dough is cracking when flattened, then add a bit of water.

  • Form small balls, each an inch in diameter. Then flatten the balls to a quarter-inch thickness by pressing them in between your palms.

  • In a pot or deep pan over medium-high heat, bring about 5-inch deep of water into a rolling boil.

  • Gently drop each flattened dough into the boiling water. Do not overcrowd the pot. When the pieces float to the surface, remove from water using a slotted spoon and drain well.

  • When cool enough to handle, roll in a plate of mixed sugar and coconut and sprinkle with sesame seeds.

Notes

If using desiccated coconut: In a bowl, add about a quarter cup of water to half a cup of desiccated coconut and mix really well. Make it ahead of time, like 30 minutes earlier so it can sit for a couple of minutes to absorb the liquid, make sure to mix from time to time. Adjust the measurements as needed.

Nutrition

Calories: 75kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 0gFat: 3gSaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 3mgPotassium: 37mgFiber: 1gSugar: 5gVitamin C: 0.2mgCalcium: 19mgIron: 0.5mg

Have you tried this recipe?Mention @foxyfolksy or tag #FoxyFolksyRecipes!

Palitaw Recipe - Foxy Folksy (5)

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Comments

    What do you think?

  1. Lai says

    Hi Bebs! Been following your site for a while and yours is lowkey my fave and my first go-to when looking for specific Filipino recipes. Anyway, for this Palitaw, can I use Mochiko since I don't or never have glutinous rice flour? Is it the same? Thanks and btw, fantastic job on your traditional and not-so-traditional collection of recipes! ^_^

    Reply

    • Bebs says

      Hi Lai, I am happy that you like our recipe collections here! I have not used Mochiko yet, but as far as I know, it is a type of glutinous rice flour, so I am sure it should work too.

      Reply

  2. Manny says

    What is the proper way to flatten the mixture of the palitan, without sticking in your palm? It's hard to release it to the boiling water. HELP.

    Reply

  3. Manny says

    Can I substitute glutonous rice flour to a regular rice flour?

    Reply

    • Bebs says

      Hi Manny, it has to be glutinous rice flour.

      Reply

  4. Maria says

    Miss Beb, I love your recipe!!!
    very easy and accurate
    I would like to ask if I uses fine dessicated coconut, should I still mix it with water?

    Thanks

    Reply

    • Bebs says

      Hi Maria, sure or coconut milk. This is only to hydrate them and this is the closest thing you will get to freshly grated coconut.

      Reply

  5. Donna says

    Palitaw Recipe - Foxy Folksy (18)
    Hi! Is it ok to use shredded coconut? Thanks!

    Reply

    • Bebs says

      Shredded as in strips or flakes? But I guess it should be fine only grated coconut is finer and sticks well to the surface.

      Reply

  6. Jojo panganiban says

    Palitaw Recipe - Foxy Folksy (19)
    I like your recipes- very doable??

    Reply

    • Bebs says

      Happy to hear that, Jojo. Thanks for the 5 stars.

      Reply

  7. Imee says

    Love your cooking, always.
    Keep up the your lovely cooking.
    Have a great day.

    Reply

    • Bebs says

      Thanks Imee!

      Reply

  8. Aireen says

    Palitaw Recipe - Foxy Folksy (20)
    I'm following your website as my family and me are also living in Germany and we have the same access (or lack of) for ingredients. Me and my husband are always missing the foods from home so I always try to make some. I have used your desiccated coconut trick to replace the grated coconut and it worked out well. Thanks so much for sharing these tips. Now, I can also use this for puto, kutsinta, pichi-pichi, etc.

    Reply

    • Bebs says

      Hi Aireen, I know exactly how it feels to miss and crave for our home food! I am glad I am able to help in simple ways...????

      Reply

  9. Lyn lyn says

    Palitaw Recipe - Foxy Folksy (21)
    Can I use rice flour insted of glutinous rice flour.

    Reply

    • Bebs says

      Hi Lyn lyn, it has to be glutinous rice flour because of its sticky consistency which a regular rice flour lacks.

      Reply

  10. Teresita Cruz says

    The grated coconut, can i use frozen? All i can find here are frozen ones, do i need to squeeze out the liquid. Thanks

    Reply

    • Bebs says

      The problem with squeezing out the liquids is that you also get rid of the flavor. Try putting it on a strainer to remove excess liquids, stirring every few minutes and let it dry out just a bit. I prefer using desiccated coconut because, in my experience, the flavor is more intact than the frozen ones, but maybe the ones you get there are better than the ones I get here in Germany!?

      Reply

Palitaw Recipe - Foxy Folksy (2024)

FAQs

Why is palitaw called palitaw? ›

Palitaw is named after the way it's cooked - in boiling water until the dough floats or "litaw" to the surface. What does palitaw taste like?

Is sweet rice flour the same as glutinous rice flour? ›

Many wonder, "Is sweet rice flour the same as glutinous rice flour?" Simply put, yes, glutinous rice flour is the same as sweet rice flour. It's an Asian pantry staple with a high starch content, making whipping up mochi in the kitchen a breeze.

What is the meaning of desiccated coconut? ›

Desiccated coconut is the disintegrated and dehydrated coconut kernel or pulp largely comprising the white portion of the kernel, after removing the brown testa or parings. From: Encyclopedia of Food Sciences and Nutrition (Second Edition), 2003.

Is glutinous rice healthy or not? ›

In addition, because glutinous rice contains insoluble fiber, it has good antioxidant capacity and is beneficial for the digestive system of children. Trace elements in sticky rice such as iron can also prevent iron deficiency anemia in children.

What is the English of palitaw? ›

Palitaw (ᜉᜎᜒᜆᜏ᜔) (from litaw, the Tagalog word for "float" or "rise") is a small, flat, sweet rice cake eaten in the Philippines.

What does Biko mean in Tagalog? ›

Biko is a sweet rice cake from the Philippines.

What is a common Filipino dessert known as? ›

Halo-Halo. It could easily be considered as not only one of the kings of Filipino desserts but of the entire cuisine as well. Various sweetened fruits, beans, and jellies are topped with finely crushed ice and evaporated milk is poured over the top. Sometimes, it is also topped with ice cream.

What is a white delicacy in the Philippines? ›

Maja blanca (Tagalog: [ˈmaha ˈblaŋka]) is a Filipino dessert with a gelatin-like consistency made primarily from coconut milk. Also known as coconut pudding, it is usually served during fiestas and during the holidays, especially Christmas.

What happens if you use rice flour instead of glutinous rice flour? ›

Glutinous rice flour can be swapped with other great alternatives, such as arrowroot flour, sorghum flour, and almond flour. Generally, you can also use rice flour, but the results will not be as sticky and chewy as glutinous rice flour.

Which rice flour is best? ›

Whether you're looking for rice flour for its unique taste or its gluten-free properties, Katdare Rice Flour is a great choice for all your cooking and baking needs.

Is mochiko and rice flour the same? ›

Mochi is traditionally made with glutinous rice flour, which is also known as sweet rice flour or mochiko. This type of flour has a higher starch content than regular rice flour, which gives mochi its characteristic chewy texture.

What is desiccated coconut called in the US? ›

Shredded Coconut | Ask Nigella.com | Nigella Lawson.

Why does coconut meat turn yellow? ›

Naturally occurring sugar and protein in coconut are responsible for the number one spoilage factor in this product: yellowing.

Can I use shredded coconut instead of desiccated coconut? ›

I often use shredded coconut and desiccated coconut interchangeably when I am baking, making desserts, curries or coconut recipes. Shredded coconut is a larger fiber so you may want to pulse it in a food processor to make it finer to become more like desiccated coconut if needed.

Where did Palitaw come from? ›

Palitaw is another product of rice that originated in Pangasinan, a province in the northern part of Luzon, Philippines.

What is another name for Palitaw? ›

Its name is from the Filipino root word "litaw" or "to surface," as the patties will float or rise to the water's surface when done. It's also called "dila dila" in other parts of the country because of the shape of the patties resembling a "tongue."

Where did glutinous rice get its name? ›

It is widely consumed across Asia. It is called glutinous (Latin: glūtinōsus) in the sense of being glue-like or sticky, and not in the sense of containing gluten (which it does not).

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