Bitso Bitso Recipe
Indulge in the perfect blend of crunch and sweetness with our easy Bitso Bitso recipe. Dive into this Filipino delicacy today!
- Publisher: Recipe Volt
- Cuisine: Ilonggo, Filipino
- Category: Snack, Dessert
- Prep Time:
- Cook Time:
- Servings: 15
- Calories: 70 calories
Bitso Bitso
Bitso bitso, also known as "bitsu-bitsu" or "butsoy," is a popular Filipino delicacy often enjoyed as a snack or dessert. Originating from the Ilonggo cuisine of the Philippines, bitso bitso is loved for its simplicity, crispy texture, and delightful sweetness.
These bite-sized delights are made from glutinous rice flour dough, which is formed into small balls or cylinders and then deep-fried until golden brown and crispy. The frying process gives them a crunchy exterior while keeping the inside soft and chewy.
One of the defining features of bitso bitso is its coating of brown sugar and grated coconut. After frying, the warm and crispy dough balls are rolled in brown sugar, imparting a sweet and caramelized flavor. They are then coated in grated coconut, which adds a hint of nuttiness and extra texture.
Bitso bitso is often enjoyed as a merienda (snack) with a hot cup of coffee or tea, especially during gatherings or celebrations. It's a nostalgic treat for many Filipinos, reminding them of fond memories spent with family and friends.
While traditionally made with simple ingredients, bitso bitso can also be customized with variations such as adding sesame seeds or using flavored sugars for coating. Despite its humble origins, bitso bitso continues to hold a special place in Filipino hearts, offering a comforting and indulgent treat that satisfies both the sweet tooth and the craving for something crispy and delicious.
Recipe
Discover the irresistible crunch and sweetness of Ilonggo-style Bitso Bitso! Dive into this crispy Filipino delicacy with our easy recipe guide.
Ingredients
- 1 cup glutinous rice flour
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup grated coconut
- Oil for frying
Method Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine glutinous rice flour and water. Mix well until a smooth dough forms. Adjust the consistency by adding more water if needed.
- Pinch off small portions of the dough and roll them into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter. You can also shape them into small cylinders if you prefer.
- Heat oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat.
- Once the oil is hot, carefully drop the dough balls into the oil. Fry until they turn golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Remove the fried bitso bitso from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
- While the bitso bitso are still warm, roll them in brown sugar until coated evenly.
- Then, roll them in grated coconut to add an extra layer of flavor and texture.
- Serve the bitso bitso while they're still warm and crispy for the best taste and texture.
Enjoy them as a delicious snack or dessert with your favorite hot beverage.
Recipe Video
This is a video about Bitso Bitso.
Rated: 4.9 of 5.0 from 75 reviews.
Recipe Tags: Bitso Bitso, Bitso Bitso Recipe, Recipe
Servings
Bitso bitso is best served warm and fresh, straight out of the frying pan for that irresistible crispy texture. Here are a few ways you can serve and enjoy bitso bitso:
- As a Snack: Serve bitso bitso on a platter or in a bowl as a delightful snack for family and friends to enjoy. Pair them with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or Filipino tsokolate (chocolate) for a satisfying treat.
- With Dipping Sauces: Provide dipping sauces such as chocolate dip, caramel sauce, or condensed milk for an extra indulgent experience. Guests can dip their bitso bitso to add more sweetness and flavor.
- As Dessert Toppings: Use bitso bitso as toppings for desserts like halo-halo, ice cream, or shaved ice. Their crispy texture and sweet flavor complement creamy desserts perfectly, adding a delightful crunch with each bite.
- In Gift Baskets: Package bitso bitso in decorative bags or containers to give as homemade gifts during special occasions or holidays. They make lovely presents that showcase Filipino culinary traditions and are sure to be appreciated by recipients.
Tips
- Consistency of Dough: Pay attention to the consistency of the dough when mixing glutinous rice flour and water. It should be smooth and pliable, not too dry or too wet. Adjust the water or flour accordingly to achieve the right texture.
- Oil Temperature: Maintain the oil temperature at a steady medium heat while frying the bitso bitso. If the oil is too hot, they may brown too quickly on the outside while remaining uncooked inside. Use a thermometer if possible to keep the temperature around 350°F (175°C).
- Even Cooking: When frying, avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure even cooking. Fry the bitso bitso in batches if necessary, giving them enough space to expand and brown evenly.
- Drain Excess Oil: After frying, transfer the cooked bitso bitso to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. This helps prevent them from becoming too greasy.
- Coating Consistency: Coat the bitso bitso with brown sugar and grated coconut while they are still warm to allow the toppings to adhere properly. Make sure to coat them evenly for a balanced sweetness and texture.
- Variations: Feel free to experiment with different coatings or additions to customize your bitso bitso. Try incorporating sesame seeds into the dough or using flavored sugars for coating to add extra depth of flavor.
- Storage: Bitso bitso are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Reheat them in the oven or toaster oven for a few minutes to regain their crispiness before serving.
Ingredient Substitutes
Furthermore, if you need to substitute ingredients for bitso bitso, here are some alternatives you can try:
- Glutinous Rice Flour: If you don't have glutinous rice flour, you can use regular rice flour or all-purpose flour, although the texture and flavor will be slightly different.
- Brown Sugar: Substitute brown sugar with white granulated sugar, coconut sugar, or palm sugar. Each will impart a slightly different flavor, so adjust according to your preference.
- Grated Coconut: Instead of grated coconut, you can use desiccated coconut or shredded coconut. You can also omit the coconut altogether if you prefer.
- Water: You can substitute water with coconut milk for a richer flavor, or with evaporated milk for a creamier texture.
- Flavorings: Add a pinch of salt to enhance the flavor of the dough. You can also add vanilla extract or pandan extract for additional flavoring.
- Coating: Instead of coating the bitso bitso with brown sugar and grated coconut, you can try powdered sugar, cinnamon sugar, or cocoa powder for a different flavor profile.
Remarks
Savor the nostalgia and flavors of Filipino tradition with each bite of homemade Bitso Bitso. Gather your loved ones and enjoy this delightful treat together!