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Filipino Carioca-Sweet Rice Balls

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Carioca is a popular Filipino snack made from glutinous rice flour, deep-fried to golden perfection, and coated in a sweet caramel glaze. It’s chewy, crispy, and perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying as an afternoon treat.

Ingredients

Scale

  • 200g glutinous rice flour (e.g., Mochiko)

  • 160g full-fat coconut milk (or water)

  • 2 cups vegetable oil (for frying)

  • 100g brown sugar

  • 200g glutinous rice flour

  • 75g sweetened shredded coconut

  • 180g full-fat coconut milk

Instructions

  1. In a mixing bowl, combine glutinous rice flour and coconut milk. Mix until smooth and pliable.

  2. If using shredded coconut, add it to the dough.

  3. Roll into small balls (about 1–1.5 inches in diameter).

: Poke a small hole through each ball with a chopstick to avoid bursting during frying.

  1. Heat oil in a deep pan to 350°F. Test by dipping a wooden skewer—bubbles should form around it.

  2. Fry dough balls in batches for 3–4 minutes or until golden brown.

  3. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels or a wire rack.

  1. In the same pan (after removing excess oil), melt brown sugar over low heat until smooth and syrupy.

  2. Add fried balls to the caramel and toss quickly to coat evenly.

  1. Combine light brown sugar (150g) and coconut milk (120g) in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir until thickened into syrup (about 10 minutes). Drizzle over skewered Carioca before serving.

Notes

  • Serve skewered on bamboo sticks for an authentic street food vibe.

  • Pair with hot coffee or tea for an indulgent snack.

  • Avoid overcrowding the pan when frying to maintain oil temperature.

  • Work quickly when coating with caramel as it hardens fast.

  • Store plain fried Carioca in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Avoid storing coated ones as they may turn soggy.

  • Reheat plain Carioca in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5–7 minutes or microwave briefly until warm.

Enjoy this delightful Filipino treat that’s easy to make and even easier to love!

Find it online: https://supersnacktime.com/carioca-sweet-rice-balls/