Klepon (Pandan Rice Balls with Palm Sugar and Coconut)
In short: Chewy pandan-green glutinous rice balls filled with liquid palm sugar, boiled until they float and rolled in lightly salted grated coconut. It takes about 45 min in total and makes 4 servings.
- Prep
- 30 min
- Cook
- 15 min
- Total
- 45 min
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Calories
- 345 kcal
Klepon are small, bright green rice balls with a surprise inside: a piece of palm sugar that melts into a hot syrup as the balls cook. They are boiled until they float, then rolled in fresh grated coconut seasoned with a pinch of salt. They are sold in traditional markets across Java, usually in banana leaf cones. Eat one in a single bite, as the filling is hot and runny.
Instructions
- Steam the grated coconut with the salt and the pandan leaf, if using, for 10 minutes. Cool and set aside. This keeps it fresh and tasty for a day.
- Mix the glutinous rice flour, tapioca starch and salt in a bowl. Add the pandan juice a little at a time and knead for 3 minutes into a soft, smooth dough that does not stick to your hands.
- Take about 15 g (1 tbsp) of dough and flatten it into a disk in your palm. Press a piece of palm sugar into the center and pinch the edges shut, rolling it into a smooth ball.
- Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Drop in about 8 balls at a time and cook until they float, 3 to 4 minutes, then 1 minute more.
- Lift them out with a slotted spoon, drain well and roll in the coconut until fully coated.
- Serve warm or at room temperature on the day they are made.
Tips
- Seal each ball completely, or the sugar will leak into the water. Wet your fingertips if the dough cracks, and keep the unused dough covered with a damp cloth.
- Chop the palm sugar into small, dry pieces. Use dark brown sugar or soft palm sugar if you cannot find the hard block type.
Questions and answers
Why did my klepon burst?
The dough may be too dry or not sealed. Add pandan juice a spoonful at a time until the dough feels smooth like clay, and pinch the seam closed completely.
Can I make klepon ahead of time?
They are best the same day, since glutinous rice hardens in the fridge. Keep them covered at room temperature for up to 6 hours.
What can I use if I do not have pandan?
Use a few drops of pandan extract or a little matcha for the green color, but note that the flavor will differ. Water alone makes a plain white version.
How long does it take to make Klepon (Pandan Rice Balls with Palm Sugar and Coconut)?
About 45 min in total: 30 min of preparation and 15 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Klepon (Pandan Rice Balls with Palm Sugar and Coconut)?
About 345 kcal per serving, with 4 g of protein, 63 g of carbohydrates and 9 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 345 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 4 g |
| Carbohydrates | 63 g |
| Fat | 9 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sugar | 20 g |
| Sodium | 290 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
