Mango Sticky Rice Recipe
If you have ever tasted Thai desserts, you know they dance perfectly between sweet, creamy, and fresh. Mango Sticky Rice is one such treasure that combines soft, chewy coconut-infused sticky rice with the bright, juicy sweetness of ripe mangoes, making it a dessert that feels like a warm hug on a plate. This dish is beloved worldwide for its harmonious textures and flavors that come together so simply yet magically. Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or diving into Thai cuisine for the first time, Mango Sticky Rice is a must-try that will leave you craving more with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Mango Sticky Rice lies in its uncomplicated list of ingredients, each playing an essential role in creating the dish’s iconic balance of flavor, texture, and color. From creamy coconut milk to fresh mangoes, every component brings something special to the bowl.
- 1/2 cup Thai sticky rice (uncooked): The star carbohydrate, known for its distinctive chewy and sticky texture perfect for soaking up coconut milk.
- 1/2 cup coconut milk: Provides rich creaminess that infuses the rice with that luscious tropical flavor.
- 3 tablespoons white sugar: Sweetens the coconut milk, enhancing the natural flavors without overpowering.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Just a pinch to balance sweetness and deepen the overall flavor.
- 1/4 cup coconut milk: Used again to create the thickened coconut sauce that seals the dessert’s creamy finish.
- 1.5 tablespoons white sugar: Adds sweetness to the coconut sauce, complementing the mango’s natural sugars.
- 1/8 teaspoon salt: Balances out the sweetness in the coconut sauce with just a hint of savoriness.
- 1/4 teaspoon rice flour (or cornstarch): Thickens the coconut sauce to a velvety consistency perfect for drizzling.
- 2 ripe mangoes: The fresh, juicy element that adds vibrant color and intense sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon crispy mung beans (or toasted sesame seeds): Adds a delightful crunch contrast to the soft sticky rice and silky mango.
How to Make Mango Sticky Rice
Step 1: Prepare the Sticky Rice
Start by rinsing your Thai sticky rice in cold water until the water runs clear—this removes excess starch and helps the grains cook more evenly. Soak the rice for at least 4 hours or up to overnight to ensure the grains soften beautifully. Next, steam the rice over boiling water in a bamboo steamer basket for around 40 minutes until the grains become soft and translucent. This slow steaming method is crucial to get that characteristic sticky yet tender texture.
Step 2: Make the Sweetened Coconut Milk
While your rice is steaming, gently warm together 1/2 cup coconut milk, sugar, and salt over medium heat until the sugar and salt dissolve. This fragrant coconut milk mixture will soak into the sticky rice, giving it its signature creamy, luscious flavor that’s both sweet and savory.
Step 3: Combine Rice and Coconut Milk
Once the rice is cooked, transfer it to a mixing bowl and pour the sweetened coconut milk over it. Stir gently to combine, then cover the bowl and let it sit for about 20 minutes. This resting time allows the rice to absorb the coconut milk fully, resulting in an irresistible moistness that defines Mango Sticky Rice.
Step 4: Prepare the Thickened Coconut Sauce
In a small saucepan, combine the remaining 1/4 cup coconut milk with sugar, salt, and rice flour or cornstarch. Cook over medium heat while stirring continuously until the mixture thickens slightly but is still pourable. This sauce adds an extra layer of creaminess and richness to drizzle over the finished dish, elevating the dessert with its silky texture.
Step 5: Assemble and Serve
To serve, place a generous scoop of the coconut-flavored sticky rice on a plate. Slice your ripe mangoes and arrange half of one next to the rice. Drizzle the thickened coconut sauce over the rice and mango, then sprinkle with crispy mung beans or toasted sesame seeds for a delightful crunch. Dig in and enjoy the perfect harmony that Mango Sticky Rice delivers!
How to Serve Mango Sticky Rice
Garnishes
The simple addition of crispy mung beans or toasted sesame seeds brings a wonderful textural contrast to Mango Sticky Rice. These pops of crunch are not just decorative but enhance every bite, balancing the creamy softness of the rice and juicy mango. You can also add a few fresh mint leaves for a burst of color and refreshing aroma.
Side Dishes
Mango Sticky Rice shines luxuriously on its own, but if you want to make a full Thai-inspired dessert platter, consider pairing it with tiny coconut ice cream scoops or fresh tropical fruit slices like pineapple and papaya. These light, complementary sides create a vibrant fusion of flavors and textures without overshadowing the star dessert.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to wow your guests? Try serving Mango Sticky Rice in small glass jars or coconut shells for a charming tropical presentation. Layer the sticky rice and mango beautifully and finish with a coconut sauce drizzle and crunchy toppings on top. This not only looks stunning but makes the eating experience feel special and memorable.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover Mango Sticky Rice, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best enjoyed within a day or two for maximum freshness since the mango’s vibrant flavors and the rice’s creaminess can diminish over time.
Freezing
Freezing this dessert is not recommended because the sticky rice and fresh mango texture can suffer significantly from freezing and thawing. You’ll lose the luscious mouthfeel that makes Mango Sticky Rice so delightful.
Reheating
When reheating leftover sticky rice, do so gently using a steamer or microwave with a damp cloth over it to retain moisture. Avoid overheating as the texture can become hard or dry. Add a splash of coconut milk when reheating to revive its creamy richness before serving again.
FAQs
Can I use regular white rice instead of sticky rice?
Regular white rice won’t give you the same chewy, sticky texture essential to Mango Sticky Rice. Thai glutinous sticky rice is key because of its unique starch that makes it cling and absorb coconut milk perfectly.
How do I know when mangoes are ripe enough for this dessert?
Choose mangoes that are fragrant, slightly soft to the touch, and have a vibrant yellow or orange skin. The flesh should yield gently when pressed to ensure sweetness and juiciness that pairs wonderfully with the rice.
Can I make Mango Sticky Rice vegan?
Absolutely! Since this recipe already uses coconut milk instead of dairy, it is naturally vegan. Just be sure to check that your sweeteners and toppings align with your dietary preferences.
What’s the best way to serve Mango Sticky Rice if I’m entertaining guests?
Serve the sticky rice warm or at room temperature and present it attractively with neat mango slices, coconut sauce drizzles, and crunchy garnishes. You can prepare the rice and sauce in advance and assemble quickly as guests arrive to keep everything fresh.
Is there a substitute for crispy mung beans?
If you can’t find crispy mung beans, toasted sesame seeds or chopped roasted peanuts provide a similar crunchy texture and nutty flavor that complements the creamy Mango Sticky Rice beautifully.
Final Thoughts
Treat yourself to the luscious layers of Mango Sticky Rice and immerse in its perfect blend of creamy, sweet, and fresh flavors. This dessert is a celebration of texture and taste that never fails to impress, whether you’re enjoying a casual weeknight treat or hosting a festive gathering. I can’t wait for you to make this beloved Thai classic at home and discover why Mango Sticky Rice has captured hearts around the world!
Print
Mango Sticky Rice Recipe
- Total Time: 4 hours 50 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Mango Sticky Rice is a traditional Thai dessert featuring tender, sweetened sticky rice infused with creamy coconut milk, paired with ripe, juicy mango slices, and topped with a luscious coconut sauce and crunchy crispy mung beans or toasted sesame seeds. This easy-to-make recipe combines exotic flavors and textures for a refreshing and satisfying treat.
Ingredients
Sticky Rice
- 1/2 cup Thai sticky rice (uncooked)
Coconut Milk Mixture for Rice
- 1/2 cup coconut milk
- 3 tablespoons white sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Thickened Coconut Sauce
- 1/4 cup coconut milk
- 1.5 tablespoons white sugar
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon rice flour (or cornstarch)
Final Assembly
- 2 ripe mangoes
- 1 tablespoon crispy mung beans (or toasted sesame seeds)
Instructions
- Prepare Sticky Rice: Rinse the sticky rice thoroughly until the water runs clear, then soak it in water for at least 4 hours or overnight. Drain and transfer the rice to a bamboo steamer basket placed over a pot of boiling water. Steam the rice for approximately 40 minutes, or until the grains are soft and translucent.
- Make Coconut Milk Mixture: While the rice is steaming, combine 1/2 cup coconut milk, 3 tablespoons sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon salt in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the sugar and salt dissolve completely and the mixture becomes smooth; do not boil.
- Combine Rice with Coconut Mixture: Once the rice is cooked, transfer it to a mixing bowl and pour the sweetened coconut milk mixture over it. Gently mix until the rice is fully coated. Cover and let it sit for 20 minutes to allow the coconut milk to absorb into the rice.
- Prepare Thickened Coconut Sauce: In a small pan, whisk together 1/4 cup coconut milk, 1.5 tablespoons sugar, 1/8 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon rice flour or cornstarch. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens slightly but remains pourable.
- Assemble and Serve: Place a scoop of the coconut-infused sticky rice on a serving plate. Peel and slice the ripe mangoes, arranging half of the slices alongside the rice. Drizzle the thickened coconut sauce over the rice and mango, then sprinkle with crispy mung beans or toasted sesame seeds for added texture. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Soaking the sticky rice is essential for achieving the perfect soft and chewy texture.
- You can substitute crispy mung beans with toasted sesame seeds if preferred.
- Use ripe, sweet mangoes for the best flavor and contrast with the creamy rice.
- Do not boil the coconut milk mixtures to prevent curdling and preserve a smooth texture.
- This dish is best served fresh but can be gently reheated if needed.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus 4+ hours soaking time)
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Steaming and stovetop simmering
- Cuisine: Thai
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1 cup sticky rice with mango and sauce)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 28 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 58 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: Mango Sticky Rice, Thai dessert, coconut sticky rice, tropical dessert, Thai mango dessert
