Simple Mango Sticky Rice Recipe: A Sweet Thai Treat at Home

Sweet mango sticky rice tantalizes taste buds with its creamy, tropical allure.

Southeast Asian cuisine celebrates this delectable dessert as a harmonious blend of textures and flavors.

Glutinous rice reinvents into a silky canvas, absorbing rich coconut milk’s luxurious essence.

Ripe mangoes contribute vibrant, sunshine-like sweetness that perfectly complements the rice subtle richness.

Each bite promises a delightful dance of contrasting sensations—soft yet chewy, sweet yet subtle.

Regional variations showcase the dessert’s adaptability, reflecting local culinary traditions and ingredient availability.

The combination elevates simple ingredients into a sophisticated, memorable treat that transcends ordinary desserts.

What Makes Mango Sticky Rice a Must-Try

• Savor Authentic Thai Flavors: This mango sticky rice recipe captures the essence of traditional Thai desserts, delivering a perfect balance of sweet, creamy, and tropical tastes that transport you straight to the streets of Bangkok.
• Master Simple Culinary Technique: The steaming method creates an incredibly soft, perfectly textured rice that's both beginner-friendly and impressive, making it an ideal dish for home cooks looking to expand their cooking skills.
• Enjoy Quick Tropical Indulgence: With minimal ingredients and straightforward preparation, this dessert comes together in just a few hours, offering a luxurious treat that feels like a gourmet restaurant experience without complex cooking methods.
• Customize Your Sweet Adventure: The recipe allows for easy modifications like adjusting sweetness, adding alternative toppings, or experimenting with different mango varieties, making it a versatile dessert for various taste preferences and dietary needs.

Mango Sticky Rice Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

• Sticky Rice: Short-grain white rice perfect for creating a soft, chewy texture essential for traditional Thai dessert.
• Sweet Rice: Another name for glutinous rice that provides the signature sticky consistency.

• Ripe Mango: Sweet, golden fruit that adds tropical freshness and vibrant color to the dessert.
• Fresh Mango: Preferably yellow or orange mangoes with rich, sweet flavor for best results.

Sauce and Sweetening Ingredients:

• Coconut Milk: Creamy, rich liquid that creates the signature sweet and smooth sauce for the rice.
• Coconut Flakes: Optional garnish that adds subtle texture and tropical flavor.

• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create the glossy sauce coating the rice.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances the sweetness of the dessert.

Finishing Ingredients:

• Sesame Seeds: Crunchy topping that provides a nutty contrast to the creamy rice.
• Cornstarch: Thickening agent used to create a smooth, glossy sauce consistency.

Directions for Mango Sticky Rice

Step 1: Prepare Rice

Rinse sticky rice thoroughly under cold water. Soak the rice in a large pot of cold water for 1-3 hours or overnight to soften the grains completely.

Step 2: Steam Rice

Transfer the soaked rice to a steamer basket or sieve. Steam over boiling water for 30-50 minutes until the rice becomes tender and fully cooked.

Step 3: Create Coconut Sauce

• Coconut milk
• Sweetener
• Salt

Bring the mixture to a boil, then gently fold in the steamed rice. Cover and let it rest for 45-60 minutes to absorb the flavors.

Step 4: Prepare Extra Sauce

• Coconut milk
• 1 sweetener
• Pinch of sea salt
• Cornstarch

Boil and simmer until the sauce thickens to a smooth consistency.

Step 5: Plate and Serve

Arrange the coconut-infused sticky rice on a plate. Top with fresh mango slices. Drizzle the extra sauce over the rice. Garnish with sesame seeds or coconut flakes for added texture and flavor.

Tips for Mango Sticky Rice Success

• Choose Ripe Mangoes: Select fragrant, slightly soft mangoes with vibrant yellow-orange color for the sweetest flavor and best texture.
• Rinse Rice Thoroughly: Wash glutinous rice multiple times until water runs clear to remove excess starch and ensure perfect sticky consistency.
• Control Steaming Time: Watch rice carefully during steaming to prevent overcooking, which can make it mushy or too hard.
• Balance Sweetness Gradually: Add sweetener slowly and taste the coconut sauce to achieve a perfectly balanced flavor without overwhelming sweetness.
• Serve Temperature Matters: Allow rice to cool slightly before serving to help it set and develop the ideal sticky texture, enhancing overall mouthfeel.

How to Store and Reheat Mango Sticky Rice

• Refrigerate: Transfer leftover mango sticky rice to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Separate the mango slices to prevent them from becoming soggy.
• Reheat: Warm the rice gently in the microwave for 30-45 seconds, adding a splash of coconut milk to restore moisture and prevent dryness. Stir carefully to maintain the rice's texture.
• Serve: Refresh the dish by adding fresh mango slices and a drizzle of extra coconut sauce before enjoying your reheated dessert.

Mango Sticky Rice Pairing Recommendations

• Boost Tropical Sweetness: Pair this classic Thai dessert with a chilled lychee or passion fruit cocktail that echoes the mango's bright, sweet notes and complements the creamy coconut rice.
• Elevate Texture Contrast: Serve alongside a crisp white wine like Riesling or Gewürztraminer, which cuts through the richness and provides a refreshing palate cleanse between bites.
• Enhance Dessert Experience: Add a scoop of coconut sorbet or a small glass of Thai iced tea to create a complete sensory journey that highlights the dessert's tropical essence and creamy texture.
• Balance Flavor Profile: Include a small plate of fresh mint or basil leaves as a garnish, offering a subtle herbal touch that brightens the sweet, rich flavors of the mango sticky rice.

Mango Sticky Rice Recipe Variations

• Tropical Fusion: Replace mango with grilled pineapple or passion fruit for a Caribbean-inspired version that adds tangy sweetness and tropical flair.
• Chocolate Coconut Remix: Drizzle dark chocolate sauce over the rice and sprinkle cocoa nibs for a rich, decadent dessert that transforms the traditional recipe.
• Seasonal Berry Blend: Swap mango with fresh seasonal berries like strawberries or raspberries, creating a vibrant and lighter alternative that brings fresh color and taste.
• Spiced Nutty Crunch: Top the rice with toasted almonds, a sprinkle of cinnamon, and a dash of cardamom for a warm, aromatic version with added texture and depth.

Mango Sticky Rice Recipe

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4.6 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Sweet Thai classic mango sticky rice delights senses with creamy coconut-infused glutinous rice paired alongside ripe, golden mango slices. Rich tropical dessert promises pure bliss that transports diners straight to Thailand’s culinary heart.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 ¼ cups (250 g) glutinous rice
• 1–2 large mangoes

Coconut Milk and Sweetening Components:

• 1 cup (240 ml) canned coconut milk
• ½ cup (120 ml) canned coconut milk
• ¼ cup (50 g) sweetener of choice
• 1 ½ tablespoons sweetener of choice

Seasoning and Thickening Ingredients:

• ⅓ teaspoon sea salt
• 1 pinch of sea salt
• 1 ½ teaspoons cornstarch or tapioca flour

Garnish:

• Toasted sesame seeds or coconut flakes

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Instructions

1. Immerse long-grain sticky rice in cold water for a minimum of 60 minutes, allowing the grains to absorb moisture and soften, with an optimal soaking time of 3 hours or overnight for best texture.
2. Transfer soaked rice to a steamer basket or traditional bamboo steamer, positioning it over rapidly boiling water and steam for 35-45 minutes until the rice becomes perfectly tender and translucent.
3. Prepare the primary coconut sauce by combining 240 milliliters coconut milk, 50 grams granulated sugar, and 1.5 grams salt in a medium saucepan, heating until the mixture reaches a gentle boil.
4. Incorporate the freshly steamed rice into the coconut sauce, gently folding to ensure even coating, then cover and let the rice absorb the creamy mixture for 45-60 minutes, allowing flavors to meld completely.
5. Create the additional serving sauce by whisking 120 milliliters coconut milk, 22 grams (1 ) sugar, a delicate pinch of sea salt, and 5 grams cornstarch in a small saucepan.
6. Simmer the supplementary sauce over medium heat, stirring consistently until it thickens to a luxurious, glossy consistency, approximately 3-4 minutes.
7. Slice ripe, golden mangoes into elegant wedges and artfully arrange them alongside the glistening sticky rice.
8. Drizzle the additional coconut sauce generously over the rice and mango, then garnish with a sprinkle of toasted white sesame seeds or delicate coconut flakes for added texture and visual appeal.

Notes

• Master the art of soaking Thai sticky rice for at least an hour, which ensures perfect texture and even cooking.
• Choose ripe, fragrant mangoes for the most authentic and delicious flavor profile of this classic Thai dessert.
• Allow the rice to rest after steaming and mixing with coconut sauce, enabling it to absorb flavors and become wonderfully creamy.
• Control sauce consistency by gradually heating and stirring, preventing lumps and achieving a smooth, glossy finish.
• Toast sesame seeds or coconut flakes lightly before garnishing to enhance their nutty and aromatic qualities.
• Serve immediately after preparation to enjoy the optimal temperature and textural balance between warm rice and cool mango.

• Prep Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Steaming
• Cuisine: Thai

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 340 kcal
• Sugar: 22 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 42 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg