A vibrant and luscious Thai dessert, Mango Sticky Rice features creamy coconut-infused sticky rice paired with slices of sweet, ripe mango. This beloved treat is a harmonious balance of sweet and salty, soft and juicy, making it a staple in Thai cuisine and an ideal finish to any warm-weather meal. Its striking presentation and refreshing flavor make it perfect for both casual gatherings and festive occasions.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dessert offers a delightful blend of flavors and textures—tender sticky rice, rich coconut cream, and fresh tropical fruit. It’s naturally gluten-free, easily made vegan, and uses minimal ingredients. With a relatively simple preparation process, this recipe delivers authentic Thai flavor at home. Whether you’re new to Southeast Asian cuisine or a longtime fan, this sweet dish will quickly become a favorite.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 cup glutinous (sticky) rice
- 1 cup full-fat coconut milk
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 pinch salt
- 2 ripe mangoes, peeled and sliced
Directions
- Rinse the sticky rice under cold water several times until the water runs clear. Soak in water for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight.
- Drain the soaked rice and steam it in a cheesecloth-lined steamer basket over simmering water for about 20–25 minutes, or until tender.
- While the rice is cooking, heat the coconut milk in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the granulated sugar and salt. Stir until fully dissolved, but do not bring to a boil.
- Once the sticky rice is cooked, transfer it to a mixing bowl. Pour about 3/4 of the coconut milk mixture over the hot rice and gently stir to combine.
- Let the rice rest for 20–30 minutes to allow it to absorb the coconut mixture.
- To serve, plate a portion of sticky rice, arrange sliced mango alongside, and drizzle with the remaining coconut sauce.
- Optionally, garnish with sesame seeds or toasted mung beans for added texture.
Servings and timing
Servings: 4 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes (plus soaking time)
Calories per serving: Approximately 340 kcal
Variations
- Add pandan flavor: Infuse the coconut milk with pandan leaves for a fragrant, traditional Thai touch.
- Sweeten naturally: Substitute granulated sugar with palm sugar or coconut sugar for a more complex sweetness.
- Chilled version: Refrigerate the rice and mango separately, then assemble just before serving for a cold dessert.
- Tropical mix: Add kiwi or papaya alongside mango for a fruit medley.
- Extra creamy: Reserve more coconut milk for drizzling to intensify richness.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store sticky rice and mango separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat the rice gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of coconut milk to restore softness.
- Freezing: Not recommended, as the texture of both rice and mango deteriorates upon thawing.
FAQs
Can I use regular rice instead of sticky rice?
No, glutinous rice is essential for achieving the proper texture and authenticity of this dish.
How do I know if the mangoes are ripe?
Ripe mangoes will be slightly soft to the touch, fragrant, and have vibrant yellow or orange flesh.
Is this dish vegan?
Yes, the ingredients are all plant-based, making it a naturally vegan dessert.
Can I prepare it in advance?
Yes, you can make the rice and coconut mixture ahead of time and assemble with mango just before serving.
What’s the best way to steam sticky rice without a steamer?
Use a mesh strainer or colander over a pot of boiling water, covered with a lid or foil, ensuring the rice does not touch the water.
Can I reduce the sugar?
Yes, adjust the sugar to your taste or use a natural sweetener alternative.
What kind of coconut milk should I use?
Full-fat canned coconut milk is best for a creamy and rich flavor.
Can I serve this warm or cold?
It can be served either way, though it is traditionally served slightly warm or at room temperature.
How do I prevent the rice from drying out?
Keep it covered while resting and store with extra coconut milk to maintain moisture.
Can I add flavorings to the coconut sauce?
Yes, try a splash of vanilla extract or a pinch of cinnamon for a subtle variation.
Conclusion
Thai Mango Sticky Rice is a simple yet elegant dessert that celebrates the beauty of fresh ingredients and traditional flavor. With its creamy texture, juicy fruit, and delightful balance of sweet and salty, this dish offers an authentic taste of Thai cuisine right at home. Whether served as a refreshing end to a summer meal or as a special treat, it’s a dessert that’s sure to impress and satisfy.
PrintThai Mango Sticky Rice
A vibrant Thai dessert featuring sweet, creamy coconut sticky rice paired with ripe mango slices—this tropical treat balances sweet and salty flavors with a luscious texture, perfect for warm weather indulgence.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes + soaking
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Steaming
- Cuisine: Thai
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
- 1 cup glutinous (sticky) rice
- 1 cup full-fat coconut milk
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 pinch salt
- 2 ripe mangoes, peeled and sliced
Instructions
- Rinse the sticky rice in cold water until the water runs clear. Soak in water for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Drain the rice and steam in a cheesecloth-lined steamer basket for about 20–25 minutes, until tender.
- While the rice cooks, heat coconut milk in a saucepan over medium heat. Add sugar and salt, stirring until dissolved. Do not boil.
- Once the rice is done, transfer to a mixing bowl and pour 3/4 of the coconut milk mixture over it. Stir gently, then let the rice sit for 20–30 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- To serve, place a scoop of sticky rice on a plate, top with sliced mango, and drizzle with the remaining coconut sauce.
- Optional: sprinkle with sesame seeds or toasted mung beans for texture.
Notes
- Soaking the rice is essential for proper texture—don’t skip this step.
- Use full-fat coconut milk for the creamiest, most authentic flavor.
- Best served warm or at room temperature.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 56g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg