Mango Sticky Rice Recipe

Creamy, luscious, and bursting with tropical flavor, Mango Sticky Rice is the ultimate dessert for anyone who loves a sweet treat with a touch of exotic flair. This beloved Thai classic pairs tender coconut-infused sticky rice with juicy, ripe mangoes—every bite is pure sunshine on a spoon!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the most beautiful things about Mango Sticky Rice is how easy and approachable the ingredients are—and yet each one plays an essential role in creating those dreamy flavors and textures. Let’s take a quick peek at what you’ll need and why each ingredient matters!

• Sticky rice (glutinous rice): This is the heart of the dish—the grains turn chewy and tender, soaking up the sweet coconut sauce like a sponge. Choose glutinous rice for the signature texture.
• Full-fat coconut milk: Rich, creamy, and packed with coconut essence, this is what gives the rice its luscious flavor and silky mouthfeel. Don’t skimp on the fat—light coconut milk just won’t do!
• Sugar: A little sweetness ties everything together and balances the tropical flavors. Regular granulated sugar works beautifully here.
• Salt: Just a sprinkle makes the coconut and mango flavors pop and deepens the overall taste.
• Cornstarch (optional): If your coconut milk is thin, a touch of cornstarch helps thicken the sauce to perfect creaminess.
• Ripe mangoes: Fragrant, juicy, and bursting with color, ripe mangoes are the showstopper that put the “mango” in Mango Sticky Rice. Look for soft, deeply golden fruit.
• Toasted sesame seeds (optional): A little sprinkle on top gives an aromatic crunch, adding a subtle nutty flavor and lovely visual finish.

Variations

While classic Mango Sticky Rice is pure perfection, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with putting your own spin on it! Here are just a few easy (and delicious) ways to personalize this beloved treat for any mood, occasion, or dietary need.

• Berry Beautiful: Swap a portion of the mango for fresh sliced strawberries, kiwi, or pineapple for a colorful fruit medley.
• Pandan Twist: Infuse the coconut sauce with a pandan leaf or a few drops of pandan extract for a signature Southeast Asian aroma and gorgeous green hue.
• Extra Crunch: Top with crushed roasted peanuts, coconut chips, or even crispy mung beans for added texture and flavor.
• Low-Sugar Version: Simply reduce the sugar in the coconut sauce to suit your own taste, or swap for coconut sugar for a caramel-like finish.

How to Make Mango Sticky Rice

Step 1: Soak and Steam the Sticky Rice

Good sticky rice requires a little bit of patience! Start by rinsing the rice in cool water, swishing it with your hand to remove extra starch. After draining, cover the rice with cold water and let it soak for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight if you want to plan ahead. This ensures the grains cook through evenly and develop that irresistible chewy-yet-tender texture. When you’re ready to cook, drain the soaking water, then steam the rice in a heatproof bowl set over simmering water—this gentle method preserves the rice’s lovely bite.

Step 2: Prepare the Coconut Sauce

While the rice is steaming away, make the luscious coconut sauce that sets Mango Sticky Rice apart! Just combine coconut milk, sugar, and salt in a saucepan. Warm it gently over medium or medium-low heat, stirring until the sugar is dissolved and the sauce is hot but not boiling. If your coconut milk is on the thin side, this is the moment to add a bit of cornstarch slurry for luxurious thickness—just a touch will do.

Step 3: Mix Rice and Sauce

Take your just-steamed rice and, while it’s hot, pour over about a cup of your creamy coconut sauce. Gently fold and mix until the rice lovingly absorbs all that coconut goodness—it will look thick and a bit sticky but absolutely delicious. Let it cool to room temperature or just lukewarm so the flavors mellow and meld together perfectly.

Step 4: Slice Mango and Serve

Peel your ripe mangoes and slice them into thin, pretty wedges or cubes. For each serving, spoon a generous mound of coconut sticky rice onto a plate, arrange the fresh mango on the side, and drizzle with more coconut sauce. If you want extra flair, sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds for the perfect final touch. That’s it—time to savor!

How to Serve Mango Sticky Rice

Garnishes

A classic finish for Mango Sticky Rice is a shower of toasted sesame seeds, which add a whisper of nuttiness and a beautiful visual pop. Try sprinkling some toasted coconut flakes or even a tiny pinch of flaky salt for gourmet appeal. The key is not to overwhelm the fresh mango and creamy rice, but to enhance those gorgeous flavors and textures.

Side Dishes

As a dessert, Mango Sticky Rice holds its own, but if you’re planning a Thai-inspired meal, it shines beside lighter mains like a crisp papaya salad or a fragrant coconut milk soup. For a truly epic treat, pair with hot Thai tea for a sweet-and-creamy combo that’s pure bliss!

Creative Ways to Present

Get playful with your presentation! Shape the sticky rice into little domes or use a ring mold for an elegant restaurant-style look. Serve the mango sliced in a fan, diced into a “rose,” or layer everything parfait-style in glass jars for a modern twist. A drizzle of extra coconut sauce or a sprinkle of edible flowers will turn Mango Sticky Rice into a true showpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (lucky you!), store the coconut sticky rice and extra sauce in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. Mangoes are best sliced fresh, but if needed, store the cut fruit in a sealed container for up to a day.

Freezing

Mango Sticky Rice is best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze extra portions of sticky rice and coconut sauce together for up to 1 month. Defrost in the fridge, then reheat gently before serving with freshly sliced mango.

Reheating

Warm the rice gently in a microwave or a steamer with a splash of coconut milk to restore its soft, creamy texture. Do not overheat or the rice can dry out. Serve at room temperature or slightly warm for best flavor.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing that brings a table together quite like a platter of homemade Mango Sticky Rice. Whether you’re making it for friends, family, or simply yourself, each spoonful is a celebration of comfort, color, and tropical joy. Give it a try—it might just become your new favorite treat!

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