Discover the enticing flavors of Thai Mango Sweet Sticky Rice. Delicate glutinous rice, perfectly steamed and soaked in sweet coconut milk, pairs brilliantly with fresh, ripe mango slices. This tropical dessert is an elegant blend of textures and natural sweetness, creating an unforgettable treat that truly delights vegan palates exquisitely.

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I love making Mango Sticky Rice because it’s a simple and nutritious Thai dessert that hits all the right spots. In my recipe I use 1 cup glutinous sticky rice that i soak for at least three hours in enough water.

After soaking, i steam the rice with 1 1/2 cups water to get that perfect texture. Then i mix in 1 cup full-fat coconut milk with 1/3 cup granulated sugar and 1/4 teaspoon salt making it a sweet coconut rice that is both vegan and gluten free.

The ripe mangoes i use are not only super juicy and sweet but also add vitamins and fiber to the dish. This recipe makes a filling snack that is energizing with a good dose of healthy fats from the coconut milk.

Its simplicity and rich flavor profile makes it a must try for anyone wanting a delicious, authentic Thai Mango Sweet Sticky Rice.

Why I Like this Recipe

I really love this recipe because it brings a perfect mix of flavors and textures, and always makes me feel warm inside. First, I like how the sticky rice absorbs the sweet coconut milk; it turns out so tender and creamy that it kinda melts in my mouth. Second, I dig the contrast between the warm, sweet rice and the cool, juicy mangoes which gives every bite an amazing flavor punch. Third, I appreciate that the recipe is vegan and gluten free which makes it a guilt-free treat even if I end up eating a bit too much. Lastly, even though the steps can be a little tricky sometimes, I like that it feels so real and homestyle when I wing it in my kitchen, making the whole experience fun and a bit imperfect just like life.

Ingredients

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Ingredient Quantities

1 cup glutinous sticky rice (soak for at least 3 hours or overnight)

Water enough to cover the rice while soaking

1 1/2 cups water for steaming the rice

1 cup full-fat coconut milk

1/3 cup granulated sugar

1/4 teaspoon salt

2 ripe mangoes, peeled and sliced

How to Make this

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1. Rinse the sticky rice and soak it in enough water to cover for at least 3 hours or overnight.

2. Drain the rice and put it in a steamer lined with cheesecloth or a bamboo steamer basket.

3. Pour in 1 1/2 cups of water for steaming and steam the rice for about 20 minutes until it’s tender.

4. While the rice steams, mix 1 cup of full-fat coconut milk, 1/3 cup granulated sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon salt in a small saucepan.

5. Heat the coconut milk mixture over low heat until the sugar dissolves completely. Do not let it boil.

6. Once cooked, transfer the steamed rice into a bowl and immediately pour over most of the coconut milk sauce.

7. Let the rice sit for around 10 minutes so it can absorb the sweet sauce. Keep some sauce aside.

8. Peel the ripe mangoes and slice them into pieces.

9. Serve the sticky rice on a plate with the sliced mangoes on the side.

10. Drizzle the remaining coconut sauce over the mango slices and rice, and enjoy your yummy Thai dessert!

Equipment Needed

1. Large bowl for rinsing and soaking the sticky rice
2. Strainer for draining the soaked rice
3. Steamer pot or bamboo steamer basket lined with cheesecloth
4. Cheesecloth (if your steamer basket isn’t pre-lined)
5. Small saucepan to heat the coconut milk mixture
6. Stirring spoon for mixing the sugar, salt, and coconut milk
7. Cutting board and a sharp knife to peel and slice the mangoes
8. Serving plate for arranging the sticky rice and mango slices
9. Measuring cups and spoons for accurate ingredient amounts

FAQ

Q: What type of rice do I need for this recipe?

A: You gotta use glutinous sticky rice. Its texture really captures the authentic feel of mango sticky rice.

Q: How long should I soak the rice?

A: You should soak it for at least 3 hours, but overnight is even better if you have the time.

Q: Can I use any coconut milk or must it be full-fat?

A: Make sure its full-fat coconut milk. It adds the creaminess that makes the dessert so delicious.

Q: Do I steam the rice or boil it?

A: You'll need to steam the rice, using 1 1/2 cups water. This method helps keep the rice sticky and fluffy.

Q: How should I serve Mango Sticky Rice?

A: Serve it with sliced ripe mangoes on the side, and you can even drizzle some extra coconut milk on top if you like it extra creamy.

Mango Sticky Rice (a Thai Dessert!) Recipe Substitutions and Variations

If you cant find glutinous sticky rice, you can try short-grain rice, though it might not be as sticky as the original
If full-fat coconut milk isnt available, light coconut milk mixed with a bit of coconut cream works in a pinch
You can substitute granulated sugar with brown sugar or palm sugar for a richer flavor
If ripe mangoes are hard to come by, you could use papaya or even peaches, but trust me, mangoes are worth it

Pro Tips

1. Make sure u soak the rice long enough but don’t worry too much if you forget a little extra time, sometimes 4-5 hours really makes it super chewy and yummy.
2. When you’re steaming, keep the lid on tight so the steam can fully work its magic on the rice and don’t peep in too much because that messes up the gentle heat.
3. Low and slow is the way to go when heating the coconut sauce, keep stirring slowly so it doesn’t end up burning or curdling.
4. Before mixing the sauce with the hot rice, let the rice sit for a few minutes so it soaks up all the flavor, this extra wait can seriously boost the taste.
5. Don’t forget to leave a bit of sauce on the side; it’s a smart move to drizzle over the mango slices later so each bite gets a little extra kick.