Name: Thai Mango Sweet Sticky Rice
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients: 2–3 fresh mangoes, peeled and sliced; 1 cup glutinous/sweet rice; 1 cup coconut milk; 1 tablespoon coconut milk (separate for thickening); ¼ cup sugar; ¼ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon corn starch; ½ teaspoon sesame seeds, for garnish

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Short Description

A beloved Thai dessert featuring fragrant glutinous sticky rice soaked in sweet coconut sauce, paired with juicy ripe mangoes and finished with creamy coconut drizzle and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish balances sweet and creamy coconut rice with fresh mango for a perfect contrast of flavors and textures. It’s simple yet elegant, refreshing and indulgent—ideal for a warm-weather treat or a show-stopping finish to any meal.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
• 2–3 fresh mangoes, peeled and sliced
• 1 cup glutinous/sweet rice
• 1 cup coconut milk
• 1 tablespoon coconut milk (separate for thickening)
• ¼ cup sugar
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon corn starch
• ½ teaspoon sesame seeds, for garnish

Directions

Soak the glutinous rice for 2 hours or up to overnight. Drain when ready.
Steam the soaked rice for 20–30 minutes using a traditional steamer. At around 20 minutes, check: if the grains are soft and no longer hard in the center, it’s done.
If you don’t have a steamer, create a DIY setup: shape three equal aluminum foil balls to rest inside a pot with water. Place a heatproof bowl or plate on the aluminum balls, add the drained rice, cover the pot, bring to a boil, and steam for 20–30 minutes.
While rice cooks, slice the mangoes and set aside.
To make the sweet coconut sauce: in a saucepan, bring 1 cup coconut milk with sugar and salt to a boil. Once boiling, remove about half of the sauce into a separate bowl and set aside.
Mix the remaining 1 tablespoon coconut milk with cornstarch to form a slurry. Add the slurry back to the saucepan and continue boiling for a few minutes until the sauce thickens.
When rice is steamed, transfer it to a mixing bowl and pour the reserved thinner coconut sauce over it. Mix well and let it cool for 15–20 minutes.
To serve: plate the cooled rice alongside sliced mango. Drizzle the thickened coconut sauce over the rice and garnish with sesame seeds.

Servings And Timing

Yields 3–4 servings, depending on portion size and mango size.
Prep time: including soaking time (active prep ~10 minutes).
Cook time: ~30 minutes (steaming) + ~5–10 minutes (sauce).
Total active time: ~20 minutes (excluding soaking and cooling).

Variations

Alternative Fruits: Try with ripe pineapple, berries, or sliced banana in place of mango.
Coconut Enhancement: Toast coconut flakes for garnish instead of sesame seeds.
Sweetness Adjustment: Reduce sugar for a less sweet version—or add a touch of palm sugar or maple syrup.
Dairy Twist: Swirl in a bit of cashew cream before serving for extra richness.
Textural Add-ins: Sprinkle chopped nuts like pistachios or almonds for crunch.

Storage/Reheating

Sticky rice is best enjoyed fresh. Store leftover rice and sauce separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat rice briefly in a pan with a splash of coconut milk or water to soften it before serving. Do not store sliced mango with rice, as it can become watery.

FAQs

Can I cook the rice without soaking it?

Soaking helps the rice steam evenly and become tender. You may try cooking without soaking, but it can result in uneven texture or firmer grains.

Why do I split the coconut sauce into two parts?

Half serves as a soak-in sauce for the rice, while the thickened portion is drizzled over for a more luscious, creamy finish.

Can I use canned mango or frozen mango?

Fresh, ripe mango provides the best flavor and texture. Canned or frozen mango may work but can be too soft or watery for the classic contrast.

What if I don’t have cornstarch?

You can use arrowroot or tapioca starch instead in equal measure for thickening.

Is this gluten-free?

Yes. All ingredients—glutinous rice, coconut milk, sugar—are gluten-free.

Can I prepare this dessert in advance?

Yes. You can soak rice and prepare the sauce ahead of time. After cooking rice, refrigerate separately and assemble just before serving.

How much coconut milk should I use if doubling?

Double the amounts in all parts—use 2 cups coconut milk and 2 tablespoons reserved for thickening if making twice the rice.

Can I reduce the sugar?

Yes. Taste and adjust sweetness based on mango sweetness or personal preference.

What temperature should rice be when mixed with sauce?

Let rice cool to warm or room temperature before adding sauce so it absorbs flavors without becoming mushy.

Can I garnish it with anything else?

Yes—try toasted coconut flakes, chopped pistachios, or a few mint leaves for freshness.

Conclusion

Thai Mango Sweet Sticky Rice is a timeless dessert that transforms simple ingredients into a decadent, refreshing treat. With creamy coconut-infused rice and juicy mango slices, it offers a symphony of flavors and textures. Customize the sweetness, serve with toasted garnishes, and savor this tropical classic any time.