Are you ready to explore a delicious treat? Mango Sticky Rice is a sweet and creamy dessert that will make your taste buds dance. It features warm, sticky rice topped with refreshing mango and rich coconut sauce. I’ll share my easy recipe and friendly tips to help you make this delightful dish at home. Get your ingredients ready, and let’s get started on making this tasty dessert together!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Deliciously Sweet: The combination of ripe mangoes and creamy coconut sauce creates a sweet and tropical flavor that is utterly irresistible.
- Perfectly Textured: The sticky rice provides a unique and satisfying chewiness that pairs beautifully with the smooth coconut sauce.
- Easy to Make: With just a few simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is accessible for cooks of all skill levels.
- Impressive Presentation: Serving this dish is a feast for the eyes, making it a perfect choice for gatherings or special occasions.
Ingredients
List of Essential Ingredients
- 1 cup glutinous rice (sticky rice)
- 1 ½ cups coconut milk
- ½ cup sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 ripe mangoes, peeled and sliced
- Toasted sesame seeds or mung beans for garnish (optional)
- Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)
Mango sticky rice is a simple yet delightful dish. You will need glutinous rice for the perfect texture. This rice is also known as sticky rice. It makes the dish chewy and fun to eat.
Coconut milk brings a rich and creamy flavor. It pairs well with the sweet mango. Sugar adds sweetness to the rice and sauce. A touch of salt balances the flavors nicely.
Fresh, ripe mangoes are the star of the dish. Their sweetness and juiciness make each bite special. You can also add garnishes like toasted sesame seeds or mung beans. These add texture and a nice crunch.
Finally, use mint leaves for a pop of color and freshness. This dish is all about simple ingredients that work well together. Enjoy making this lovely treat!

Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Rice
- Rinsing and soaking the glutinous rice: First, rinse the glutinous rice under cold water. Keep rinsing until the water runs clear. This step is key for removing excess starch. After rinsing, soak the rice in water for at least four hours. Soaking overnight gives the best texture.
- Steaming the rice: After soaking, drain the rice. Place it in a steamer lined with cheesecloth. Steam the rice over high heat for 25 to 30 minutes. The rice should become tender and sticky.
Making the Coconut Sauce
- Combining coconut milk, sugar, and salt: While the rice steams, prepare the coconut sauce. In a saucepan, mix coconut milk, sugar, and salt. Stir well until the sugar dissolves.
- Heating and reserving: Warm the mixture over medium heat. Avoid boiling it. Reserve half a cup of this sauce for later.
Final Assembly
- Combining rice and sauce: Once the rice is ready, transfer it to a large bowl. Pour the warm coconut sauce over the rice. Gently fold it until the rice is fully coated. Let it sit for 15 to 20 minutes. This allows the rice to absorb the flavors.
- Preparing the mango: While the rice sits, slice the ripe mangoes into thin wedges. You can also cut them into fan shapes for a pretty look.
- Plating the dessert: Use a mold or cup to pack a portion of sticky rice. Invert it onto a clean plate. Arrange the sliced mangoes next to the rice.
- Garnishing and serving: Drizzle the reserved coconut sauce over the sticky rice. Optionally, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds or mung beans on top. These add a nice crunch. Finish with fresh mint leaves for color and flavor.
Tips & Tricks
Achieving Perfect Sticky Rice
To get the best sticky rice, soak it for at least 4 hours. Soaking overnight is even better! This helps soften the grains. For steaming, use a steamer lined with cheesecloth. Steam over high heat for 25-30 minutes until the rice is tender and sticky. This method keeps the rice moist and fluffy.
Enhancing Flavor and Texture
Fresh ingredients make a big difference. Use ripe mangoes for sweetness and natural flavor. Instead of sugar, try honey or maple syrup for a different taste. These options add unique flavors and can suit your preferences.
Presentation Tips
Serve your mango sticky rice on a clean white plate. This makes the colors pop! Arrange the mango slices neatly beside the rice. Drizzle some coconut sauce on top for extra flavor. For a touch of fun, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds or mung beans for crunch. Add fresh mint leaves for a bright splash of color.
Pro Tips
- Soaking Time Matters: For the best texture, soak the glutinous rice for at least 4 hours, but overnight is ideal. This allows the rice to absorb water fully, resulting in a perfectly sticky consistency.
- Temperature Control: When preparing the coconut sauce, ensure to heat it gently without boiling. This helps maintain the creamy texture and prevents separation of the coconut milk.
- Rice Steaming Tip: Use a steamer lined with cheesecloth to prevent the rice from falling through. This will also help keep the rice moist and fluffy during the steaming process.
- Mango Selection: Choose ripe but firm mangoes for slicing. They should be sweet and aromatic, but not overly soft, so they hold their shape when plated.
Variations
Tropical Fruit Combinations
You can mix sticky rice with other fruits. Try bananas, pineapples, or dragon fruit. These fruits add fun flavors and colors. You can also explore using berries for a twist.
For the coconut sauce, you might add a hint of lime or orange zest. This will brighten the taste. You can also mix in a splash of vanilla extract for depth. These changes make your dessert unique and exciting.
Dietary Adaptations
Mango sticky rice is easy to make vegan. Just use coconut milk, which is already plant-based. You can replace sugar with maple syrup or agave nectar for a healthier option.
If you need gluten-free options, you are in luck! Sticky rice is naturally gluten-free. Just ensure that any other ingredients are also gluten-free. This dessert is great for everyone!
International Twists
You can create fusion recipes by adding different flavors. For example, try a matcha coconut sauce for a Japanese twist. Or mix in some caramelized nuts for crunch.
Many cultures have their own versions of this dessert. In Thailand, they use black sticky rice. In Japan, you might find a similar dish with sweet red beans. Exploring these options can give you a taste of different traditions.
Storage Info
Best Practices for Storing
- How to store leftover sticky rice: After enjoying your mango sticky rice, let it cool down. Place the leftover sticky rice in an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, freeze it for up to one month. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight.
- Keeping mango fresh for longer: To keep sliced mango fresh, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. Store it in the fridge. Use the mango within two days for the best taste. If you have whole mangoes, keep them at room temperature until they ripen, then move them to the fridge.
Reheating Tips
- Proper methods for warming rice: To reheat sticky rice, use a steamer or microwave. If using a microwave, place the rice in a bowl with a splash of water. Cover it with a damp paper towel. Heat it for 30 seconds at a time until warm.
- Best practices for maintaining texture: When reheating, be careful not to overheat the rice. This can make it dry. Adding a little water helps keep it soft and sticky. Enjoy your dessert just like fresh!
FAQs
What is Mango Sticky Rice?
Mango sticky rice is a sweet Thai dessert. It combines sticky rice, ripe mango, and coconut sauce. This dish is popular in Thailand and across Southeast Asia. It has roots in Thai culture and is often served during festivals. The sweet and creamy coconut sauce pairs perfectly with the fresh mango.
Can I use regular rice instead of glutinous rice?
Using regular rice will change the texture. Glutinous rice is sticky and chewy. Regular rice will not hold together well. This dish needs the unique stickiness of glutinous rice. If you want the true flavor, stick to glutinous rice.
How can I make Mango Sticky Rice ahead of time?
You can prepare the sticky rice and coconut sauce in advance. Store the rice in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for about three days. For the mango, slice it just before serving. This keeps it fresh and vibrant. Reheat the rice gently in a steamer for the best texture. You can also microwave it, but add a bit of water to keep it moist. Enjoy your delicious dessert!
Mango sticky rice is a simple yet delicious dessert. We covered essential ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and handy tips. You can enhance flavors with fresh fruits or unique sauces. Remember to store leftovers properly for best taste. Enjoy exploring different variations to make this treat your own. With practice, you’ll master this classic dish and impress family and friends.