Mango Sticky Rice: 3 Amazing Secrets

Name: Mango Sticky Rice: 3 Amazing Secrets
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients: 1 cup Thai sticky rice (glutinous rice); Water, for soaking and steaming; 1 ½ cups full-fat coconut milk; ⅓ cup granulated sugar; ¼ teaspoon salt; ¼ cup full-fat coconut milk; ½ teaspoon cornstarch (optional); Pinch of salt; 2 ripe mangoes, peeled and sliced; Toasted sesame seeds or mung beans (optional garnish)

by dorina alena

July 25, 2025

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Mango sticky rice has always been my ultimate comfort dessert, a taste of pure bliss that reminds me of warm evenings and vibrant Thai markets. I remember the first time I tried an authentic Thai mango sticky rice recipe; the creamy, sweet coconut milk infused into the tender sticky rice, perfectly balanced with the ripe, juicy mango, was absolutely heavenly. It’s a dessert that’s surprisingly simple to master at home, and I’ve found these easy mango sticky rice instructions make it a weeknight treat. The aroma alone is enough to transport you! Let’s get cooking!

You’re going to adore this Mango Sticky Rice for so many reasons. It’s not just a dessert; it’s a delightful experience!

Incredible taste: Sweet, creamy coconut milk meets tender sticky rice and fresh, ripe mango – pure yum!
Quick prep: With minimal active time, it’s faster than you think.
Healthy-ish treat: Made with fruit and coconut milk, it’s a satisfying indulgence.
Budget-friendly: Uses simple, accessible ingredients.
Family favorite: Kids and adults alike will devour this.
The best mango sticky rice dessert for impressing guests.
It’s truly the best mango sticky rice dessert for a sweet craving.

Authentic Mango Sticky Rice Ingredients

Gathering the right components is key to achieving that truly authentic taste. These are the authentic mango sticky rice ingredients you’ll need:

1 cup Thai sticky rice (glutinous rice) – This is crucial; regular rice won’t give you that signature chewy texture.
1 ½ cups full-fat coconut milk – Forms the rich, creamy base for soaking the rice.
⅓ cup granulated sugar – Sweetens the coconut milk mixture beautifully.
¼ teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances the coconut flavor.
¼ cup full-fat coconut milk – Reserved for a luscious topping.
½ teaspoon cornstarch (optional) – To thicken the reserved coconut milk for a richer drizzle.
Pinch of salt – For the optional topping, to enhance its flavor.
2 ripe mangoes, peeled and sliced – Choose sweet, soft mangoes like Ataulfo or Nam Dok Mai for the best flavor.
Toasted sesame seeds or mung beans (optional garnish) – Adds a lovely crunch and nutty contrast.

How to Make Mango Sticky Rice

Making this beloved Thai dessert is a rewarding process that brings incredible flavor right into your kitchen. Follow these simple steps for how to make mango sticky rice.

Step 1: Start by rinsing the Thai sticky rice thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch. Then, soak the rice in plenty of fresh water for at least 4 hours, or ideally, overnight. After soaking, drain the rice completely.
Step 2: Prepare the coconut sauce. In a saucepan, combine 1 ½ cups full-fat coconut milk, ⅓ cup granulated sugar, and ¼ teaspoon salt. Gently heat this mixture over medium-low heat, stirring constantly until the sugar and salt have completely dissolved. Be careful not to boil it – just warm it through to meld the flavors.
Step 3: While the coconut sauce is warming, steam the drained sticky rice. Place it in a steamer basket lined with cheesecloth or parchment paper. Steam for about 25-30 minutes, or until the rice is translucent and tender to the bite. The aroma will be wonderful!
Step 4: Transfer the hot, steamed sticky rice to a bowl. Pour about two-thirds of the warm coconut milk mixture over the hot rice. Gently fold everything together with a spatula, ensuring each grain is coated. Cover the bowl and let it sit undisturbed for 20-30 minutes. This allows the rice to absorb the luscious sticky rice with mango and coconut milk.
Step 5: For an optional thicker topping, whisk together the reserved ¼ cup full-fat coconut milk, a pinch of salt, and the ½ teaspoon cornstarch in a small saucepan. Heat gently, stirring constantly, until the mixture slightly thickens.
Step 6: To serve your beautiful mango sticky rice, shape a portion of the infused sticky rice onto a plate. Arrange slices of ripe mango alongside it. Drizzle generously with the remaining warm coconut sauce or the thickened topping. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds or mung beans if you like for that extra crunch. Enjoy this delightful sticky rice with mango and coconut milk!

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Pro Tips for the Best Mango Sticky Rice

Achieving that perfect texture and flavor for your mango sticky rice is all about a few key techniques. Here are my best tips:

Use the best way to cook sticky rice for mango by starting with properly soaked Thai glutinous rice. Don’t skimp on the soaking time – it’s essential for tender, chewy grains.
Don’t overcook the coconut milk mixture; you want to dissolve the sugar and salt, not create a thick caramel. Gentle heat is your friend here.
Let the sticky rice rest after soaking up the coconut milk. This resting period is crucial for the rice to absorb the flavors and achieve its signature creamy consistency.

What’s the secret to perfect Mango Sticky Rice?

The real secret to perfect coconut sticky rice mango is the quality of your coconut milk and the resting time after soaking the rice. Using full-fat coconut milk and allowing the hot rice to absorb it slowly makes all the difference. For more insights into Thai cuisine, you can explore our about page.

Can I make Mango Sticky Rice ahead of time?

You can prepare the sticky rice component a few hours ahead, but it’s best served warm or at room temperature. Keep the cooked sticky rice covered at room temperature, and slice your mangoes just before serving to prevent browning. If you have questions about our recipes, feel free to contact us.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Mango Sticky Rice?

The most common mistake is using the wrong kind of rice; always use Thai glutinous rice. Also, avoid overmixing the rice once it’s combined with the coconut milk, as this can make it gummy instead of perfectly chewy. For more details on our policies, please review our privacy policy.

Best Ways to Serve Mango Sticky Rice

This delightful mango dessert sticky rice is a star on its own, but I love playing with presentation and pairings to elevate the experience even further. Here are a few ideas for serving this classic Thai treat.

Classic Presentation: My favorite way is the traditional method: shape a generous mound of the warm, coconut-infused sticky rice onto a plate. Arrange slices of fresh, ripe mango alongside it, and then drizzle with that luscious, reserved coconut sauce. A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds adds a lovely crunch and visual appeal.
Deconstructed Delight: For a modern twist, serve the components separately. Place a scoop of sticky rice in a small bowl, a pile of mango slices on a small plate, and the coconut sauce in a tiny pitcher for drizzling. This allows everyone to build their perfect bite.
Complementary Pairings: While it’s a complete dessert, I sometimes serve it with a light, refreshing Thai iced tea to cut through the richness. A small scoop of coconut ice cream can also be a decadent addition if you’re feeling extra indulgent! For more on our terms, see our terms and conditions.

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Nutrition Facts for Mango Sticky Rice

This delicious Mango Sticky Rice is a sweet treat that offers a good balance of flavors and textures. Here’s a breakdown of the estimated nutritional information per serving:

Calories: 330
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: N/A
Protein: 3g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 18g
Sodium: N/A

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used, especially the ripeness of the mango and the exact brand of coconut milk. For affiliate information, please read our affiliate disclaimer.

How to Store and Reheat Mango Sticky Rice

Keeping your homemade mango sticky rice fresh is easy with a few simple tricks. Once your delicious dessert has cooled slightly, it’s important to store the components separately for the best quality. I like to put the sticky rice in an airtight container and store the sliced mangoes in a separate container in the refrigerator. This way, your sticky rice won’t get mushy, and your mangoes will stay fresh.

You can safely store the cooked sticky rice in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to keep it even longer, freezing is an option! Wrap the cooled sticky rice tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, gently warm the sticky rice in a saucepan with a splash of water or coconut milk over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. For thawed frozen rice, you might need a bit longer. Enjoy your delicious dessert!

Frequently Asked Questions About Mango Sticky Rice

What makes traditional Thai mango sticky rice so special?

The magic of traditional Thai mango sticky rice lies in its perfect harmony of textures and flavors. It’s the combination of the chewy, coconut-infused glutinous rice with the sweet, tender mango that makes it so irresistible. The creamy coconut milk sauce ties it all together beautifully, creating a dessert that is both comforting and incredibly satisfying. For more on the origins of Thai cuisine, you might find resources on Thai cuisine helpful.

Can I make Mango Sticky Rice with different types of mangoes?

Absolutely! While certain mango varieties are preferred for their sweetness and texture, you can use other ripe mangoes. Look for mangoes that are soft to the touch and have a fragrant aroma. The key is ripeness, which ensures the mangoes are sweet and have a lovely, melt-in-your-mouth quality that complements the sticky rice.

How do I get the sticky rice to be perfectly chewy?

The secret to achieving that signature chewy texture in your Mango Sticky Rice is using Thai glutinous rice, also known as sweet rice. Proper soaking is also crucial. Soaking the rice for at least 4 hours, or even overnight, allows it to hydrate fully, ensuring it cooks up tender and delightfully chewy when steamed. Don’t skip this step! Learn more about the science behind cooking rice at Serious Eats.

Is Mango Sticky Rice a healthy dessert option?

While it’s a delicious treat, Mango Sticky Rice is best enjoyed in moderation. It’s made with fruit and coconut milk, which are nourishing, but it does contain a good amount of sugar and fat from the coconut milk and sweetener. It’s a decadent dessert rather than an everyday health food, but enjoying a serving can be part of a balanced diet.

Variations of Mango Sticky Rice You Can Try

While the classic version of Mango Sticky Rice is divine, I love experimenting with different twists! It’s so versatile, and you can easily adapt it to suit various dietary needs or flavor preferences. Here are a few ideas to inspire your next batch of this delightful Thai dessert.

Vegan Mango Sticky Rice Recipe: For a completely plant-based treat, simply ensure your coconut milk is dairy-free (most are!). The recipe is naturally vegan-friendly, making it a fantastic option for those avoiding animal products. It’s just as creamy and delicious!
Flavor Infusions: Want to add a little something extra? Try infusing the coconut milk with pandan leaves for a subtle, fragrant aroma, or add a touch of lime zest to the rice for a bright, refreshing note. These simple additions can really elevate the flavor profile.
Topping Extravaganza: Get creative with your mango sticky rice topping ideas! Beyond the classic toasted sesame seeds or mung beans, consider toasted shredded coconut, a sprinkle of chopped pistachios for color and crunch, or even a drizzle of condensed milk for extra sweetness.
Grilled Mango Twist: For a warm, caramelized flavor, try lightly grilling your mango slices before serving. This brings out their natural sweetness and adds a lovely smoky depth to the dish, making it a unique variation.