Mango Sticky Rice
Published Feb 28, 2019•Updated Aug 27, 2022
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Sticky rice flavored with sweet coconut milk and served with fresh mango is a beloved dessert in Thailand. You only have to try Mango Sticky Rice once to understand why it’s a Thai favorite!
When I started testing this recipe, I took one bite and was transported back to Thailand. When mangos were in season in early spring, they would show up at street stalls all over Bangkok. I’d eat plenty on their own, but mango season is also an excuse to eat mango sticky rice for dessert at every opportunity. Frank and I learned to make this dessert at a Thai cooking class we took the first weekend after we moved to Bangkok – Bai Pai (that was in 2010 – whaaaat). Sweet rice for dessert may sound strange if you’ve never had it, but it’s one of those desserts in which the parts come together to create some serious magic.
Coconut milk, mango, and starchy sticky rice = Thai dessert magic.
How to Make Mango Sticky Rice
- Make sticky rice on the stovetop or in the Instant Pot. (Find detailed instructions here.)
- Stir sweetened coconut milk into the sticky rice. Cover and let sit for 20 minutes at room temperature so that the sticky rice soaks up all of the coconut milk.
- Prepare toppings – Thickened, sweet coconut milk and toasted coconut flakes are optional but add texture and flavor.
- Slice mangos.
- Combine everything and serve!
Mango Sticky Rice Ingredients
- Glutinous or “Sweet” Rice – Start with the right variety of rice. It is labeled “glutinous” or “sweet”. Other types of rice (like the Jasmine rice used in my Jasmine Rice recipe) will not work.
- Coconut milk – Use full fat coconut milk, not “light” coconut milk.
- Mangos – Look for ripe mangos that are golden in color, smell slightly fruity, and give a bit when pressed. Make sure they aren’t overripe (feel soft or mushy).
- Sugar – Just use regular white / granulated sugar.
Why Does Coconut Milk Separate?
Full fat coconut milk often separates into two layers – the top is a thick coconut cream and the bottom is a thin coconut water. Shake the can or stir the layers together to reconstitute the coconut milk. Sometimes emulsifiers are added which will prevent the coconut milk from separating.
Mango Sticky Rice – Warm or Cold?
Either way! Mango sticky rice is great served warm (with freshly made sticky rice) or chilled (with sticky rice made a couple hours ahead of time.
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Mango Sticky Rice
Ingredients
- 2 cups Glutinous or “Sweet” Rice (see note)
- 1 cup Coconut flakes
- 2 Mangos, sliced
Sweet Coconut Marinade:
- 1 cup Coconut Milk
- ⅓ cup Sugar, white
- ¼ tsp Salt
Sweet Coconut Topping:
- ⅓ cup Sugar, white
- ½ tsp Cornstarch
- ½ cup Coconut Milk
Instructions
- Measure rice into a bowl and cover with water by a few inches. Soak for 4 to 10 hours.
- Make sweet coconut marinade: Combine 1 cup coconut milk with ⅓ cup sugar and salt in a saucepan over medium heat. Simmer until sugar dissolves, ~2 minutes. Set aside.
- Make sticky rice: Steam sticky rice on the stovetop or in the Instant Pot by following these instructions. As soon as sticky rice is done, transfer to a bowl and stir in coconut marinade. Cover with a lid, plate, or foil. Set aside for 20 minutes (at room temperature) to let the marinade soak into the sticky rice.
- Toast coconut flakes: Place coconut flakes in a dry skillet over medium heat. Cook, stirring constant, until coconut flakes are lightly toasted, 5 to 6 minutes.
- Make sweet coconut topping: In a small saucepan, combine ⅓ cup sugar with cornstarch. Add ½ cup coconut milk while whisking. Place saucepan over medium heat and cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture is thick and creamy, 5 to 6 minutes.
- Divide sticky rice and mango between serving plates. Spoon sweet coconut topping and toasted coconut flakes over top.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Friends just moved back from Thailand. I’m going to try this and your sticky rice recipe to surprise them.
Thanks for posting.
Eric
Just made this and it’s sooo good!
I used my instant pot with a mesh steamer.
Well written instructions and taste just as good if not better than our local Thai restaurant! Served with fresh mango. Thanks
It looks yummy, didn’t try yet, I’ll test it soon and share my story. by the way thanks for sharing
Should I soak the rice on the counter or in the fridge?
Just soak it on the counter, Brianna. We’ll add a note to the recipe so that is more clear!
is the soaking step important?
Hi Sheila – yes – soaking the rice is really important in order for the rice to cook properly.
Excellant!
Mango sticky rice is a delicious dessert that I can’t have enough.
I would like to add that mango sticky rice is a popular dessert in many countries in Southeast Asia, including Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam etc.. It is a traditional dessert in both Thailand and, especially, in Laos where sticky rice is an everyday food staple, and is also used to prepare many types of desserts, including coconut sticky rice with mango, banana, papaya, etc.
Thanks for showing the recipe for this special dessert.
Seeing this for the first time. I’m going to share this with friends and when i try out the recipe, I’ll share my story here with you. Thanks