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    Home > Recipes > Thai

    Mango Sticky Rice

    Published: Feb 28, 2019 · Modified: Aug 27, 2022 · by Jess Smith · Jump to Recipe · 10 Comments · This post may contain affiliate links.

    13.9K shares
    Mango Sticky Rice

    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!Mango Sticky Rice

    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.

    Mango Sticky Rice

    How to Make Mango Sticky Rice

    1. Make sticky rice on the stovetop or in the Instant Pot. (Find detailed instructions here.)
    2. 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.
    3. Prepare toppings - Thickened, sweet coconut milk and toasted coconut flakes are optional but add texture and flavor.
    4. Slice mangos.
    5. Combine everything and serve!

    Sticky Rice

    Mango Sticky Rice Ingredients

    1. 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.
    2. Coconut milk - Use full fat coconut milk, not “light” coconut milk.
    3. 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).
    4. Sugar - Just use regular white / granulated sugar.

    Can of coconut milk with a spoon showing the amazing texture

    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.

    Delicious coconut milk in a can for the sauce

    Mixing the rice and sweet sauce for Mango Sticky Rice

    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.

    Delicious Thai Mango Sticky Rice on a table

    Mango Sticky Rice on a white plate
    Print Recipe
    4.38 from 35 votes

    Mango Sticky Rice

    Sticky rice flavored with sweet coconut milk and served with fresh mango is a beloved dessert in Thailand. You only have to try it once to understand why it’s a Thai favorite!
    Prep Time4 hrs
    Cook Time45 mins
    Total Time4 hrs 45 mins
    Servings: 8
    Calories: 232kcal
    Author: Jess Smith via Inquiring Chef

    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 teaspoon Salt

    Sweet Coconut Topping:

    • ⅓ cup Sugar, white
    • ½ teaspoon 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

    Serving: 1g | Calories: 232kcal | Carbohydrates: 45g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 300mg | Sodium: 45mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 34g

     

    Related

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    13.9K shares

    About Jess

    Hi! I'm Jess. I am the recipe creator and photographer behind the 900+ recipes you’ll find on Inquiring Chef. As a mom to three young kids and professional cook, my mission is to make every moment in the kitchen and around the table count. If you’re looking for easy, flavorful, family-approved recipes, you’ve come to the right place! Learn more about me here.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Angela

      May 28, 2019 at 2:30 am

      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

      Reply
    2. Pat

      July 08, 2019 at 10:59 am

      5 stars
      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.

      Reply
    3. Ruby Kyle

      February 02, 2020 at 9:27 am

      5 stars
      Excellant!

      Reply
    4. Sheila

      April 20, 2020 at 2:46 pm

      is the soaking step important?

      Reply
      • Jess

        April 22, 2020 at 8:34 am

        Hi Sheila - yes - soaking the rice is really important in order for the rice to cook properly.

        Reply
    5. Brianna Esslinger

      May 14, 2020 at 10:52 am

      Should I soak the rice on the counter or in the fridge?

      Reply
      • Jess

        May 14, 2020 at 10:58 am

        Just soak it on the counter, Brianna. We'll add a note to the recipe so that is more clear!

        Reply
    6. David Kolton

      June 25, 2020 at 1:28 pm

      It looks yummy, didn't try yet, I'll test it soon and share my story. by the way thanks for sharing

      Reply
    7. Sara

      July 17, 2020 at 10:36 pm

      5 stars
      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

      Reply
    8. Eric

      June 11, 2021 at 12:19 pm

      Friends just moved back from Thailand. I'm going to try this and your sticky rice recipe to surprise them.

      Thanks for posting.

      Eric

      Reply

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