← BlogJune 28, 2026

How to Make the Perfect Mango Sticky Rice

Thai · Easy · 40 min · 4 servings

VeganGluten-FreeDairy-Free
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Mango Sticky Rice

Mango sticky rice is Thailand most iconic dessert, featuring sweet glutinous rice soaked in a rich coconut milk sauce paired with slices of perfectly ripe fresh mango. It is a simple yet utterly indulgent treat that showcases the beauty of Thai ingredients at their finest.

Why this recipe works

This Mango Sticky Rice recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 40 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 390 calories with 5g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.

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What you will need

This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:

  • 1.5 cups glutinous sticky rice soaked overnight
  • 200 ml coconut milk
  • 3 tbsp sugar
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 2 large ripe mangoes peeled and sliced
  • 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds

Step by step instructions

Step 1: Steam the Rice

Drain the soaked sticky rice and steam it in a bamboo steamer or steamer basket lined with cheesecloth for 20 minutes, flipping once halfway through, until the grains are translucent and tender.

Step 2: Make the Coconut Sauce

While the rice steams, combine coconut milk, sugar, and salt in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely. Do not boil the mixture. Remove from heat.

Step 3: Soak the Rice

Transfer the hot steamed rice to a bowl and immediately pour three-quarters of the warm coconut sauce over it. Stir gently, then cover and let it absorb for 10 minutes until creamy and tender.

Step 4: Plate and Serve

Scoop the sticky rice onto serving plates alongside the sliced mango. Drizzle the remaining coconut sauce over the rice and mango, then sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds.

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Easy substitutions

Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:

  • glutinous sticky rice → short-grain Japanese rice as an imperfect but usable alternative
  • fresh mango → canned mango slices in a pinch

Common mistakes to avoid

Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:

  • Using regular long-grain rice which cannot achieve the sticky and chewy texture
  • Not soaking the rice overnight which results in unevenly cooked and crunchy grains

Nutrition facts

Per serving: 390 calories, 5g protein, 68g carbs, 12g fat, 2g fiber.

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