How to Make the Perfect Mango Sticky Rice
Thai · Easy · 40 min · 4 servings

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.
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.
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.
Ready to cook?
Get the interactive recipe with adjustable servings, built-in timers, and ingredient checklist.
View full recipe →