How to Make the Perfect Thai Mango Sticky Rice Dessert
Thai · Easy · 45 min · 4 servings
This beloved Thai dessert pairs glutinous sticky rice soaked in sweetened coconut cream with fresh ripe mango slices for a combination of chewy sweetness and tropical brightness. It is a street food staple in Thailand and a celebration dessert served during mango season.
Why this recipe works
This Thai Mango Sticky Rice Dessert recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 45 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 440 calories with 6g 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:
- 2 cups glutinous sticky rice
- 400 ml full-fat coconut milk
- 4 tbsp granulated sugar
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 2 large ripe Ataulfo or yellow mangoes peeled and sliced
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Soak and Steam the Rice
Rinse the glutinous rice thoroughly and soak in cold water for a minimum of 4 hours or overnight. Drain and steam over boiling water in a bamboo steamer lined with cheesecloth for 25 to 30 minutes until fully cooked and translucent throughout.
Step 2: Make the Sweet Coconut Sauce
Combine the coconut milk, sugar, and salt in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir gently until the sugar and salt dissolve completely. Do not let it boil vigorously. Reserve about one-third of this sauce for drizzling when serving.
Step 3: Soak the Rice
Transfer the hot steamed rice to a bowl and pour two-thirds of the warm coconut sauce over it. Stir gently then cover with a plate or plastic wrap. Allow the rice to absorb the coconut sauce for 20 to 30 minutes. The rice will become creamy and slightly saucy as it absorbs the liquid.
Step 4: Plate and Serve
Scoop the coconut-soaked sticky rice onto individual plates and arrange fresh mango slices alongside. Drizzle the reserved coconut sauce generously over the rice. Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top. Serve at room temperature for the best texture and flavor.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- glutinous sticky rice → regular short-grain rice though it will not achieve the same chewy stretchy texture
- fresh mango → fresh papaya or lychees which complement the sweet coconut flavor similarly well
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Not soaking the glutinous rice long enough which results in unevenly cooked hard grains in the center
- Adding the coconut sauce to cold rice which prevents proper absorption and leaves the rice dry and clumped
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 440 calories, 6g protein, 78g carbs, 14g fat, 3g fiber.
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