Heavenly Thai Mango Sticky Rice Recipe

Sweet Thai Mango Sticky Rice Recipe: A Tropical Delight

Warm, golden sunshine meets sweet tropical delight in this classic mango sticky rice recipe that transports you straight to the bustling streets of Bangkok.

Southern Thailand’s most beloved dessert combines creamy coconut-infused rice with perfectly ripe, juicy mangoes.

Silky, tender grains nestle alongside vibrant yellow fruit, creating a harmony of textures and flavors.

Each spoonful delivers a delicate balance of richness and freshness that dances across your palate.

The simple ingredients belie the complex sensory experience waiting to unfold on your plate.

Locals and travelers alike cherish this divine dessert as a symbol of culinary elegance.

Get ready to fall in love with a sweet masterpiece that celebrates the magic of Thai cuisine.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 2 hours

Cook Time: 20-30 minutes

Total Time: 2 hours 20-30 minutes

Calories: 320 kcal

Servings: 5

Thai Mango Sticky Rice Ingredient Essentials

For Sweet Base:
  • Glutinous Rice: Sticky, short-grain rice that creates a delightful chewy texture perfect for Thai desserts.
  • Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps balance the rich coconut flavor.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances the sweetness of the dessert.
For Creamy Coating:
  • Coconut Milk: Provides a luxurious, tropical richness and creates a silky sauce for the rice.
  • Cornstarch: Helps thicken the coconut sauce and gives a smooth, glossy consistency.
For Fresh Topping:
  • Mangoes: Bring vibrant, juicy sweetness and a beautiful golden color to the dessert.
  • Sesame Seeds: Add a delicate nutty crunch and visual appeal to the final presentation.

Tools That Help You Steam Thai Mango Sticky Rice

  • Steamer or Large Pot with Sieve: Essential for perfectly steaming glutinous rice to tender, chewy consistency.
  • Small Pot: Needed for cooking and thickening the coconut sauce.
  • Sharp Knife: Critical for peeling and slicing mangoes into neat, bite-sized pieces.
  • Cutting Board: Provides stable surface for preparing mangoes.
  • Mixing Bowl: Used for combining rice with coconut sauce and allowing flavors to absorb.
  • Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Helps stir coconut sauce and mix rice smoothly.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures precise ingredient quantities for balanced flavor.

Instructions for Sweet and Sticky Thai Mango Rice

  • Rice Preparation

Select high-quality glutinous rice and soak it in cold water for several hours. This softens the grains and prepares them for perfect cooking.

  • Steaming Process

Use a traditional steamer or create a makeshift steaming setup. Cook the rice until it reaches a tender yet firm consistency, avoiding mushiness.

  • Mango Selection

Choose ripe, fragrant mangoes with vibrant color. Carefully slice them into elegant bite-sized pieces that complement the rice’s texture.

  • Coconut Sauce Creation

Gently heat coconut milk with sweeteners, allowing flavors to blend smoothly. Create a silky sauce that will enhance the rice’s richness.

  • Rice and Sauce Fusion

Combine the steamed rice with the warm coconut sauce, letting the grains absorb the luxurious flavors. Allow the mixture to rest and develop depth.

  • Elegant Plating

Arrange the coconut-infused rice on beautiful serving plates. Artfully position mango slices around the rice. Drizzle remaining sauce over the dish and sprinkle with delicate sesame seeds for a final gourmet touch.

Tips for Perfect Thai Mango Sticky Rice Texture

  • Sweet Mango Magic: Transform your basic sticky rice by choosing perfectly ripe, golden yellow Thai mangoes for the most intense tropical sweetness.
  • Kitchen Steaming Hack: No traditional steamer? Create a makeshift steaming setup using a large pot, metal colander, and tight-fitting lid to achieve beautifully cooked glutinous rice.
  • Texture Perfection Tips: Soak rice longer than 2 hours for extra softness, but avoid soaking more than 24 hours to prevent fermentation and maintain ideal rice consistency.
  • Sauce Flavor Boosters: Experiment with adding vanilla extract, pandan leaves, or a hint of cardamom to the coconut sauce for subtle, sophisticated flavor variations that elevate the classic dessert.
  • Dietary Friendly Tweak: Replace sugar with natural sweeteners like agave or honey for a lower-glycemic version that still delivers rich, creamy deliciousness without compromising traditional taste profile.

Serving Thai Mango Sticky Rice as Dessert or Snack

  • Tropical Beach Picnic Paradise: Pack this dessert in a cute container for a seaside lunch, letting the sweet coconut and mango flavors complement ocean breezes and sandy toes.
  • Elegant Dessert Plating: Create a stunning presentation by using a white oval plate, carefully arranging golden mango slices around the glistening sticky rice, then drizzling sauce in elegant swoops to make each serving look like restaurant-quality art.
  • Southeast Asian Dinner Finale: Serve this classic Thai dessert as the perfect sweet conclusion to a home-cooked pad thai or green curry meal, offering guests a traditional and authentic culinary experience that transports them directly to Bangkok's vibrant street food scene.
  • Brunch Exotic Twist: Transform your weekend morning spread by featuring this colorful dessert alongside morning coffee, allowing guests to enjoy a tropical-inspired treat that breaks away from standard breakfast pastries and adds excitement to the meal.

Store Thai Mango Sticky Rice the Right Way

  • Refrigeration Strategies: Store leftover sticky rice and mango in separate airtight containers. Keep rice in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, ensuring it remains fresh and maintains its delightful texture.
  • Smart Reheating Technique: Gently warm rice in the microwave with a damp paper towel to restore moisture. Add a splash of coconut milk to revive its creamy consistency and prevent dryness.
  • Freezing Options: Freeze coconut sauce in small portions for future dessert adventures. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and whisk briefly to restore smooth consistency before serving.
  • Ingredient Shelf Life: Fresh mangoes stay perfect for 3-5 days when refrigerated. Select ripe, fragrant fruits with slight give when gently pressed to ensure maximum flavor and sweetness in your dessert.
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Heavenly Thai Mango Sticky Rice Recipe

Heavenly Thai Mango Sticky Rice Recipe


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4.8 from 37 reviews

  • Total Time: 2 hours 20-30 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Signature Thai mango sticky rice delights palates with sweet coconut-infused rice and ripe mango slices. Creamy, rich dessert promises authentic Southeast Asian flavors that transport diners directly to Thailand’s culinary landscape.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 23 fresh mangoes, peeled and sliced
  • 1 cup glutinous (sweet) rice
  • 1 cup (240 mL/8 fl oz) coconut milk
  • 1 tbsp (15 mL/0.5 fl oz) coconut milk
  • ¼ cup (50 g/1.8 oz) sugar
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp cornstarch
  • ½ tsp sesame seeds

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Submerge glutinous rice in cold water for a minimum of 2 hours, ensuring optimal softening and even cooking potential.
  2. Draining: Remove excess liquid completely, preventing potential waterlogging during subsequent cooking stages.
  3. Steaming: Position rice in a bamboo steamer or perforated container above boiling water. Steam for approximately 25 minutes until grains become perfectly tender while maintaining structural integrity.
  4. Mango Preparation: Expertly peel and slice ripe mangoes into uniform, elegant pieces that will harmonize with the sticky rice’s texture.
  5. Coconut Sauce Creation: Gently heat coconut milk with sugar and salt, stirring consistently to develop a rich, smooth sauce. Incorporate cornstarch to achieve a silky, slightly thickened consistency that elegantly coats culinary implements.
  6. Rice Infusion: Transfer steamed rice to a spacious mixing vessel, integrating half the prepared coconut sauce. Allow the rice to absorb the fragrant liquid, developing complex flavor profiles.
  7. Plating: Artfully arrange the infused sticky rice, positioning vibrant mango slices strategically. Drizzle remaining coconut sauce over the composition and garnish with toasted sesame seeds, creating a visually stunning and texturally dynamic culinary presentation.

Notes

  • Optimize Rice Softening: Soak glutinous rice for at least 2 hours to ensure even cooking and enhanced texture absorption.
  • Drain Thoroughly: Remove excess water completely to prevent soggy rice and maintain ideal steaming consistency.
  • Perfect Steaming Technique: Use bamboo steamer or improvised setup, steam for 25 minutes until rice reaches tender yet firm texture.
  • Elevate Flavor Absorption: Mix rice with half the coconut sauce, allowing it to rest and develop rich, complex flavor profiles.
  • Prep Time: 2 hours
  • Cook Time: 20-30 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Steaming
  • Cuisine: Thai

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 16 g
  • Sodium: 30 mg
  • Fat: 11 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 1 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 50 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg
Jessica Martin

Jessica Martin

Recipe Developer & Food Writer

Expertise

Recipe Development, Food Styling and Photography​, Seasonal and Local Ingredients​, Vegetarian and Vegan Cuisine​, Culinary Education​

Education

Portland Community College

  • Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, kitchen management, and food safety. Gained hands-on experience in preparing diverse cuisines and understanding flavor profiles

Oregon Culinary Institute

  • Program: Baking and Pastry Certificate
  • Focus: Specialized education in baking fundamentals, pastry arts, and dessert presentation. Emphasized creativity and precision in crafting baked goods.​

Jessica Martin is a talented food writer and recipe creator who specializes in seasonal cooking and approachable home baking. 

Educated at Portland Community College with additional pastry training from Oregon Culinary Institute, Jessica’s culinary journey spans nearly a decade of creating and sharing flavorful recipes. 

Her deep appreciation for local ingredients shapes each of her recipes, making them both accessible and inspiring. At Beard and Bonnet, Jessica uses her cheerful, down-to-earth writing to help readers effortlessly bring new tastes and creative dishes into their daily routines.

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