Name: Thai Mango Sticky Rice Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h 35 min
Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients: 1 cup uncooked sushi rice; 1 1/2 cups water; 1 cup full fat coconut milk; 1/4 cup white sugar; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 3 ripe mangoes; Sesame seeds for garnish; 1/2 cup full-fat coconut milk (rest of the can from the rice); 2 Tablespoons white sugar; 1 teaspoon cornstarch; 1 Tablespoon water

Jump to Recipe· 3.8 from 53 reviews

If you have a soft spot for tropical flavors and crave an indulgent yet refreshingly light dessert, this Thai Mango Sticky Rice Recipe is going to steal your heart. Combining luscious, fragrant mangoes with creamy, subtly sweet coconut-infused sticky rice, it offers a perfect balance of textures and flavors that feels like a warm hug from a Thai kitchen. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or treat yourself on a sunny afternoon, this classic dish brings a taste of exotic paradise straight to your table with surprisingly simple ingredients and an inviting presentation.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows several ingredients placed on a white marbled surface. There are three whole yellow mangoes at the top left. In the center left, a white bowl filled with white rice is placed. Above it is a white bowl filled with white sugar. To the right of the rice is a glass of water. Below the water, there is a small glass bowl with white granulated sugar. To the left of this is another small glass bowl containing a white liquid. Below the white liquid is a tiny glass bowl with a white powder. At the center bottom is a small bowl with a white powder that looks like flour or cornstarch. At the bottom right is a large glass filled with a white creamy substance, possibly yogurt or coconut milk. Everything is spaced out evenly on the white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in building the dish’s signature creaminess, natural sweetness, and visual appeal. From the sticky rice that gives it soul to the ripe mangoes bursting with flavor, these simple components work harmoniously to create something truly special.

Sushi rice: This glutinous rice is essential for achieving the perfect sticky yet tender texture that holds everything together.
Water: Needed for cooking the rice just right, ensuring it’s soft and absorbent without being mushy.
Full-fat coconut milk: Provides the rich, creamy base that infuses the rice with tropical goodness and lusciousness.
White sugar: Sweetens the coconut milk gently, balancing out the natural starchiness of the rice.
Salt: Enhances and deepens the overall flavors, making that sweetness pop even more.
Ripe mangoes: The star of the show, with their juicy, fragrant flesh bringing bright color and a delightful fruity contrast.
Sesame seeds: A delightful garnish that adds a subtle nutty crunch and makes the dish look irresistibly inviting.
Cornstarch: Used in the coconut cream sauce to create a smooth, thick drizzle that ties the entire dish together.
Water for sauce: Helps to dissolve the cornstarch and achieve the perfect sauce consistency.

How to Make Thai Mango Sticky Rice Recipe

Step 1: Rinse and Cook the Rice

Start by rinsing the sushi rice under cold water until it runs clear. This crucial step removes excess starch so your sticky rice won’t turn out gummy. Then, add the rinsed rice to a saucepan along with 1 1/2 cups of water. Bring it to a gentle boil, reduce the heat, cover, and let it simmer for 15 to 20 minutes until the water is fully absorbed and the rice is tender. The texture should be sticky but still hold its shape.

Step 2: Prepare the Coconut Milk Mixture

While the rice is cooking, pour 1 cup of full-fat coconut milk into another saucepan. Give your can a good shake or stir the coconut milk to blend the cream and liquid evenly before measuring. Add 1/4 cup white sugar and half a teaspoon of salt. Warm the mixture over low heat until the sugar dissolves and it just starts to bubble gently. This sweetened coconut milk will infuse the rice with its rich flavor.

Step 3: Combine Rice and Coconut Milk

Once the rice has cooked, transfer it to the saucepan with the sweetened coconut milk. Remove from heat and gently stir until the rice absorbs as much of this luscious mixture as possible. Cover and let it sit for an hour to cool and thicken, developing that signature creamy consistency you know and love in Thai sticky rice desserts.

Step 4: Make the Coconut Cream Sauce

For the delectable sauce drizzled on top, take the remaining half cup of coconut milk from your can and whisk it together with 2 tablespoons of sugar in a small pan over low heat. In a separate bowl, mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water until smooth, then add this slurry to the coconut milk mixture. Heat gently, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens to a silky, pourable texture. Remove from heat and let it cool before serving.

Step 5: Slice Mangoes and Assemble

While the coconut cream sauce cools, peel your ripe mangoes and slice them into beautiful, generous wedges. To serve, scoop a portion of the sticky rice onto each plate or bowl, arrange mango slices alongside or over the top, then drizzle with the coconut cream sauce and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds for that final touch.

How to Serve Thai Mango Sticky Rice Recipe

A white plate on a white marbled surface holds a mound of sticky white rice drizzled with a milky white sauce and sprinkled with black sesame seeds on top. Beside the rice are several slices of bright yellow mango, fanned out neatly with some black sesame seeds scattered over them too. The textures show the softness of the rice and the smoothness of the mango with a creamy sauce adding a glossy look. A silver spoon rests on the side of the plate. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Garnishes elevate this dessert from delicious to dazzling. Toasted sesame seeds add a slight crunch and subtle nuttiness that contrasts perfectly with the creamy rice and smooth mango. For an extra tropical flair, you can sprinkle shredded coconut or even a few mint leaves, bringing freshness and color to your presentation.

Side Dishes

Though this dish is widely enjoyed on its own, pairing it with lightly brewed jasmine tea or a refreshing lime soda balances the richness of the coconut while keeping your palate clean. If you want a more indulgent route, serve alongside coconut ice cream or small fruit salads for an inviting tropical dessert spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Presentation is part of the fun! Try shaping the sticky rice with a small bowl or mold to create neat domes, then fan the mango slices around it like petals. You could also build layered parfait glasses with rice, mango, and coconut cream sauce for an elegant twist. These little touches make sharing your Thai Mango Sticky Rice Recipe an event to remember.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Thai Mango Sticky Rice is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Keep the sweet coconut rice and mango separate if possible to preserve texture and freshness, and avoid sogginess.

Freezing

Freezing sticky rice is not recommended as it changes the texture and can make the rice grainy once thawed. For optimal flavor and texture, it’s better to enjoy the dish freshly made.

Reheating

If you want to warm up your leftover sticky rice, gently reheat it in a microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or coconut milk to restore moisture. Avoid reheating mangoes; they’re best served chilled or at room temperature to maintain their juicy sweetness.

FAQs

What type of rice is best for Thai Mango Sticky Rice Recipe?

Use glutinous or sushi rice because it becomes sticky when cooked, which is essential for the authentic texture of this dish. Regular long-grain rice won’t give the same chewy, sticky consistency.

Can I use canned mangoes if fresh aren’t available?

Fresh mangoes are preferred for their vibrant flavor and texture, but in a pinch, you can use canned mangoes. Just be mindful that canned mangoes can be sweeter and softer, which may alter the dish’s balance.

Is Thai Mango Sticky Rice Recipe dairy-free?

Yes! This dessert is naturally dairy-free since the creamy richness comes from coconut milk. It’s a fantastic option for those avoiding dairy or looking for vegan-friendly treats.

How sweet should the coconut milk mixture be?

The mixture should be lightly sweetened to complement the natural sweetness of the mango without overpowering it. The 1/4 cup of sugar used balances perfectly but feel free to adjust to your taste.

Can I prepare the sticky rice the day before?

Absolutely! You can prepare the sticky rice and coconut sauce the day before, then refrigerate and assemble just before serving for fresh mango and garnishes. This makes it convenient for entertaining.

Final Thoughts

I hope this Thai Mango Sticky Rice Recipe inspires you to create a little slice of tropical heaven right in your kitchen. It’s one of those desserts that feels special yet comes together with such ease, making it perfect for brightening up any day or impressing your friends. So go ahead, gather those handful of ingredients, and enjoy every creamy, fruity bite!