Sweet Mango Sticky Rice

Featured in: Simple Sweet Treats

This dish features glutinous rice soaked and steamed to tender perfection, soaked in warm sweetened coconut milk for a fragrant base. Ripe mango slices accompany the rice, complementing the creamy texture. A rich coconut sauce topping adds lusciousness, with optional toasted sesame seeds or mung beans for garnish. The process is straightforward, taking about 45 minutes with easy steps ideal for a fragrant tropical finish. Best enjoyed fresh, it offers authentic Thai flavors with gluten-free, vegetarian-friendly ingredients.

Updated on Mon, 16 Feb 2026 21:22:13 GMT
Mango sticky rice dessert with creamy coconut sauce and fresh ripe mango slices, served on a traditional Thai plate.  Save to Pinterest
Mango sticky rice dessert with creamy coconut sauce and fresh ripe mango slices, served on a traditional Thai plate. | abridkitchen.com

Mango Sticky Rice is a quintessential Thai dessert that brings together the lush sweetness of ripe mangoes and the rich, comforting texture of glutinous rice. This tropical treat is elevated by a velvety coconut sauce, making it a favorite for those seeking a refreshing yet indulgent finish to a meal.

Mango sticky rice dessert with creamy coconut sauce and fresh ripe mango slices, served on a traditional Thai plate.  Save to Pinterest
Mango sticky rice dessert with creamy coconut sauce and fresh ripe mango slices, served on a traditional Thai plate. | abridkitchen.com

The secret to the perfect sticky rice lies in the soaking and steaming process, which ensures a chewy texture that holds its shape while absorbing the fragrant coconut milk. Whether served as a street-food snack or a dinner party dessert, it never fails to impress.

Ingredients

  • Rice: 1 cup glutinous (sticky) rice, Water for soaking and steaming
  • Coconut Sauce: 1 cup coconut milk (full-fat recommended), 4 tbsp granulated sugar, 1/4 tsp salt
  • Topping: 1/3 cup coconut milk, 1 tbsp sugar, Pinch of salt, 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tsp water (optional, for thickening)
  • Fruit: 2 ripe mangoes, peeled, pitted, and sliced
  • Garnish (optional): 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds or mung beans
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Instructions

1. Prepare the Rice
Rinse the sticky rice in cold water until the water runs clear. Soak the rice in water for at least 4 hours or overnight.
2. Steam the Rice
Drain the rice and steam over boiling water in a cheesecloth-lined steamer basket for 25–30 minutes, or until tender and translucent.
3. Prepare the Coconut Sauce
While the rice is steaming, combine 1 cup coconut milk, 4 tbsp sugar, and 1/4 tsp salt in a saucepan. Heat gently, stirring, until the sugar dissolves. Do not boil.
4. Combine Sauce and Rice
When the rice is cooked, transfer it to a mixing bowl. Pour the warm sweetened coconut milk over the rice. Stir to combine, cover, and let it absorb for 15 minutes.
5. Make the Topping
For the topping, mix 1/3 cup coconut milk, 1 tbsp sugar, and a pinch of salt in a small saucepan. If you prefer a thick sauce, add the cornstarch slurry. Cook over medium heat, stirring, until slightly thickened.
6. Serve
To serve, mound portions of sticky rice onto plates. Arrange mango slices alongside. Drizzle with the coconut topping and garnish with toasted sesame seeds or mung beans if desired.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

Use only glutinous (sticky) rice for authentic texture. For extra fragrance, you can add a pandan leaf to the coconut milk while it heats. It is essential to let the rice sit and absorb the coconut milk for the full 15 minutes to achieve the right consistency.

Varianten und Anpassungen

This recipe is vegan-friendly as written. If you want a more traditional crunch, use toasted mung beans for the garnish instead of sesame seeds. For a different fruit profile, although less traditional, this rice also pairs well with other tropical fruits like papaya.

Serviervorschläge

Mango Sticky Rice is best served fresh at room temperature. For a complete experience, pair it with a light, floral dessert wine or a warm cup of jasmine tea. It makes for a beautiful presentation when the mango is sliced into thin, elegant fans.

Classic Thai mango sticky rice recipe featuring sweet coconut-infused sticky rice paired with golden mango slices.  Save to Pinterest
Classic Thai mango sticky rice recipe featuring sweet coconut-infused sticky rice paired with golden mango slices. | abridkitchen.com

With these steps, you can recreate the magic of a Thai vacation right in your own kitchen. This Mango Sticky Rice is sure to become a staple in your dessert rotation for its simplicity and exquisite taste.

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Recipe Help Center

What type of rice is best for this dish?

Use glutinous or sticky rice to achieve the authentic chewy texture essential to this dish.

Can I prepare the coconut sauce in advance?

Yes, the coconut sauce can be made ahead and gently reheated before serving to retain its creamy consistency.

How do I steam the sticky rice properly?

Soak the rice for several hours, then steam it using a cheesecloth-lined basket over boiling water until translucent and tender.

Are there variations to the topping?

The topping can be thickened with cornstarch or kept light; garnishes like toasted sesame seeds or mung beans add extra texture.

What are good beverage pairings with this dish?

Pair with light floral dessert wines or jasmine tea to complement the sweet and creamy flavors.

Sweet Mango Sticky Rice

Fragrant sticky rice infused with creamy coconut milk, served with ripe mango slices and a luscious coconut topping.

Prep Time
15 min
Time to Cook
30 min
Time Needed
45 min
Created by Zoey Kendall


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Thai

Makes 4 Portions

Diet Preferences Plant-Based, No Dairy, Wheat-Free

What You'll Need

Rice

01 1 cup glutinous sticky rice
02 Water for soaking and steaming

Coconut Sauce

01 1 cup full-fat coconut milk
02 4 tablespoons granulated sugar
03 1/4 teaspoon salt

Topping

01 1/3 cup coconut milk
02 1 tablespoon sugar
03 Pinch of salt
04 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 teaspoons water, optional

Fruit

01 2 ripe mangoes, peeled, pitted, and sliced

Garnish

01 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds or mung beans, optional

How to Prepare

Stage 01

Prepare the Rice: Rinse the sticky rice under cold running water until the water runs clear. Soak the rice in fresh water for at least 4 hours or overnight to ensure proper hydration and texture.

Stage 02

Steam the Rice: Drain the soaked rice completely. Line a steamer basket with cheesecloth and add the rice. Steam over boiling water for 25 to 30 minutes until the grains become tender and translucent.

Stage 03

Prepare Coconut Sauce: While the rice steams, combine 1 cup coconut milk, 4 tablespoons sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon salt in a saucepan. Heat gently over low to medium heat, stirring frequently until the sugar dissolves completely. Avoid boiling to preserve the coconut flavor.

Stage 04

Combine Rice and Sauce: Transfer the cooked rice to a mixing bowl. Pour the warm sweetened coconut milk over the rice while still hot. Stir thoroughly to distribute the sauce evenly. Cover the bowl and let the rice absorb the liquid for 15 minutes at room temperature.

Stage 05

Prepare Coconut Topping: In a small saucepan, combine 1/3 cup coconut milk, 1 tablespoon sugar, and a pinch of salt. For a thicker consistency, prepare a slurry by mixing 1 teaspoon cornstarch with 2 teaspoons water and stir it into the mixture. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sauce reaches your desired thickness.

Stage 06

Plate and Serve: Divide the coconut-infused sticky rice evenly among serving plates, shaping into mounds. Arrange fresh mango slices alongside the rice. Drizzle the warm coconut topping over each portion. Finish with toasted sesame seeds or mung beans if desired. Serve at room temperature.

Tools You'll Need

  • Steamer basket or bamboo steamer with tight-fitting lid
  • Cheesecloth or fine muslin cloth for steaming
  • Saucepan with even heating properties
  • Mixing bowl for combining rice and sauce
  • Sharp knife for mango preparation

Allergy Details

Look over ingredient labels for allergens and chat with your healthcare provider if you’re unsure.
  • Contains tree nut: coconut
  • Verify rice and coconut milk product labels for gluten contamination if preparing for individuals with severe gluten sensitivity or celiac disease

Nutrition Details (each portion)

These numbers are for reference and not intended as medical guidance.
  • Caloric Value: 370
  • Fats: 14 g
  • Carbohydrates: 59 g
  • Proteins: 4 g