Mango Sticky Rice a Taste of Thailand at Home

Mango Sticky Rice A Taste of Thailand in Your Kitchen

By Lila BeaumontSeptember 19, 2025

Table of Contents

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook: Craving Thailand?

Ever get that travel bug? Right then! This Mango Sticky Rice recipe is like a mini holiday for your taste buds. This dessert gives you that sweet coconutty dreamy deliciousness.

Overview: Thailand on a Plate

This Thai dessert , called Khao Niao Mamuang , is a classic for a reason. It is originating from the streets of Thailand.

This Easy Thai Dessert Recipe brings together sweet rice, juicy mangoes, and that dreamy coconut sauce. It’s easy enough for a beginner and takes about an hour.

This recipe makes 4 servings.

Why You'll Love This

One major benefit, besides the taste? Mangoes are packed with vitamins! Seriously, this Mango Sticky Rice is perfect for a sunny afternoon treat.

Trust me; this Glutinous Rice Dessert is special because it’s simple comfort food at its finest.

Gathering Your Bits and Bobs

Before you start, let’s get your ingredients sorted. You need sticky rice, coconut milk, sugar, mangoes (obviously!), and a few pantry staples.

Seriously, it's easier than making a cuppa. Don't even think of skipping the salt.

Sticky Rice Success

Get your rice soaking at least 30 mins ahead of time. This little prep ensures that the Sticky Rice has the perfect texture.

You need that slight chewiness, you know? I use glutinous rice; you may know it as sweet rice.

Coconut Sauce Magic

Now, for the star of the show: the Coconut Sauce . It's just a case of coconut milk, sugar, and a pinch of salt simmered until it's lick the-spoon good.

And to make it even more dreamy use coconut cream.

Ingredients & Equipment: Your Mango Sticky Rice Toolkit

Right then, are you ready to make some Mango Sticky Rice ? Let's talk about what you'll need. Honestly, it's not as complicated as it looks! You probably already have half the stuff.

Main Ingredients: The Stars of the Show

For the Sticky Rice itself, you'll need:

1 ½ cups (300g) glutinous rice: This is KEY. Get the sticky kind.
- Quality Check: Look for rice that's uniformly white and opaque.
1 ½ cups (360ml) water: Simple tap water will do the trick.
½ teaspoon (3g) salt: Just a pinch to balance the sweetness.

Then for the creamy Coconut Sauce , which is a huge part of this Easy Thai Dessert Recipe :

1 (13.5 oz/400ml) can full fat coconut milk: Don't skimp, full fat is the way to go.
- Quality Check: Make sure it smells sweet and coconutty.
¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar: Regular white sugar is fine.
¼ teaspoon (1g) salt: Again, just a pinch to balance the sweet
1 tablespoon (15ml) cornstarch, mixed with 2 tablespoons (30ml) cold water: This thickens the sauce.

Finally, for serving this glorious Thai Dessert :

2 ripe mangoes, peeled and sliced: Honey mangoes are amazing if you can find them.
- Quality Check: Give them a gentle squeeze. They should yield slightly.
2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds (optional): Adds a nice nutty crunch.

Seasoning Notes: Flavor Boosters

Essential spice combinations are not really needed. Flavor enhancers and aromatics are not needed. Quick substitution options are not needed.

Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple

You don't need a fancy kitchen to nail this Mango Sticky Rice . Just the basics:

Medium saucepan with lid: For cooking the rice (or a rice cooker, if you have one).
Steamer basket: My grandma always used a steamer for Glutinous Rice Dessert .
- Alternative: A colander lined with cheesecloth works in a pinch.
Small saucepan: For the Coconut Sauce .
Measuring cups and spoons: Accuracy is important!
Sharp knife: For slicing the mangoes. Safety first, eh?
Serving bowls: Obvious, but hey, gotta mention it!

I know, this Tropical Dessert Recipe can feel a bit intimidating. But trust me, you'll love it! This Khao Niao Mamuang recipe is surprisingly easy.

Cooking Method: Steaming Our Way to Mango Sticky Rice Bliss

Right, let's chat about steaming particularly, how we're gonna use it to make the most amazing Mango Sticky Rice ! I know, I know, steaming might sound a bit boring, but trust me, it's essential for getting that perfectly chewy, slightly sweet rice we need.

So grab your steamer basket, and let's do this! This Easy Thai Dessert Recipe will impress for sure. I can't wait to share the Mango Sticky Rice Recipe with you.

Prep Steps: Getting Our Ducks in a Row

First things first: mise en place , darling! It's french! Essential mise en place , or putting in place, makes the cooking easier.

We need to measure out 1 ½ cups glutinous rice , rinse it quickly, and then submerge it in 1 ½ cups water .

Let it soak for at least 30 minutes or even longer. Time saving? Get this soaking done while you watch Corrie! This gives the rice a head start and ensures it cooks evenly.

Now, the rice must be drained before cooking. Then get your steamer ready and make sure you're sorted.

step-by-step: The Steaming Lowdown

Line your steamer basket with cheesecloth. This stops the rice from falling through the cracks.
Pour the drained rice into the lined basket. Spread it out evenly.
Fill the saucepan under the basket with water. Bring it to a rolling boil on high heat .
Place the steamer basket over the boiling water. Pop the lid on tightly.
Steam for about 20- 25 minutes . Keep an eye on it!
Check for doneness. The rice should be tender and translucent. Not mushy!

Pro Tips: Steaming Secrets

Honestly? Don't overcook it. Mushy rice is a no-no. Begin checking for doneness at 20 minutes . Another one, use a rice cooker with a steaming function if you have one.

This is super handy! It is also important to Salt the rice. This will help balance all the sweetness. And speaking of sweetness, let's talk about the perfect accompaniment for our rice; this Coconut Sauce makes everything even better.

Recipe Notes for the Best Mango Sticky Rice Ever!

Honestly, making Mango Sticky Rice at home is easier than finding a decent parking spot on a Saturday! You just need a few insider tips, and you'll be whipping up this Thai Dessert like a pro.

Serving Suggestions: Level Up Your Khao Niao Mamuang

Presentation is key, my friend! Think sunshine and happiness. I like to fan out the mango slices next to a mound of the Sticky Rice , then drizzle generously with that luscious Coconut Sauce .

A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds adds a nutty crunch. For a real treat, serve with a scoop of coconut ice cream.

Oh my gosh ! And a cool glass of Thai iced tea? Perfection!

Storage Tips: Keepin' it Fresh

Got leftovers of this Easy Thai Dessert Recipe ? Lucky you! Store the rice and mango separately in airtight containers in the fridge.

The rice will keep for about 2 days. You can reheat the rice in the microwave with a splash of water to keep it moist.

Freezing Glutinous Rice Dessert isn't really recommended the texture can change. But that Coconut Sauce freezes beautifully! Just thaw it in the fridge overnight.

Variations: Make it Your Own

Want to jazz things up? Try adding a pinch of cardamom to the Coconut Sauce for a warm, aromatic twist.

Or, if you're going vegan, just make sure your sugar is vegan friendly! Some sugars aren't. If you're trying to cut back on the sugar, use less of it in the sauce or experiment with stevia.

If mangoes are unavailable, you can also substitute with ripe peaches or nectarines as Mango Dessert Ideas . I think they are all great additions as a Tropical Dessert Recipe .

Nutrition Basics: A Little Indulgence

Each serving of this Mango Sticky Rice Recipe packs about 450-550 calories. There's around 5g of protein, 20g of fat, and 70g of carbs.

It's also got roughly 40g of sugar mostly from the mango. Remember, this is an estimate, and it can vary.

But hey, a little indulgence is good for the soul, right? Plus, mangoes are packed with vitamins!

So, go on! Give this Mango Sticky Rice recipe a go. It's way easier than you think and totally worth it. You'll be transported to Thailand with every bite! You know?

Frequently Asked Questions

What is glutinous rice, and can I use normal rice for Mango Sticky Rice?

Glutinous rice, also known as sweet rice or sticky rice, is a special type of rice that becomes wonderfully sticky when cooked hence the name! Unfortunately, you can't substitute regular long grain or even short grain rice, as they lack the starch content needed to achieve that signature sticky texture.

Using the correct rice is key to a proper Mango Sticky Rice, trust me, you don't want to serve up a sad, dry version it's a bit like using the wrong biscuit for your tea!

My coconut sauce isn't thickening! What am I doing wrong?

Don't panic! This usually happens if the heat is too low or the cornstarch slurry wasn't mixed thoroughly. Make sure your coconut milk mixture is at a gentle simmer, not just warm, and that you whisked the cornstarch and water together properly before adding it to the saucepan.

If it's still not thickening after a minute or two, try adding a tiny bit more cornstarch slurry (another teaspoon mixed with a tablespoon of water), but go slowly you don't want it to become gloopy!

Can I make Mango Sticky Rice ahead of time?

You can definitely prep some of the components in advance. The coconut sauce can be made a day or two ahead and stored in the fridge. The sticky rice is best served fresh, but you can cook it a few hours ahead and keep it warm in a rice cooker or covered in a warm oven.

However, it will lose some of its soft texture over time. Add the fresh mango just before serving, because pre-cut mango tends to get sad in the fridge.

Help! My Mango Sticky Rice is too sweet, how can I balance the flavors?

If your dish is too sweet, a squeeze of fresh lime juice over the mangoes and rice can work wonders to cut through the sweetness. The acidity brightens up the whole thing! You can also sprinkle a pinch of good quality sea salt over the dish; salt often balances sweetness beautifully.

Taste as you go, and adjust to your liking everyone's sweet tooth is different!

What’s the best way to store leftover Mango Sticky Rice?

Store any leftover Mango Sticky Rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The sticky rice will harden as it cools, so when reheating, add a splash of water or coconut milk to the rice before microwaving it for about 30 seconds to restore some moisture.

Note that the texture of the rice will change slightly after refrigeration, and the fresh mango will probably soften. It's best eaten within a day or two.

I'm feeling adventurous! Are there any fun variations I can try with my Mango Sticky Rice?

Absolutely! Consider adding a pinch of cardamom or a splash of vanilla extract to the coconut sauce for a warmer, more complex flavour. You could also try grilling your mango slices for a smoky sweetness. For a truly decadent twist, top it all off with a scoop of coconut ice cream.

Or, think about adding a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes or a drizzle of salted caramel for extra texture and flavor the sky's the limit, really!