
This delightful dessert features the creamy sweetness of fresh mango paired with the comforting texture of sticky rice. The combination of sweet and slightly savory flavors makes it a popular treat, perfect for any occasion.
If you’re looking to enjoy a classic treat, you’ll love this recipe for mango sticky rice. It’s a simple, yet satisfying dessert that’s sure to impress everyone.
Introduction to Mango Sticky Rice
Mango sticky rice is a beloved Thai dessert known for its simple yet exquisite blend of flavors and textures. The dish typically features sweet, ripe mangoes served alongside warm, sticky rice that’s been infused with coconut milk.
This dessert is a favorite during mango season, but it’s delicious any time of year! You can learn more about this popular dish on Food Network.
Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step toward making a delicious mango sticky rice. Don’t worry, the ingredient list is straightforward, making this recipe accessible for cooks of all levels. Here’s what you’ll need to create this classic Thai dessert:
Ingredients
- 1 cup glutinous rice (also known as sweet rice or sticky rice)
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 1 can (13.5 oz) full-fat coconut milk, plus extra for serving
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar, plus more to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 ripe mangoes, peeled and sliced
- Toasted sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)
- Fresh mint leaves, for garnish (optional)
How to Make Mango Sticky Rice

Making this dessert might seem complicated, but each step is simple and easy to follow. With a few basic techniques, you’ll be able to create an authentic and delicious treat. Here’s how to make mango sticky rice recipe easy:
Prepare the Sticky Rice
Rinse the glutinous rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch, which helps the rice cook evenly. Soak the rice in fresh water for at least 30 minutes, or up to several hours for the best results.
After soaking, drain the rice and transfer it to a steamer basket or a pot with a steamer insert. Steam the rice for about 20-25 minutes, or until it’s tender and translucent. Check the rice periodically to ensure it doesn’t dry out; add a little water to the steamer if needed.
Make the Coconut Milk Sauce
While the rice is steaming, prepare the coconut milk sauce. In a saucepan, combine the coconut milk, sugar, and salt and heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is warmed through.
Taste the sauce and adjust the sweetness to your preference. You can add more sugar if you like it sweeter. Keep the sauce warm over low heat until you’re ready to use it.
Combine Rice and Coconut Milk
Once the rice is cooked, transfer it to a bowl. Pour about half of the warm coconut milk sauce over the rice and gently stir to combine, ensuring all the grains are coated. Let the rice sit for about 10 minutes to absorb the sauce.
The rice should become creamy and sticky. If the rice seems too dry, add a little more of the coconut milk sauce. Reserve some of the sauce for drizzling over the finished dish.
Assemble and Serve
To assemble the dessert, arrange the warm, sticky rice on a plate. Place the sliced ripe mango next to the rice. Drizzle with the reserved coconut milk sauce and garnish with toasted sesame seeds and fresh mint leaves, if desired.
Serve immediately, while the rice is warm and the mango is cool. For an extra touch, chill the mango slices beforehand. This enhances the contrast between the warm, sticky rice and the cool, refreshing mango.
Tips for the Best Mango Sticky Rice
Here are some tips to help you perfect your mango sticky rice. These suggestions will help you avoid common mistakes and create the most delicious version of this classic dessert. You’ll soon be making the best mango sticky rice!
Choosing the Right Mangoes
The quality of the mangoes is crucial for this dessert. Select fresh mango that are ripe but still firm to the touch. The best mangoes will have a sweet, tropical aroma and a vibrant color.
Avoid mangoes that are overly soft or bruised. The variety of mango can affect the flavor, so experiment with different types to find your favorite. If you cannot find fresh mango, canned mango can be used, but fresh is always best.
Perfecting the Rice
The key to perfect sticky rice is the right balance of water and cooking time. Make sure to rinse the glutinous rice thoroughly to remove excess starch, which can make the rice gummy. Steaming is the traditional method, but you can also cook the rice in a rice cooker using the sticky rice setting.
If you don’t have a steamer, you can use a pot with a steamer insert. Just make sure the water doesn’t touch the rice. The rice should be tender but still hold its shape. The rice should not be mushy.
Adjusting the Sweetness
The sweetness of the dessert can be adjusted to your liking. Start with the amount of sugar specified in the recipe and then taste the coconut milk sauce. If you prefer a sweeter dessert, add more sugar to the sauce.
You can also adjust the amount of sugar in the rice itself. Some people like to add a bit of sugar directly to the rice while it’s absorbing the coconut milk. Remember, the sweetness of the mangoes will also affect the overall sweetness of the dish.
Serving Suggestions
Mango sticky rice is delicious on its own, but you can also add other elements to enhance the dessert. Consider adding a scoop of coconut ice cream for extra creaminess, or a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for added texture and flavor.
Some people enjoy adding a drizzle of sweetened condensed milk for extra sweetness. The dessert is often served with a sprinkle of toasted mung beans. It’s also delicious with a side of fresh fruit, and it makes a wonderful dessert after enjoying savory dishes. You can also try other easy dessert recipes.
Variations and Substitutions

While the classic recipe is perfect, there are many ways to customize your mango sticky rice. You can experiment with different flavors and ingredients to create your own unique version. Here are some ideas for variations and substitutions:
Vegan Mango Sticky Rice
This dessert is already naturally vegan if you use a plant-based sweetener. Ensure that the coconut milk is full-fat and of good quality. You can also make a vegan mango sticky rice with other plant-based milk, such as almond milk or cashew milk, but coconut milk provides the best flavor and texture.
For a richer flavor and texture, use full-fat coconut milk. You can also add a pinch of salt to the coconut milk sauce to enhance the flavors. This simple swap allows everyone to enjoy the dessert!
Ingredient Swaps
If you can’t find glutinous rice, you can try using Arborio rice, although the texture will be slightly different. You can also substitute brown sugar for white sugar in the coconut milk sauce. Brown sugar will add a richer, caramel-like flavor.
If you don’t have fresh mangoes, you can use canned mangoes, although the flavor won’t be as fresh. In a pinch, you can also use other tropical fruits such as pineapple or papaya. If you are looking for other dessert ideas, try a slice of chocolate strawberry cake.
Flavor Enhancements
Add a pinch of cardamom or a drop of vanilla extract to the coconut milk sauce for an extra layer of flavor. You can also add a small amount of pandan extract, which is a popular flavoring in Southeast Asian desserts.
For a nutty flavor, toast the sesame seeds before sprinkling them on top. You can also add a sprinkle of shredded coconut for added texture and flavor. The combination of flavors makes this a delicious sticky rice dessert.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
Mango sticky rice is a great dessert to make ahead of time, which can save you time and effort. Here’s how to prepare and store it to ensure it stays fresh and delicious. Planning ahead can make enjoying this treat even easier.
Making It Ahead
You can steam the glutinous rice and prepare the coconut milk sauce a day in advance. Store the cooked rice and the sauce separately in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat the sauce and combine it with the rice.
Slice the mangoes just before serving to prevent them from browning. The assembled dessert is best served fresh, but you can assemble it a few hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator. If you are looking for other desserts to make ahead of time, try some Crumbl cookies.
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover mango sticky rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best to store the rice and mangoes separately to prevent the mangoes from getting mushy and the rice from drying out.
Leftovers will keep for up to 2-3 days. Reheat the rice gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of coconut milk. Leftovers are also delicious cold. For other dessert ideas, try making some strawberry cobbler.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even the most experienced cooks can make mistakes. Knowing what to avoid will help you create the perfect mango sticky rice every time. Here are some common pitfalls and tips on how to avoid them.
Overcooking the Rice
Overcooked rice can become mushy, which will ruin the texture of your dessert. Make sure to monitor the rice while it’s steaming and check its tenderness regularly. The rice should be soft but still hold its shape.
If the rice becomes too soft, it will absorb too much coconut milk and become overly sticky. The right texture is crucial for this dessert. If you are having trouble with texture, try some cottage cheese brownies.
Using the Wrong Type of Rice
Using the wrong type of rice will also affect the texture. Make sure to use glutinous rice, also known as sweet rice or sticky rice. Other types of rice, such as jasmine rice or basmati rice, will not work.
Glutinous rice has a high starch content, which is what gives it its sticky texture. If you are unsure, check the label to make sure you are using the correct type of rice. This is the foundation of the authentic mango sticky rice.
Skipping the Soaking Step
Soaking the rice before steaming is an important step. Soaking softens the rice and helps it cook evenly. Skipping this step can result in undercooked rice or rice that doesn’t absorb the coconut milk properly.
Soaking also helps to remove excess starch, which can make the rice gummy. If you’re short on time, you can still make the dessert, but the texture may not be as perfect. If you are looking for other dessert ideas, try some strawberry crunch cheesecake.
Print
mango sticky rice Recipe
- Total Time: PT45M
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian, Vegan (if using vegan condensed milk)
Ingredients
- 1 cup glutinous rice (also known as sticky rice or sweet rice)
- 1 ¾ cups coconut milk, divided
- ¼ cup granulated sugar, plus more to taste
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 ripe mangoes, peeled and sliced (such as Ataulfo or Alphonso)
- Toasted sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)
- Sweetened condensed milk, for drizzling (optional)
Instructions
- Rinse and Soak Rice: Rinse the glutinous rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Soak the rice in water for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight.
- Steam the Rice: Drain the soaked rice. Place the rice in a steamer basket lined with cheesecloth or a clean kitchen towel. Steam for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is cooked through and translucent.
- Make the Coconut Milk Sauce: While the rice is steaming, combine 1 cup of coconut milk, sugar, and salt in a saucepan. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is warm but not boiling.
- Combine Rice and Sauce: Pour the warm coconut milk mixture over the cooked rice in a bowl. Gently stir to combine. Let the rice sit for 10-15 minutes, allowing it to absorb the coconut milk.
- Make the Coconut Cream (optional): In a small saucepan, combine the remaining ¾ cup of coconut milk with a pinch of salt. Heat gently until warmed through, but do not boil.
- Assemble and Serve: Place a portion of the sticky rice on a plate. Arrange mango slices alongside the rice. Drizzle with the warm coconut cream (if using) and sweetened condensed milk (if using). Garnish with toasted sesame seeds, if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
- For best results, use good quality glutinous rice.
- Adjust the amount of sugar to your preference.
- If you don’t have a steamer, you can cook the rice in a rice cooker using the ‘glutinous rice’ or ‘sticky rice’ setting. Alternatively, you can cook it on the stovetop, but steaming is recommended for the best texture.
- The coconut cream is optional, but adds a lovely richness.
- Leftover sticky rice can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or steamer.
- Prep Time: PT20M
- Cook Time: PT25M
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Steaming
- Cuisine: Thai
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 55g







