Authentic Mango Sticky Rice Recipe – Easy Thai Dessert at Home

August 07, 2025

Mango Sticky Rice Recipe: A Sweet Thai Delight

You Can Make at Home

Introduction

If you’ve ever had Thai food chances are you’ve seen mango sticky rice on the dessert menu. And let’s be honest—once you try it, there’s no going back. It’s sweet, creamy, fruity, and a little bit sticky in the best way possible. Good news? Bring a little taste of Thailand home—no travel needed.. With the right ingredients and a few tricks, you can whip up an authentic mango sticky rice recipe right in your kitchen.

Let’s dive into everything you need to know to make this beloved Southeast Asian dessert.

Image Credit: Pixabay

What is Mango Sticky Rice?

A Traditional Thai Dessert

Mango sticky rice, known as Khao Niew Mamuang in Thai, is a popular dessert made with glutinous rice, sweet coconut milk, and ripe mango slices. It’s often enjoyed in the hot season when mangoes are at their peak.

Simple Ingredients, Complex Flavor

It may be simple, but the mix of sweet coconut, sticky rice, and juicy mango creates a flavor combo that’s sweet, salty, rich, and totally refreshing.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

It’s naturally gluten-free and vegan
Uses simple pantry staples
A crowd-pleaser at parties and dinners
Perfect balance of textures and flavors
It’s way easier than you think!

Essential Ingredients for Mango Sticky Rice

Let’s break down what you’ll need before we get to the actual cooking part.

1. Glutinous Rice (Sticky Rice)

Not just any rice will do here. You need glutinous rice, also called sweet rice. This rice becomes super sticky when cooked—essential for that authentic texture.

2. Coconut Milk

Go for full-fat, unsweetened canned coconut milk. The richness gives the rice its creamy flavor.

3. Sugar

White sugar is traditional, but you can also use palm sugar for a deeper caramel-like flavor.

4. Salt

Just a small pinch of salt really makes the sweetness pop and brings all the flavors together perfectly.

5. Mangoes

Choose ripe, yellow mangoes like Ataulfo, Nam Dok Mai, or Alphonso. They should be sweet, tender, and easy to slice.

6. Optional Toppings

Toasted mung beans or sesame seeds for crunch
Extra coconut cream drizzle for more richness

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

A steamer or bamboo basket
A mixing bowl
A small saucepan
A wooden spoon
A sharp knife for slicing mangoes

Step-by-Step Mango Sticky Rice Recipe

Ready to get cooking? Here’s how to do it, step-by-step.

Step 1: Soak the Glutinous Rice

How Long to Soak Sticky Rice?

Place 1 cup of glutinous rice in a bowl and cover it with water. Let it soak for at least 6 hours, or preferably overnight.That way, the rice cooks evenly and turns out perfectly sticky every time.

Step 2: Steam the Sticky Rice

After soaking, drain the rice and transfer it to a steamer lined with cheesecloth or a banana leaf. Steam over simmering water for 25–30 minutes, or until the grains are translucent and soft.

Pro Tip: Flip the rice halfway through to ensure even cooking.

Step 3: Make the Sweet Coconut Sauce

While the rice is steaming, combine the following in a small saucepan:

1 cup coconut milk
¼ cup sugar
½ teaspoon salt

Heat it gently over medium, stirring until the sugar melts right in. Do not boil.

Step 4: Mix Rice with Coconut Sauce

After the rice is done, scoop it into a big bowl, pour in about three-quarters of the coconut sauce, and give it a gentle stir to soak it all up.Cover Let it rest for 15–20 minutes so the flavors really soak in.

Step 5: Prepare the Mangoes

Peel your ripe mangoes, slice off the cheeks, and cut them into thin slices or cubes. Keep them chilled until serving.

Step 6: Make the Coconut Cream Topping (Optional)

If you want an extra creamy drizzle:

Slowly warm ½ cup of coconut milk with 1 teaspoon of sugar and a pinch of salt, stirring until it’s all nicely combined.
Stir until slightly thickened

Let cool and drizzle over your sticky rice when serving.

Step 7: Assemble and Serve

Scoop a serving of sticky rice onto a plate, arrange sliced mango alongside, and drizzle with the remaining coconut sauce or cream. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds or mung beans if you like a little crunch.

Tips for the Best Mango Sticky Rice

Use Ripe Mangoes Only

Underripe mangoes will ruin the balance. Choose fruits that feel a little soft when gently pressed and give off a rich, sweet fragrance.

Don’t Skip the Salt

It may sound odd, but that little bit of salt in the coconut milk is what makes the dessert sing.

Let the Rice Sit

The longer you let the rice absorb the coconut sauce, the better the flavor.

Double the Batch

This dessert disappears fast. If you’re serving more than 2–3 people, double the recipe. You’ll thank yourself later.

Variations to Try

Black Sticky Rice Mango Dessert

Opt for Thai black sticky rice—it adds a nutty flavor and a beautiful, bold color contrast.

Pandan Infused Coconut Milk

Simmer the coconut milk with pandan leaves to infuse your rice with a fragrant, floral aroma.

Coconut Mango Parfait

Layer sticky rice, mango, and coconut cream in a glass for a trendy dessert cup.

Is Mango Sticky Rice Healthy?

A Nutritional Perspective

While it’s not exactly low-calorie, mango sticky rice has its merits:

High in antioxidants from mangoes
Contains healthy fats from coconut milk
Naturally gluten-free and dairy-free

Mindful Eating Tips

Like all desserts, it’s best in moderation. Serve it with a light meal to keep the flavors and overall balance just right.

How to Store Leftovers

Fridge

Keep any leftover sticky rice and mango in separate airtight containers—they’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Reheating

Steam the sticky rice or microwave it with a splash of coconut milk to bring back the moisture.

Can You Freeze Mango Sticky Rice?

Not recommended. The texture of the rice and mango degrades after freezing and thawing. For best taste and quality, enjoy it fresh!

Perfect Occasions to Serve Mango Sticky Rice

Thai-themed dinner nights
Summer BBQs and potlucks
Birthdays and family gatherings
When mangoes are in season (aka mango mania!)

Conclusion

Mango sticky rice is one of those desserts that instantly transports you to a sunny Thai beach with its tropical flavors and comforting texture. The best part? You don’t need any fancy tools or exotic ingredients—just a bit of patience and a love for good food. Once you master this easy mango sticky rice recipe, you’ll find yourself making it again and again. Trust me, it’s that good.

FAQs

1. Can I use jasmine rice instead of sticky rice?

Nope! Jasmine rice won’t give you the chewy, sticky texture this dessert is known for. Always go for glutinous rice.

2. What mango variety is best for mango sticky rice?

Look for Ataulfo, Nam Dok Mai, or Alphonso. These are sweet, non-fibrous, and have a silky texture.

3. Can I prep this recipe in advance?

Yes!Feel free to make the sticky rice and coconut sauce a day in advance—it keeps well and saves time. Just warm them slightly before serving and slice the mango fresh.

4. Is there a sugar substitute I can use?

Sure. Try coconut sugar or maple syrup for a twist, though it will slightly change the flavor.

5. What if I don’t have a steamer?

No worries! You can improvise with a sieve over a pot of boiling water, or even use a rice cooker with a steaming tray.