Sweet Mango Sticky Rice

Featured in: Light Sweet Bowls & Treats

This dish features glutinous sticky rice soaked and steamed until tender, then infused with sweetened coconut milk. Fresh, ripe mango slices complement the subtle creaminess of the rice, enhanced by a luscious coconut topping. The optional garnish of toasted sesame seeds or mung beans adds texture and flavor. Perfectly balanced with natural sweetness and fragrant coconut notes, it embodies a classic tropical dessert experience. Preparation and cooking combine gentle soaking, steaming, and warming of ingredients to achieve a harmonious blend of textures and tastes.

Updated on Sun, 15 Feb 2026 13:56:30 GMT
Aromatic coconut-infused sticky rice topped with fresh mango slices in a classic Thai dessert.  Pin It
Aromatic coconut-infused sticky rice topped with fresh mango slices in a classic Thai dessert. | sweetcairn.com

Mango Sticky Rice is a sweet and fragrant Thai dessert that perfectly balances the creaminess of coconut milk with the refreshing taste of ripe mango slices. This tropical favorite is not only delicious but also naturally gluten-free and vegetarian, making it a crowd-pleasing treat for any occasion.

Aromatic coconut-infused sticky rice topped with fresh mango slices in a classic Thai dessert.  Pin It
Aromatic coconut-infused sticky rice topped with fresh mango slices in a classic Thai dessert. | sweetcairn.com

The chewy texture of glutinous rice soaked in sweetened coconut milk creates a satisfying base that complements the honey-like sweetness of seasonal mangoes. With only 15 minutes of active preparation, you can recreate this authentic Thai experience right at home.

Ingredients

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  • Rice: 1 cup glutinous (sticky) rice, water for soaking and steaming
  • Coconut Sauce: 1 cup full-fat coconut milk, 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)
  • Fruit: 2 ripe mangoes, peeled, pitted, and sliced
  • Garnish: 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds or mung beans (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Soak 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.
Step 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.
Step 3: Prepare the 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.
Step 4: Infuse the 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.
Step 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.
Step 6: Plate and 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

For the best results, use a steamer basket or bamboo steamer lined with cheesecloth or muslin. Ensure you have a sharp knife for clean mango slices. Only use glutinous (sticky) rice, as other varieties will not produce the correct authentic texture.

Varianten und Anpassungen

For an extra layer of fragrance, add a pandan leaf to the coconut milk while heating. This recipe is vegan-friendly as written. If you have a high sensitivity to gluten, ensure your rice and coconut milk labels are certified gluten-free.

Serviervorschläge

This dessert is best served fresh at room temperature. For a complete experience, pair it with a light, floral dessert wine or a cup of jasmine tea. Each serving provides approximately 370 calories and 4g of protein.

Sweet mango paired with creamy coconut milk-soaked sticky rice, garnished with toasted sesame seeds.  Pin It
Sweet mango paired with creamy coconut milk-soaked sticky rice, garnished with toasted sesame seeds. | sweetcairn.com

With its vibrant colors and creamy, sweet profile, Mango Sticky Rice is a delightful way to enjoy the flavors of the tropics. Simple to prepare yet sophisticated in taste, it is a perfect gluten-free end to any meal.

Recipe FAQs

What type of rice is best for this dish?

Glutinous or sticky rice is essential for achieving the characteristic chewy texture.

Can I prepare the sticky rice ahead of time?

Soaking the rice overnight helps soften it, but it's best to steam and combine it with coconut milk fresh before serving.

How can I make the coconut topping thicker?

A cornstarch slurry mixed with water added during cooking gently thickens the coconut topping without altering flavor.

What garnishes complement this dish?

Toasted sesame seeds or mung beans provide a pleasing contrast in texture and added aroma.

Is there a suggested beverage pairing?

A light floral dessert wine or jasmine tea enhances the tropical flavors without overpowering them.

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Sweet Mango Sticky Rice

Sticky rice infused with coconut milk, served with fresh mango slices and a creamy coconut topping.

Prep Duration
15 minutes
Time to Cook
30 minutes
Time Needed
45 minutes
Recipe by Hunter Phillips


Level Easy

Cuisine Thai

Makes 4 Portions

Dietary Notes Vegan-friendly, No Dairy, No Gluten

Ingredient List

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

Steps

Step 01

Prepare the Rice: Rinse the sticky rice under cold water until water runs clear. Soak the rice in water for at least 4 hours or overnight.

Step 02

Steam the Rice: Drain the rice and steam over boiling water in a cheesecloth-lined steamer basket for 25 to 30 minutes until tender and translucent.

Step 03

Prepare Coconut Sauce: While rice steams, combine 1 cup coconut milk, 4 tablespoons sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon salt in a saucepan. Heat gently, stirring, until sugar dissolves completely. Do not allow to boil.

Step 04

Infuse the Rice: Transfer cooked rice to a mixing bowl. Pour warm sweetened coconut milk over rice. Stir to combine, cover, and let absorb for 15 minutes.

Step 05

Prepare Coconut Topping: Mix 1/3 cup coconut milk, 1 tablespoon sugar, and pinch of salt in a small saucepan. Add cornstarch slurry if thicker consistency is desired. Cook over medium heat, stirring, until slightly thickened.

Step 06

Plate and Serve: Mound portions of sticky rice onto individual plates. Arrange mango slices alongside. Drizzle with coconut topping and garnish with toasted sesame seeds or mung beans if desired. Serve at room temperature.

Equipment Needed

  • Steamer basket or bamboo steamer
  • Cheesecloth or muslin
  • Saucepan
  • Mixing bowl
  • Sharp knife

Allergy Info

Look through each ingredient for allergens and check with a healthcare provider if you’re uncertain.
  • Contains coconut, a tree nut allergen
  • Verify rice and coconut milk labels for gluten contamination if highly sensitive

Nutrition Info (each serving)

Figures are for reference only—always seek medical advice when needed.
  • Caloric Value: 370
  • Fats: 14 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 59 grams
  • Proteins: 4 grams

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