Variation
Black Sticky Rice: Substitute half the white glutinous rice with black glutinous rice for a nutty, earthy flavor.
Learn the authentic way to make mango sticky rice with perfectly steamed glutinous grains and a rich, salted coconut sauce.

Get these tasks done before you start cooking.
Rinse the glutinous rice 3 to 4 times until the water runs clear, then soak in room temperature water for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Tip: Do not skip the soak as the rice will stay hard in the center if cooked immediately.
Total time: 45 min · Yields 4 servings
Drain the soaked rice and place it in a steamer basket lined with cheesecloth. Steam over boiling water for 20 to 25 minutes until the grains are translucent and tender throughout.
While the rice steams, combine 200 ml coconut milk, 100 g sugar, salt, and pandan leaves in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir until the sugar is dissolved but do not let it boil.
Transfer the hot steamed rice into a glass bowl. Pour the coconut milk mixture over the rice and stir gently. Cover tightly with a lid or plastic wrap and let it sit for 20 to 30 minutes to absorb the liquid.
In a clean saucepan, whisk 100 ml coconut milk, 1 tbsp sugar, 1/4 tsp salt, and the rice flour. Simmer over low heat for 2 to 3 minutes until thickened to a coating consistency.
Peel the mangoes and slice the cheeks away from the pit. Cut into thin uniform slices or large cubes depending on your plating preference.
Scoop a portion of the infused sticky rice onto a plate. Arrange mango slices alongside, drizzle generously with the salted coconut sauce, and sprinkle with toasted mung beans.
The garlic butter sauce is the star — pick sides that soak it up or balance the richness.
Once you've mastered the base recipe, try these popular twists.
Black Sticky Rice: Substitute half the white glutinous rice with black glutinous rice for a nutty, earthy flavor.
Purple Rice: Add a few drops of butterfly pea flower extract to the soaking water for a vibrant blue or purple hue.
Best served within 2-4 hours of making. If you must refrigerate, reheat the rice gently in a steamer or microwave with a splash of water to restore softness.
The yellow, honey-colored Ataulfo or Champagne mangoes are best because they are sweet, creamy, and non-fibrous compared to standard green-red mangoes.
No, jasmine rice will not work for mango sticky rice. You must use Thai glutinous rice, often labeled as sweet rice or sticky rice, to get the necessary chewy texture.
The rice likely didn't soak long enough. Glutinous rice requires at least 4 hours of soaking to hydrate the starch molecules before steaming.
Yes, this recipe is naturally vegan as it uses coconut milk rather than dairy and is sweetened with plant-based sugar.
It is traditionally served with the rice warm or at room temperature and the mangoes slightly chilled for the best sensory experience.
While possible, steaming in a basket is the traditional method that prevents the rice from becoming gluey. If using a rice cooker, use the 'sticky rice' setting and less water than usual.





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