Dessert · Thai · Thai

Mango Sticky Rice With Salted Coconut Cream

Learn the authentic way to make mango sticky rice with perfectly steamed glutinous grains and a rich, salted coconut sauce.

4.7(97 reviews)
·By Ethan Brooks·
Mango Sticky Rice With Salted Coconut Cream — Thai Dessert served and photographed from above
Prep
20 min
Cook
25 min
Difficulty
Medium
Serves
4

Preparation

Get these tasks done before you start cooking.

Rice Prep

  1. 1

    Soaking

    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.

How to Make Mango Sticky Rice With Salted Coconut Cream

Total time: 45 min · Yields 4 servings

  1. 1

    Steam the Rice

    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.

  2. 2

    Prepare the Infusion Milk

    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.

  3. 3

    Season the Hot Rice

    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.

  4. 4

    Prepare the Salted Sauce

    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.

  5. 5

    Slice the Mangoes

    Peel the mangoes and slice the cheeks away from the pit. Cut into thin uniform slices or large cubes depending on your plating preference.

  6. 6

    Assemble and Plate

    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.

Chef's Tips

  • Always use 'Glutinous' or 'Sweet' rice. Standard jasmine rice will not achieve the correct chewy texture.
  • Ataulfo mangoes are superior for this dish because they lack the fibrous strings found in large red-green Tommy Atkins mangoes.
  • Store the leftover rice at room temperature for up to 6 hours. Refrigeration will make the starch go hard and crystalline.

What to Serve with Mango Sticky Rice With Salted Coconut Cream

The garlic butter sauce is the star — pick sides that soak it up or balance the richness.

  • Serve at room temperature rather than ice cold.
  • Present in a wide shallow bowl to keep the sauce from pooling.
  • Garnish with a fresh mint leaf for a pop of color.

Recipe Variations

Once you've mastered the base recipe, try these popular twists.

Variation

Black Sticky Rice: Substitute half the white glutinous rice with black glutinous rice for a nutty, earthy flavor.

Variation

Purple Rice: Add a few drops of butterfly pea flower extract to the soaking water for a vibrant blue or purple hue.

Storage & Reheating

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.

Further reading

Frequently asked questions

What is the best mango for mango sticky rice?

The yellow, honey-colored Ataulfo or Champagne mangoes are best because they are sweet, creamy, and non-fibrous compared to standard green-red mangoes.

Can I use jasmine rice instead of glutinous rice?

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.

Why is my sticky rice still hard after steaming?

The rice likely didn't soak long enough. Glutinous rice requires at least 4 hours of soaking to hydrate the starch molecules before steaming.

Is mango sticky rice vegan?

Yes, this recipe is naturally vegan as it uses coconut milk rather than dairy and is sweetened with plant-based sugar.

Should I serve mango sticky rice hot or cold?

It is traditionally served with the rice warm or at room temperature and the mangoes slightly chilled for the best sensory experience.

Can I make mango sticky rice in a rice cooker?

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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