I can’t help but smile whenever I think about Mango Sticky Rice—it’s like a tropical vacation on a plate. Have you ever tasted that creamy, sweet coconut sauce drizzled over warm sticky rice and juicy mango? It’s heaven. Honestly, it’s so simple to whip up, yet it feels indulgent, perfect for impressing guests or just treating yourself on a lazy afternoon. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be dreaming of ways to make it your go-to dessert.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
When you try this Thai Mango Sticky Rice recipe, you’ll understand exactly why it’s so beloved. Seriously, the combination of creamy coconut milk and sweet, ripe mangoes is like a tropical vacation on your plate.
I remember the first time I tasted mango sticky rice. I thought, “This can’t be real!” The flavors just dance together, and when the warm sticky rice meets the chilled mango, it’s magic.
Plus, it’s surprisingly simple to make. You soak the rice, steam it, and let it soak up that luscious coconut milk mixture.
Anyone can do it. And don’t worry if you make a mess—I’m the queen of sticky fingers during dessert time. Trust me, you’ll want seconds… or thirds.
Equipment List
Now that you’re craving that delightful blend of flavors, let’s talk about the equipment you’ll need to whip up this scrumptious Thai Mango Sticky Rice.
First, grab a trusty steaming basket—bamboo or metal, whatever you have on hand.
You’ll also need a bowl for soaking the sticky rice; it loves a good bath.
A pot is essential for simmering coconut milk—trust me, it’s where the magic happens.
Don’t forget a spatula or spoon for mixing everything together.
Finally, I suggest a sharp knife for slicing those luscious mangoes.
Oh, and a measuring cup, because we wanna get this right, right?
I’ve had my fair share of ‘creative’ estimating—let’s just say it wasn’t pretty.
Additionally, a mortar and pestle can be very useful for achieving a smooth texture in your coconut milk or creating flavored pastes for added depth.
Happy cooking!
Our Ingredients
When you’re ready to plunge into making Thai Mango Sticky Rice, the first step is gathering all your ingredients. Trust me, having everything lined up not only speeds things along but also keeps the chaos in check.
And we all know how easy it’s to get sidetracked in the kitchen—one minute you’re looking for that coconut milk, and the next you’re wondering where your measuring cups went. So, let’s simplify your life with a handy list. Here’s what you need to create this sweet, creamy, and utterly delightful dish that’s bound to impress your friends (or just yourself, which is perfectly valid too).
- 1 cup Thai sweet sticky rice
- 1 cup full-fat coconut milk
- ½ cup sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 ripe mangoes, peeled and sliced
- Toasted sesame seeds (optional)
Now, while these are the core ingredients, let’s chat about a few things. First off, not all rice is created equal. Make sure you’re using authentic Thai sweet sticky rice—it’s essential for that chewy texture we all love.
If you grab any old rice from your pantry, you might just end up with a sad, mushy mess. And definitely opt for full-fat coconut milk. Don’t go for the light version; this dish deserves that rich, creamy goodness.
Also, ripe mangoes are a game-changer here—choose ones that are fragrant and slightly soft to the touch. When all these components come together, you’ll find yourself transported to a tropical paradise, even if you’re just in your kitchen.
Step-by-Step Instructions

Making Thai Mango Sticky Rice is a delightful adventure that transports you straight to the streets of Thailand. So, roll up your sleeves and prepare to enchant your taste buds with this sweet, creamy, and utterly satisfying dish. Let’s plunge into the step-by-step process to conjure up this tropical treat in no time.
1. Soak the rice: Start with 1 cup of Thai sweet sticky rice. Rinse it under cool water until the water runs clear—this helps remove excess starch.
After rinsing, submerge the rice in water and let it soak for about 4 to 8 hours. Don’t stress if you forget about it for a bit—this stuff is forgiving. Just think of it as rice spa day; it will absorb all that lovely water and be ready for steaming.
2. Steam the rice: Once your rice is nice and plump, it’s time to steam it. Drain the soaked rice and place it in a steamer basket lined with cheesecloth (or just a clean kitchen towel if you’re feeling rebellious).
Steam it for about 20 minutes, or until it’s tender and translucent. You’ll know it’s ready when you can see the shiny grains peeking through.
3. Prepare the coconut sauce: While the rice is steaming, grab a saucepan and pour in 1 cup of full-fat coconut milk. Add ½ cup of sugar and ½ teaspoon of salt.
Heat it over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves. Just don’t let it boil—no one wants an angry coconut mess. The aroma here is already incredible, isn’t it?
4. Mix rice and coconut sauce: Once your rice is done steaming, transfer it to a bowl. Pour about half of that luscious coconut milk mixture over the rice and gently fold it in, so every grain gets coated.
Allow the rice to soak up the creamy goodness for about 15 to 30 minutes. This is where the magic happens—trust me, the longer it sits, the better it gets.
5. Slice the mangoes: While your rice is soaking in its coconut bath, take 2 ripe mangoes, peel them, and slice them into nice, thin pieces.
Choose mangoes that are slightly soft to the touch. They should practically melt in your mouth when you take a bite. Just looking at them makes me want to plunge right in.
6. Serve it up: Now comes the moment of glory. Scoop some of the sticky rice onto a plate, drizzle with the remaining coconut milk mixture, and arrange those gorgeous mango slices on the side.
For an extra touch, sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds on top. Voila! You’ve crafted a little masterpiece that’s bound to impress anyone lucky enough to taste it.
And there you have it—your homemade Thai Mango Sticky Rice ready to devour. Honestly, each bite is like a hug in dessert form, and you might want to keep the whole thing to yourself. But sharing is caring, right? Additionally, consider serving your delicious treat in reusable glass milk bottles to embrace sustainable living while enjoying this delightful dessert.
Enjoy your culinary creation, and don’t forget to pat yourself on the back for this delicious endeavor.
Tips & Variations
There’s something magical about adding a personal touch to your Mango Sticky Rice, and trust me, you can customize this treat in so many fun ways that it’ll never feel old or boring.
Want a little crunch? Toss in some toasted coconut or sesame seeds—I’ve done it, and it gives a delightful texture.
Feeling adventurous? Try adding a hint of pandan extract for that gorgeous green color and unique flavor.
Oh, and if you’re more of a sweet tooth, drizzling caramel on top transforms it into a decadent dessert. You can even play with fruits—pineapple or banana slices work beautifully.
Just remember, there’s no wrong way to enjoy this heavenly dish; embrace the endless possibilities. Enjoy exploring!
How to Serve?
Serving mango sticky rice is where the magic truly happens, transforming a simple dessert into a beautiful presentation that’s almost too pretty to eat.
I like to arrange the warm, sticky rice in a neat mound on a plate, almost like a fluffy little cloud. Then, I fan the ripe mango slices alongside it, creating a burst of color.
Oh, and don’t forget to drizzle some of that luscious coconut sauce right over everything. It’s like a sweet shower that ties it all together.
If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds on top. Trust me, it adds a delightful crunch.
Honestly, I sometimes spend more time plating it than eating it—well, almost. And let’s be real—the taste makes every effort worth it.
Storage & Reheating Guide
Have you ever wondered how to keep that delicious mango sticky rice fresh for later? You won’t believe how easy it is!
First, let it cool completely before storing. I usually grab an airtight container to keep it safe from any sneaky odors. If you have extra mango slices, store them separately; they can go mushy if they hang out too long. Maximize freshness with a reliable airtight food storage solution to ensure your treats stay delightful.
When you’re ready to dig in, just reheat the sticky rice in the microwave for about 20 seconds. Stir it a bit, then zap it again if it’s still cool.
Need it creamier? Add a splash of coconut milk. Trust me, it’s worth every bite, even the next day. Enjoy!
Final Thoughts
While you might think making mango sticky rice is just a summer fling, it turns out this dish can easily become a year-round favorite. Honestly, who wouldn’t want to enjoy that creamy coconut goodness any time of the year? I know I do.
The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity. You soak the rice, cook it up, and then combine it with coconut milk—no culinary degree required. Trust me, it’s a dish that’ll impress your friends or that special someone (even if it’s just you indulging).
And don’t forget those ripe mango slices, they’re like the cherry on top. So, go ahead, get your ingredients ready, and let the flavor party begin. You won’t regret it.

