Name: Mango Sticky Rice Recipe
Prep time: 1 h 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h 40 min
Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients: 1 cup uncooked sticky rice; 1 can full-fat coconut milk (13.5 oz / 400 g can); 1/4 cup sugar; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 2 teaspoons cornstarch (Optional); 3 ripe mangoes, peeled and sliced; Toasted sesame seeds for garnish (Optional)

I absolutely adore sharing this Mango Sticky Rice Recipe with friends because it feels like a warm hug from Thai cuisine itself. Combining sweet, creamy coconut-infused sticky rice with the vibrant freshness of ripe mango slices makes for a deliciously comforting dessert that always captures hearts at the table. From the chewy texture to the luscious coconut sauce, every bite feels like a little celebration of tropical flavors, and I can’t wait for you to experience it too!

Why You'll Love This Mango Sticky Rice Recipe

When I make this Mango Sticky Rice Recipe, what immediately wins me over is that unique blend of creamy, sweet, and slightly salty flavors that come together to create something truly magical. The sticky rice has just the right chewiness, soaking up that rich coconut sauce, while fresh mango slices bring a burst of bright, juicy sweetness that balances everything perfectly. It’s like a perfect dance of textures and tastes in every mouthful.

Another thing I love about this recipe is how approachable it is. Despite some people's assumptions that sticky rice is complicated to prepare, the steps are straightforward and forgiving. You soak, steam, whip up a simple coconut sauce, and then combine it all for a stunning dessert. No special equipment beyond a steamer, just patience and love! It’s a wonderful project to do ahead of time for a dinner gathering yet simple enough for a cozy weeknight treat.

Plus, this makes a stellar dish for various occasions, from casual family dinners to special celebrations like Lunar New Year or summer parties. What sets it apart for me is its balance of indulgence and freshness—rich coconut meets tropical fruit in a comforting way that’s neither too heavy nor too plain. Once you try this Mango Sticky Rice Recipe, you’ll see why it’s a beloved classic.

Ingredients You'll Need

The image shows a white marbled surface holding several clear glass bowls and containers arranged in a loose circle. At the center is a medium glass bowl filled with white grains. To its upper right is a glass jug with a white liquid. Below the jug is a small glass bowl of white powder. To the right of the grains bowl is a medium glass bowl of light brown granulated sugar. Below that is a small glass bowl with white salt. To the left of the grains bowl is a small glass bowl with black seeds. On the far left side, there are two yellow mangoes placed side by side. The whole setup is neat and spaced out on the white marbled background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity, using just a few carefully chosen ingredients that each bring a crucial element to texture, taste, or color. From creamy coconut milk to fragrant sticky rice and ripe mangoes, every ingredient plays its part in building this delightful dessert.

TIP : You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below

Sticky rice: The star ingredient that gives this dessert its signature chewy texture.
Full-fat coconut milk: Provides the creamy, rich base for the sauce that soaks into the rice.
Sugar: Balances the coconut milk’s richness with a mellow sweetness.
Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and adds a subtle savory note to the sweetness.
Cornstarch (optional): Helps thicken the coconut sauce for a luscious consistency if needed.
Ripe mangoes: The fresh, juicy fruit that contrasts beautifully with the creamy sticky rice.
Toasted sesame seeds (optional): Adds a lovely nutty crunch and visual appeal as a garnish.

Directions

Step 1: Begin by rinsing the sticky rice with cool tap water, gently stirring with your hand to wash off excess starch thoroughly. Drain the water and repeat this rinsing once more. Then, cover the rice with cold water and soak it for at least 1 hour, but if you have more time, soaking it overnight in the fridge helps achieve an even better texture. After soaking, rinse again and drain completely.

Step 2: Place the sticky rice in a heatproof bowl suitable for steaming. Add about 2 inches of water to your steamer (making sure it doesn’t touch the rice), place the bowl on the steamer rack, and cover with a lid. Turn the heat to medium-high and wait for the water to boil and steam to start escaping. Then lower the heat to medium and steam the rice for about 20 to 25 minutes, checking to ensure the grains are tender and fully cooked, without any hard centers. Keep the bowl covered and set aside once done.

Step 3: While the rice is steaming, prepare the luscious coconut sauce. Combine the full-fat coconut milk, sugar, and salt in a saucepan over medium to medium-low heat. Stir frequently as the sugar dissolves, and heat until the mixture is hot but not boiling—if it boils, the texture and flavor can be affected, so watch carefully.

Step 4: If your coconut milk is thinner than you’d like, mix cornstarch with 4 tablespoons of water in a small bowl until smooth. Stir half of this slurry into your hot coconut sauce immediately to thicken it. Add more of the slurry gradually if the sauce still seems too thin, aiming for a consistency that coats the back of a spoon without being overly thick.

Step 5: Carefully remove the hot sticky rice bowl from the steamer using oven mitts. Pour 1 cup of the warm coconut sauce over the rice and gently stir to combine, allowing the rice to absorb the sauce fully. Leave the rice covered and let it sit to absorb and cool slightly.

Step 6: The Mango Sticky Rice is best served once the rice mixture and sauce have cooled to room temperature or feel lukewarm. This step ensures the perfect harmony of velvety coconut and chewy rice alongside the fresh mango’s natural sweetness.

Step 7: To serve, spoon about one-third cup of the coconut-infused sticky rice onto small bowls or plates. Arrange the sliced ripe mango neatly on the side and drizzle with the remaining coconut sauce. Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top if you’re using them for a touch of crunch and elegance.

Servings and Timing

This Mango Sticky Rice Recipe makes approximately 4 servings, ideal for sharing with a small group or family. The prep time is around 1 hour mainly due to the soaking of the sticky rice, but much of this is passive time. Cooking and steaming take about 25 minutes, and preparing the sauce requires roughly 10 minutes. Altogether, including resting time, you should budget around 1 hour and 40 minutes from start to finish for the best results. It’s a leisurely but rewarding process that truly pays off.

How to Serve This Mango Sticky Rice Recipe

The image shows four round piles of sticky white rice topped with black sesame seeds placed on white plates. Each pile of rice is paired with bright orange slices of mango arranged in a curved, fan-like shape beside the rice. The plates are arranged on a white marbled surface. There are small bowls with white sauce and black seeds nearby. Some metal spoons rest on the plates and the surface, and a woman's hand is visible holding one spoon. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

When I serve this Mango Sticky Rice Recipe, I love to keep the presentation simple yet inviting. The creamy rice paired with vibrant mango slices naturally looks stunning on small individual plates. I often add a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or even a few mint leaves for a pop of color and texture. This is a dessert you want to savor slowly, so I suggest small portions—just enough for a happy, satisfying finish to the meal.

This dessert pairs beautifully with light beverages like a chilled jasmine tea or a fruity white wine such as Riesling, which complements both the coconut and mango without overpowering them. If you’re aiming for a cocktail, a refreshing mojito or coconut-based drink can add festive flair. I find that serving it slightly warm or at room temperature allows the coconut flavor to shine best, but it can also be enjoyed chilled on warmer days for a refreshing twist.

I often bring this dish out for family get-togethers or summer parties because it feels special but isn’t overly complicated to share. The tropical flavors also make it a delightful change of pace after heavy meals, offering a balance of sweetness and richness that leaves everyone smiling. Whether it’s a casual weeknight treat or a festive occasion, I always find this recipe brightens the table and hearts alike.

Variations

One of the joys of this Mango Sticky Rice Recipe is how easily it can be customized. For example, if you want to make it vegan, stick with the classic coconut milk base and ensure your sugar is vegan-friendly. For those avoiding gluten, you’ll be happy to know sticky rice is naturally gluten-free, so this dessert is a safe and delicious option.

If mangos aren’t in season or you want to mix things up, try pairing the sticky rice with other tropical fruits like ripe papaya, pineapple, or even fresh lychee. Each fruit brings a slightly different flavor and texture that can make the dish feel entirely new. For an extra indulgent touch, you might drizzle some coconut cream or a splash of pandan syrup for floral notes.

For a different cooking technique, I sometimes experiment with using a rice cooker to steam the sticky rice, which can save time and effort while delivering similar results. Alternatively, some variations call for cooking the rice directly in coconut milk on the stovetop, though I prefer the traditional steaming method for that perfect chewy texture.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers, store the mango sticky rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator. I recommend keeping the rice and mango slices separate to preserve their textures best. The sticky rice will keep well for about 2 to 3 days, but the mango may start to lose freshness after a day or two, so try to enjoy it promptly for the best taste.

Freezing

Freezing mango sticky rice isn’t ideal because the texture of both the sticky rice and fresh mango can change significantly once thawed. The rice may become hard or grainy, and the mango can turn mushy. I suggest enjoying this dessert fresh or storing it only in the fridge for a short time rather than freezing.

Reheating

To reheat leftover sticky rice, I gently steam it or warm it in a microwave with a splash of water or coconut milk to restore moisture and softness. Avoid overheating or boiling the rice, as it can become dry and tough. The mango slices are best served fresh, so if you’re reheating, add mango fresh when plating for that perfect fresh-tropical contrast.

FAQs

Can I use regular jasmine rice instead of sticky rice?

Sticky rice has a unique chewy texture that jasmine rice can’t quite replicate. For the authentic texture and mouthfeel of Mango Sticky Rice Recipe, I highly recommend using glutinous (sticky) rice. Jasmine rice will be fluffier and less sticky, which changes the experience significantly.

Why do I need to soak the sticky rice?

Soaking sticky rice softens the grains and helps them steam more evenly, ensuring the final texture is tender yet chewy. Skipping or shortening the soak can result in undercooked or uneven rice, so I find soaking crucial for the perfect Mango Sticky Rice Recipe.

Is it okay if my coconut sauce isn’t very thick?

Absolutely! The sauce should be thick enough to coat the rice but not too gelatinous or heavy. If your coconut milk is very thin, a little cornstarch slurry helps, but a slightly runny sauce is perfectly fine and still delicious. It all depends on the type of coconut milk and your personal preference.

Can I prepare the sticky rice ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare and cook the sticky rice earlier in the day or even the night before. Just be sure to store it covered in the fridge and reheat gently with a bit of coconut milk or water before serving. This makes entertaining much easier and keeps the flavors fresh.

What’s the best way to pick ripe mangoes for this recipe?

Look for mangoes that give slightly to gentle pressure and emit a fragrant, sweet aroma near the stem end. They should be bright in color but avoid any with large dark spots or overly soft mushy areas. Ripe mangoes provide the best balance of sweetness and juiciness that perfectly complements the sticky rice.

Conclusion

I truly hope you give this Mango Sticky Rice Recipe a try because it brings such joy and a taste of tropical paradise right to your kitchen. It’s a dessert that feels special but is surprisingly simple to make, perfect for sharing with those you love or treating yourself to a little delicious indulgence. Once you taste that creamy, sweet coconut rice with fresh mango, you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe again and again!