Creamy Mango Sticky Rice Recipe

If you love tropical flavors and crave a dessert that feels both indulgent and comforting, the Creamy Mango Sticky Rice Recipe is your perfect match. This beloved Thai classic marries luscious coconut-infused sticky rice with sweet, fragrant mango slices, creating a harmony of textures and flavors that feels like a warm tropical hug. The richness of the coconut milk perfectly complements the natural sweetness of the mango, while that sticky rice adds just the right chewy element to keep every bite satisfying and memorable.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Creamy Mango Sticky Rice Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient is essential, whether it’s to provide richness, sweetness, or that signature sticky texture, and together they create a dessert that’s both elegant and comforting.

• 1 cup uncooked sticky rice: Also known as glutinous rice, it’s the foundation that gives the dish its delightful chewiness.
• 1 can full-fat coconut milk (13.5 oz / 400 g): This adds a rich, creamy base infused with a subtle coconut aroma that elevates the sticky rice.
• 1/4 cup sugar: A touch of sweetness to balance the natural earthiness of the rice and creaminess of the coconut milk.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors, giving the dish a subtle depth and balance.
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch (optional): Helps thicken the coconut sauce for an extra luscious finish, but it’s not required.
• 3 ripe mangoes, peeled and sliced: The star of the show, providing juicy bursts of tropical sweetness that pair beautifully with the rice.
• Toasted sesame seeds for garnish (optional): Adds a slight nutty crunch and visual appeal to the final presentation.

How to Make Creamy Mango Sticky Rice Recipe

Step 1: Soak and Cook the Sticky Rice

Start by rinsing the sticky rice under cold water until the water runs clear; this removes excess starch and prevents clumping. Soak the rice in cold water for at least 4 hours or, for best results, overnight. After soaking, steam the rice for about 20-25 minutes until it turns tender and translucent. This traditional method ensures the perfect chewy texture that’s essential for the dish.

Step 2: Prepare the Coconut Sauce

While the rice is steaming, combine the full-fat coconut milk, sugar, and salt in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir gently to dissolve the sugar and salt without letting the mixture boil. If you want a thicker sauce, whisk in the cornstarch dissolved in a tablespoon of water and cook just until it slightly thickens. This rich sauce will soak into the sticky rice, making every bite creamy and indulgent.

Step 3: Combine Sticky Rice and Coconut Sauce

Once the rice is cooked, transfer it to a large bowl and gradually pour about two-thirds of the warm coconut sauce over it. Gently fold the sauce into the rice until well combined, then cover and let it sit for at least 30 minutes to allow the rice to absorb the creamy goodness fully. This resting time is where the magic happens, transforming the rice into a luscious base for your mango slices.

Step 4: Prepare the Mangoes

While the rice soaks up the sauce, peel and slice your ripe mangoes into thin, elegant strips or chunks. Choose mangoes that are fragrant and yielding to the touch, as they will add juicy sweetness that contrasts beautifully against the creamy rice.

Step 5: Assemble Your Dessert

Spoon a generous portion of the coconut-infused sticky rice onto each serving plate, arrange fresh mango slices on top or beside the rice, then drizzle the remaining coconut sauce over everything for extra creaminess. If you like, sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds for an appealing crunch and a touch of nuttiness.

How to Serve Creamy Mango Sticky Rice Recipe

Garnishes

The classic toasted sesame seeds add a subtle crunch and a toasty flavor that contrasts with the softness of the rice. You can also experiment with shredded coconut flakes or even a few mint leaves for a fresh perfume. These small garnishes elevate the dish visually and texturally, making each bite more exciting and well-balanced.

Side Dishes

This dessert can stand on its own as a tropical treat, but pairing it with a light jasmine tea or a refreshing lime sorbet creates a beautiful balance between warmth, sweetness, and tanginess. These sides cleanse the palate and perfect the dining experience without overpowering the delicate flavors of the mango sticky rice.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try molding the sticky rice using small ramekins or silicone molds, then gently unmold onto your serving plate before adding mango slices. Layering the rice and mango in a clear glass to create a parfait look is another charming way to serve this dessert, especially for dinner parties. Presentation can turn a humble dish into a stunning centerpiece, so have fun with it!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers, store the coconut-infused sticky rice separately from the mango slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The rice can become a bit firm when cold, so plan to reheat it gently before serving to restore its creamy texture.

Freezing

Frozen mango sticky rice is not ideal, as the rice tends to lose its creamy texture and the mango becomes mushy upon thawing. It’s best to enjoy this dessert fresh or refrigerated for a day or two rather than freezing.

Reheating

To reheat leftover sticky rice, place it in a microwave-safe dish and sprinkle a little water or extra coconut milk over the top to restore moisture. Heat in short bursts, stirring occasionally until warm and creamy again. Serve immediately with fresh mango slices for the best experience.

FAQs

Can I use regular rice instead of sticky rice?

Regular rice won’t provide the unique chewy texture that sticky rice is famous for, so for the authentic Creamy Mango Sticky Rice Recipe, it’s best to stick with glutinous or sticky rice.

What if I can’t find fresh mangoes?

Fresh, ripe mangoes are ideal, but if unavailable, frozen mango chunks that have been thawed can work in a pinch. Just be mindful they might be a little softer than fresh ones.

Is cornstarch necessary in the recipe?

Cornstarch is optional and helps thicken the coconut sauce for extra creaminess, but if you prefer a thinner sauce, you can omit it without compromising the overall taste.

Can this recipe be made vegan?

Yes! This Creamy Mango Sticky Rice Recipe is already naturally vegan since it uses coconut milk instead of dairy, making it a fantastic plant-based dessert option.

How ripe should the mangoes be?

You want mangoes that are sweet, soft to the touch, and fragrant. Underripe mangoes may be sour and not provide that luscious contrast to the creamy rice.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly special about the Creamy Mango Sticky Rice Recipe—a simple dish that feels like a tropical celebration in every bite. Whether you’re introducing this dessert to friends or treating yourself after a long day, you’ll find joy in the combination of coconut-rich sticky rice and juicy mango slices. So, don’t wait to delight your taste buds with this classic, creamy, and absolutely irresistible Thai treat.

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