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Delicious mango sticky rice served in a rustic bowl with freshly scored mango, coconut milk, and edible flowers.

Authentic Thai Mango Sticky Rice

Indulge in this beloved Thai dessert featuring sweet, ripe mangoes paired with warm, tender glutinous rice, bathed in a rich, slightly salty coconut cream sauce. A perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tropical flavors.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Thai
Calories: 480

Ingredients
  

For the Sticky Rice
  • 2 cups Glutinous rice sweet rice, uncooked
  • 1 1/2 cups Water for steaming
For the Coconut Sauce
  • 1 can Full-fat coconut milk 13.5 oz / 400ml
  • 1/2 cup Granulated sugar
  • 1/2 tsp Salt
For Serving
  • 2-3 Ripe mangoes preferably Ataulfo or Honey mangoes, peeled and sliced
  • 2 tbsp Toasted sesame seeds optional, for garnish

Equipment

  • Large Mixing Bowl
  • Steamer pot with basket
  • Medium saucepan
  • Whisk
  • Serving plates

Method
 

Prepare the Sticky Rice
  1. Wash the glutinous rice thoroughly under cold running water until the water runs clear. This usually takes 5-7 rinses.
  2. Place the washed rice in a large bowl and cover with fresh cold water. Let it soak for at least 2 hours, or ideally overnight (4-8 hours). Soaking ensures even cooking and a tender texture.
  3. Drain the soaked rice well using a fine-mesh sieve. Transfer the drained rice to a steamer basket lined with a clean cheesecloth or a banana leaf (if available).
  4. Bring water to a boil in the bottom pot of your steamer. Place the steamer basket over the boiling water, ensuring the water does not touch the rice. Cover tightly and steam for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is tender, translucent, and sticky. Flip the rice halfway through steaming for even cooking.
Make the Coconut Sauce
  1. While the rice is steaming, prepare the coconut sauce. In a medium saucepan, combine the full-fat coconut milk, granulated sugar, and salt. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring constantly with a whisk until the sugar and salt are fully dissolved. Do not boil the sauce; just bring it to a gentle simmer.
  2. Remove the sauce from heat immediately once the sugar and salt are dissolved. This ensures the sauce remains creamy and does not curdle.
Combine and Serve
  1. Once the rice is cooked, transfer it immediately to a clean mixing bowl. Pour about 3/4 of the warm coconut sauce over the hot sticky rice. Stir gently with a spoon or spatula until the rice has absorbed most of the sauce and becomes glossy.
  2. Cover the bowl with a lid or plastic wrap and let it sit for at least 15-20 minutes. This allows the rice to fully absorb the sauce and become even more tender and flavorful.
  3. While the rice is resting, peel and slice your ripe mangoes. For presentation, you can slice them into attractive fan shapes or simple strips.
  4. To serve, scoop a portion of the warm sticky rice onto a plate. Arrange sliced mangoes alongside the rice. Drizzle generously with the remaining coconut sauce. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

For the best flavor, choose very ripe, sweet mangoes like Ataulfo (Honey) or champagne mangoes. Kesar or Alphonso mangoes also work wonderfully. The sticky rice is best served warm. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or a steamer, adding a splash of coconut milk if needed to restore moisture.