Thai Mango Sticky Rice | Authentic Thai Dessert

 


Sweet Coconut Sticky Rice Served with Juicy Ripe Mango

Creamy coconut sticky rice paired with perfectly ripe mango slices creates one of Thailand's most beloved desserts. Mango Sticky Rice, known locally as Khao Niao Mamuang, is famous for its rich coconut flavor, naturally sweet mangoes, and beautifully simple presentation.

Despite its elegant appearance, this dessert is surprisingly easy to make at home. Every bite combines warm, creamy coconut rice with cool, juicy mangoes, creating the perfect balance of textures and flavors.

Whether you're exploring Thai cuisine or looking for a refreshing summer dessert, this classic recipe is guaranteed to impress.


Why You'll Love This Recipe

✔ Authentic Thai dessert

✔ Naturally gluten-free

✔ Beautiful presentation

✔ Creamy coconut flavor

✔ Fresh tropical fruit

✔ Easy to prepare

✔ Pinterest-worthy

✔ Perfect for summer


About This Recipe

Mango Sticky Rice is one of Thailand's most iconic desserts and is commonly enjoyed during mango season when the fruit is at its sweetest.

The sticky rice is slowly cooked and soaked in sweet coconut milk until creamy and fragrant, then served alongside slices of ripe mango with an extra drizzle of coconut sauce.

Simple ingredients create an unforgettable dessert loved around the world.


Recipe Information

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Rest Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 65 minutes

Servings: 4

Cuisine: Thai

Course: Dessert

Difficulty: Easy


Ingredients

Sticky Rice

  • 1 cup Thai glutinous rice
  • Water for soaking

Coconut Sauce

  • 1 cup full-fat coconut milk
  • ⅓ cup granulated sugar
  • ¼ teaspoon salt

Thick Coconut Topping

  • ¼ cup coconut milk
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon water

To Serve

  • 2 ripe mangoes, peeled and sliced
  • Toasted sesame seeds
  • Toasted mung beans (optional)

Equipment

  • Steamer
  • Saucepan
  • Mixing bowl
  • Wooden spoon
  • Sharp knife
  • Serving plates

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1

Soak the sticky rice in water for at least 4 hours or overnight.

Drain well.


Step 2

Steam the sticky rice for about 25–30 minutes until tender.


Step 3

While the rice cooks, combine the coconut milk, sugar, and salt in a saucepan.

Heat gently until the sugar dissolves.

Do not boil.


Step 4

Pour most of the coconut mixture over the cooked sticky rice.

Cover and let it absorb for about 20 minutes.


Step 5

Mix the remaining coconut milk with the cornstarch slurry and cook until slightly thickened.


Step 6

Arrange the sticky rice beside fresh mango slices.

Drizzle with the thick coconut sauce.

Sprinkle with sesame seeds or toasted mung beans before serving.


Chef's Tips

  • Use authentic Thai glutinous rice.
  • Choose ripe, sweet mangoes.
  • Don't boil the coconut milk.
  • Let the rice absorb the coconut mixture completely before serving.
  • Serve slightly warm with chilled mango.

Variations

Coconut Cream Extra

Add extra coconut sauce before serving.

Black Sticky Rice

Use black glutinous rice for a unique twist.

Tropical Version

Serve with dragon fruit, pineapple, or passion fruit.

Vegan

Naturally vegan as written.


Storage

Refrigerate for up to 2 days.

Warm the rice gently before serving.

Fresh mango is best added just before serving.


Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use regular rice?

No. Glutinous (sticky) rice is essential for the authentic texture.

Is this dessert very sweet?

It's lightly sweet, allowing the natural flavor of the mango to shine.

Can I make it ahead?

Yes. Prepare the rice ahead of time and slice the mango just before serving.

Is it gluten-free?

Yes, all the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.


Nutrition (Approximate Per Serving)

  • Calories: 380
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Carbohydrates: 62 g
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Fiber: 3 g

Serving Suggestions

Serve with:

  • Thai iced tea
  • Jasmine tea
  • Fresh coconut water
  • Tropical fruit platter
  • Mango smoothie

Final Thoughts

Thai Mango Sticky Rice is proof that the simplest desserts are often the most memorable. Creamy coconut-infused sticky rice and naturally sweet mangoes come together in a dish that's elegant, refreshing, and bursting with tropical flavor. Whether you're introducing someone to Thai cuisine or treating yourself to a homemade favorite, this timeless dessert is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection.

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