Easy Thai Mango Sticky Rice Recipe

Thai Mango Sticky Rice, also known as “Khao Niew Mamuang,” is a popular and delicious Thai dessert that combines sticky rice with coconut milk and the sweet, vibrant flavor of ripe mangoes. It’s a dish that is beloved for its delicate balance of flavors and textures: the creamy sweetness of coconut milk, the tender chewiness of the sticky rice, and the juicy, refreshing mango slices. Thai Mango Sticky Rice is often served during the mango season and is an iconic dessert that you can find in street markets all across Thailand.

In this article, we will take you step-by-step through an easy and authentic recipe for Thai Mango Sticky Rice. With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, this recipe will allow you to recreate this classic dessert at home, bringing the flavors of Thailand right to your kitchen. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned cook, this is one of the Easy Asian Cuisine Recipes that you won’t want to miss!

What is Thai Mango Sticky Rice?

Thai Mango Sticky Rice is a simple yet decadent dessert that consists of three main components:

Sticky Rice (Glutinous Rice): The rice used for this dessert is glutinous or sticky rice, which is different from regular rice due to its high starch content, making it soft, sticky, and perfect for soaking up the coconut milk.
Coconut Milk: The sticky rice is flavored with sweet coconut milk, which infuses the rice with a rich, creamy texture. This coconut sauce gives the dish its signature flavor, combining sweetness and a subtle savory note.
Mango: The sweet, juicy mangoes are sliced into perfect, delicate pieces and served alongside the sticky rice. They add a refreshing contrast to the rich coconut sticky rice, balancing the sweetness.

The combination of these three ingredients makes for a flavorful dessert that is both indulgent and refreshing. While the dish is typically enjoyed in Thailand, it has gained international popularity due to its unique combination of textures and flavors.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

Sweet and Savory: The sweet mangoes pair perfectly with the slightly salty sticky rice, creating a beautiful harmony of flavors that will leave you craving more.
Quick and Easy: This recipe can be made in under 30 minutes, making it a quick and delicious treat that’s perfect for any occasion.
Healthy and Nutritious: The ingredients in this dish are both simple and healthy. The sticky rice offers complex carbohydrates, while the mangoes provide a rich source of vitamins, and coconut milk adds healthy fats. It’s a great choice for anyone looking for Fruits Recipes Healthy.
Customizable: This recipe is highly adaptable! You can adjust the sweetness to your liking and even experiment with different fruits to create your own version of this dessert.

Now, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of making this simple yet delicious dessert.

Ingredients You Need

For the Sticky Rice:

1 cup glutinous rice (also known as sticky rice or sweet rice)
1 ½ cups coconut milk
¼ cup sugar (you can adjust the sweetness to your taste)
1 pinch of salt

For the Sweet Coconut Sauce:

½ cup coconut milk
2 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)

For the Mango:

2 ripe mangoes (peeled and sliced)

Optional Garnishes:

Toasted sesame seeds or mung beans for garnish (adds texture and flavor)

This recipe serves about 4 people and is easy to double if you’re serving a larger crowd. Feel free to adjust the amount of sugar and coconut milk to suit your preferences!

Instructions: Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Preparing the Sticky Rice

Soak the Rice: Begin by rinsing the sticky rice in cold water. Rinse it a few times until the water runs clear. Once rinsed, soak the rice in a bowl of water for at least 2 hours. If you have time, you can soak it overnight for the best results. The soaking process helps the rice soften, making it perfect for absorbing the coconut milk and achieving that signature sticky texture.
Steam the Rice: After soaking, drain the rice thoroughly. Then, place the rice in a steamer. If you don’t have a traditional steamer, you can use a metal colander or fine mesh strainer placed over a pot of simmering water. Cover the rice with a clean cloth or towel to trap the steam. Steam the rice for 20-30 minutes, stirring halfway through. Once it’s done, the rice should be tender and sticky.
Prepare the Coconut Milk Mixture: While the rice is steaming, combine the coconut milk, sugar, and salt in a saucepan. Heat it over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is warm. Be careful not to bring it to a boil, as you don’t want the coconut milk to separate.
Mix the Rice with Coconut Milk: Once the rice is cooked and sticky, transfer it to a large bowl. Pour the warm coconut milk mixture over the rice and gently stir to coat the rice evenly. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes to allow the rice to absorb the coconut milk fully. This is the key step for ensuring your rice has that creamy, sweet flavor that pairs so well with the mango.

Step 2: Making the Sweet Coconut Sauce

Prepare the Coconut Sauce: While the sticky rice is absorbing the coconut milk, prepare the sweet coconut sauce. In a separate saucepan, combine the remaining coconut milk with the sugar. Heat it over medium-low heat, stirring until the sugar has dissolved.
Optional Thickening: If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water to create a slurry. Stir this into the coconut milk mixture, and let it cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly. This step is optional, but it will give your sauce a richer consistency.
Remove from Heat: Once the sauce has reached your desired thickness, remove it from the heat and set it aside to cool.

Step 3: Preparing the Mangoes

Peel and Slice the Mangoes: The mangoes are the star of the dish, so it’s important to choose ripe mangoes that are soft and sweet. Start by cutting off both ends of the mango to expose the pit. Then, make long vertical cuts along the sides of the pit to remove the mango flesh. Once the mango is cut, slice the flesh into thin strips or small chunks, depending on your preference.
Arrange the Mangoes: After slicing the mango, arrange the pieces on a serving plate alongside the sticky rice. You can either place the mango slices on top of the rice or serve them separately, depending on your presentation style.

Step 4: Assembling the Dish

Now that the rice, coconut sauce, and mangoes are ready, it’s time to assemble the dessert.

Serve the Sticky Rice: Spoon a generous amount of sticky rice onto individual serving plates or bowls. Ensure that the rice is evenly spread out to allow room for the mango slices.
Add Mango Slices: Arrange the mango slices on top of the sticky rice or serve them alongside. The colorful yellow mangoes contrast beautifully with the white sticky rice.
Drizzle with Coconut Sauce: Pour the sweet coconut sauce generously over the sticky rice. The creamy sauce enhances the flavor of the rice and adds an indulgent richness to the dish.
Garnish (Optional): For extra texture and flavor, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds or mung beans on top of the dish. These garnishes add a delightful crunch that complements the smooth texture of the rice and mango.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Your Easy Thai Mango Sticky Rice is now ready to be enjoyed! Serve it immediately while the sticky rice is still warm, or allow it to chill in the refrigerator for a cooler treat. This dish is best when served at room temperature or slightly chilled, as the flavors of the coconut and mango become even more vibrant as they sit together.

Tips for Perfect Thai Mango Sticky Rice

Choose the Right Mangoes: Mangoes are the key to making this dessert special. Look for mangoes that are ripe but firm, as they should have a slight sweetness and be easy to slice. The best variety for this dish is the Ataulfo mango, known for its smooth texture and sweetness, but other types will work as well.
Soak the Rice Properly: Properly soaking the sticky rice ensures that it becomes tender and absorbs the coconut milk effectively. Be sure to soak the rice for at least 2 hours or overnight if possible.
Adjust the Sweetness: You can adjust the level of sweetness in the coconut milk mixture and the sauce. If you prefer a sweeter dessert, feel free to increase the sugar, or reduce it for a less sugary version.
Make It Your Own: Don’t be afraid to experiment with this recipe! You can try adding other fruits such as strawberries, lychees, or pineapple for a twist on the classic.

Why This Recipe is a Great Choice

This Thai Mango Sticky Rice is not just a delicious dessert but also a healthy and indulgent treat. Mangoes are packed with essential vitamins like Vitamin C and A, while the coconut milk provides healthy fats. The sticky rice is a great source of energy, and when served in moderation, this dessert can be a nutritious option.

The combination of Mango Coconut Milk and Sticky Rice Sauce Recipe makes this dish a fantastic treat for anyone seeking a balance between sweetness and richness. It’s also great for those who are looking for Easy And Healthy Meal Ideas for dessert.

Conclusion

Thai Mango Sticky Rice is a true indulgence, and making it at home is simpler than you might think. With just a few basic ingredients, you can create a dessert that’s bursting with flavors and textures. Whether you’re new to Thai cuisine or an experienced cook, this dessert will add an exotic touch to any meal. So, gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy this delicious, Easy Thai Mango Sticky Rice that’s sure to impress your friends and family!