Transform your kitchen into a Thai dessert paradise with this creamy, tropical coconut mango sticky rice. This beloved Southeast Asian dessert combines the perfect balance of sweet coconut cream, tender sticky rice, and fresh, juicy mangoes for an exotic treat that’s naturally gluten-free and dairy-free.
Ingredients
Serves 4-6
For the Sticky Rice
- 200g (1 cup) Thai sticky rice or jasmine rice
- 400ml (1 can) full-fat coconut milk
- 45g (3 tablespoons) coconut sugar
- 2g (¼ teaspoon) sea salt
- Optional: ¼ teaspoon turmeric powder for color
For Serving
- 2 large ripe mangoes (about 400g), peeled and sliced
- 15g (2 tablespoons) toasted sesame seeds
- Extra coconut milk for drizzling
Instructions
- Rice Preparation (30 minutes)
- Rinse rice until water runs clear
- Soak rice in cold water for 30 minutes
- Drain thoroughly
- Cook Rice (20-25 minutes)
- Cook rice according to package instructions
- If using a rice cooker, use coconut milk-water ratio of 1:1
- Prepare Coconut Sauce (10 minutes)
- In a saucepan, combine coconut milk and sugar
- Add salt and optional turmeric
- Simmer over low heat, stirring occasionally
- Cook until slightly thickened, about 5-7 minutes
- Combine (5 minutes)
- Transfer cooked rice to a large bowl
- Pour warm coconut sauce over rice
- Gently fold until well combined
- Let sit for 30 minutes to absorb flavors
- Serve
- Portion rice onto plates
- Arrange mango slices alongside
- Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds
- Drizzle with extra coconut milk if desired
Nutritional Information (per serving, based on 6 servings)
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Sugar: 24g
Total Time
- Prep Time: 40 minutes (including soaking)
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Rest Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
Pro Tips and Tricks
- Rice Selection
- Use Thai sticky rice for authentic texture
- Soak rice thoroughly for best results
- Don’t skip the resting time
- Mango Choice
- Choose ripe, fragrant mangoes
- Nam Dok Mai or Ataulfo varieties work best
- Look for slight give when pressed
- Coconut Milk Tips
- Use full-fat coconut milk
- Shake can well before opening
- Simmer sauce gently to prevent curdling
- Serving Suggestions
- Serve at room temperature
- Balance warm rice with cool mango
- Add extra coconut milk when serving
Variations and Substitutions
- Rice Options
- Jasmine rice for lighter texture
- Black rice for dramatic presentation
- Brown rice for added nutrition
- Sweetener Alternatives
- Palm sugar for traditional flavor
- Maple syrup for different sweetness
- Agave nectar for lower glycemic index
- Fruit Variations
- Ripe peaches in summer
- Caramelized pineapple
- Mixed tropical fruits
- Topping Ideas
- Crushed peanuts
- Toasted coconut flakes
- Candied ginger
Common FAQs
Q: Can I make this in advance?
A: Yes, prepare rice up to 24 hours ahead. Warm slightly and add fresh mango before serving.
Q: Why isn’t my rice sticky enough?
A: Proper soaking and using the right rice variety are crucial for achieving sticky texture.
Q: How do I know when mangoes are ripe?
A: Ripe mangoes will yield slightly to pressure and have a sweet aroma at the stem.
Q: Can I use light coconut milk?
A: Full-fat coconut milk is recommended for authentic creaminess and flavor.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Room Temperature
- Best served fresh at room temperature
- Can sit out for up to 2 hours
- Keep mangoes separate until serving
Refrigerator Storage
- Store rice in airtight container up to 3 days
- Keep mangoes separate
- Bring to room temperature before serving
Reheating Instructions
- Gently warm rice in microwave
- Add splash of coconut milk
- Stir well to restore creamy texture
Make-Ahead Preparation
- Cook rice and prepare sauce separately
- Store in refrigerator up to 24 hours
- Combine and warm before serving
- Slice mangoes just before serving
This vegan coconut mango sticky rice offers a delightful taste of Thai cuisine that’s naturally gluten-free and dairy-free. The combination of creamy coconut rice, sweet ripe mangoes, and nutty sesame seeds creates a dessert that’s both exotic and comforting. Perfect for summer entertaining or whenever you want to bring a touch of tropical sweetness to your table.