I first encountered the magic of Mango Sticky Rice on a sun-warmed afternoon in Bangkok, where the sweet scent of ripe mangoes mingled with rich coconut filling the bustling street markets. Watching a vendor skillfully prepare this Thai dessert was my first introduction to how simple ingredients create an extraordinary family favorite. The perfect balance of sweet glutinous rice soaked in coconut milk mango and fresh, juicy tropical fruit made such an impression, it quickly became a staple in my home kitchen.
This Mango Sticky Rice taught me how authentic flavors truly connect people around the table. I remember my family’s surprised delight the first time I brought this creamy, fragrant dish to our dinner. That moment revealed how a humble sticky rice recipe could transform any day into a special gathering filled with warmth and shared smiles.
My journey to perfect Mango Sticky Rice was not without kitchen adventures. Balancing the sticky rice’s sweetness with the mellow tartness of mango required learning the right coconut milk measures, timing, and rice texture. But those trial and error moments introduced me to crucial flavor-building wisdom that every fellow flavor seeker will appreciate.
If you’re looking to weave a tropical fruit dessert into your family’s collection of authentic, simple meals, this Mango Sticky Rice is for you. It’s a promise of genuine flavor, attainable in your own kitchen, and a joy to see your loved ones savor every bite. So, let’s embrace this together and bring some coconut mango comfort to your table today.
Ingredients You’ll Need:

To make this Mango Sticky Rice burst with authentic flavor, trust the quality of each ingredient. Here’s the essential lineup:
- 1 cup sweet glutinous rice (also called sticky rice or Thai sticky rice, soaked overnight)
- 1 1/2 cups coconut milk (choose full-fat for creaminess)
- 1 cup granulated sugar (or palm sugar for traditional notes)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (balances sweetness for perfect harmony)
- 2 ripe mangoes (firm yet juicy; Ataulfo or Nam Dok Mai varieties shine here)
- Optional: 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds or mung beans for texture
For the best flavor in your Mango Sticky Rice, I recommend sourcing the coconut milk from local Asian markets or high-quality natural brands. Fresh mangoes make all the difference—you’ll find the freshest ingredients for this dessert at farmer’s markets when they’re in season, or in trusted grocers year-round.
This Mango Sticky Rice proves that authentic flavor comes from thoughtful ingredient choices, not complicated steps. Soaking your sweet glutinous rice overnight softens it beautifully, allowing the grains to soak up coconut magic. My family loves when I add a pinch of fragrant pandan leaves while cooking the rice—an optional touch that lifts the flavor to a new level.
For those curious about spice secrets, the subtle salt in this recipe amplifies sweetness naturally. These little details show how a simple Thai dessert gains complexity without fuss, guided by ingredient respect and balance.
If you want to explore related flavor ideas, check out these lovely tropical rice bowls with a savory twist: honey sriracha chicken rice bowls or teriyaki salmon avocado rice for your main meals. Both share a love for authentic, approachable family flavors.
Let’s Create This Together!
1. Soak your sweet glutinous rice overnight in cold water for at least 6 hours. This step is a game-changer for the perfect Mango Sticky Rice texture.
2. Steam the soaked rice in a bamboo steamer or regular steamer lined with cheesecloth for about 20–25 minutes. The rice should be glossy and tender but still hold its shape. Don’t rush this step—perfect Mango Sticky Rice needs patience.
3. While the rice cooks, prepare your coconut sauce. In a saucepan, combine coconut milk, sugar, and salt. Warm gently over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves. You want a silky, sweet coconut milk that infuses the sticky rice with flavor.
4. Once your sticky rice is steamed, transfer it to a bowl and pour about 2/3 of your coconut sauce over it. Stir gently to coat every grain. Cover and let it absorb the sauce for about 20 minutes. Your Mango Sticky Rice should fill your kitchen with amazing aromas by now!
5. Slice your ripe mangoes just before serving, ensuring they’re fresh and bright for the best tropical fruit dessert impact.
6. Serve the sticky rice topped with mango slices and drizzle the reserved coconut sauce over the dish. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds or mung beans if you like added crunch—an unexpected delight for your family.
In my kitchen, this flavorful Mango Sticky Rice typically takes about 1.5 to 2 hours from start to finish, mostly hands-off soaking and steaming. Here’s where I used to miss a key step—letting the coconut sauce soak into the rice. It makes all the difference to the final flavor!
Don’t be surprised if your Mango Sticky Rice develops a subtle layer of creaminess on top as it cools; that’s the sign you’re on track for a family flavor victory.
For further inspiration and Thai dessert authenticity, check out these fine Mango Sticky Rice recipes from Serious Eats and Kitchen Confidante. They offer wonderful variations that helped guide my technique.
How We Love to Enjoy This!

The family gathers quickly when this aromatic Mango Sticky Rice appears alongside our favorite light meals. It pairs wonderfully with fresh, crisp salads or grilled chicken for a balanced dinner finale.
This Mango Sticky Rice is perfect for those evenings when we want something truly satisfying but not heavy. It feels like a celebration of tropical fruit dessert freshness and rich coconut indulgence in every bite.
Presentation also makes a difference for me. I often serve the sticky rice molded into neat rounds on banana leaves, topped with mango and a drizzle of coconut milk mango sauce. It looks as inviting as it tastes!
Leftovers? No waste here! I gently pan-fry leftover Mango Sticky Rice in coconut oil for crispy bites or blend it into tropical smoothies with extra mango chunks for a refreshing twist.
For special occasions or summer gatherings, I sometimes substitute mango with other fruits like jackfruit or lychee, inspired by discussions in vibrant food communities like Fruits other than mango for Thai desserts on Facebook. These seasonal swaps keep our family meals exciting.
If your family loves the vibrant flavors of this Mango Sticky Rice, they’ll appreciate pairing it with savory dishes like ground turkey teriyaki rice bowls. That mix of sweet and savory flavors always wins big!
FAQs: Your Questions Answered
Does this Mango Sticky Rice satisfy hearty appetites?
Absolutely! The sticky rice combined with rich coconut milk mango creates a filling Thai dessert that often doubles as a sweet snack for my bigger eaters.
What if someone in my family prefers milder flavors in their Mango Sticky Rice?
You can always reduce the sugar slightly in the coconut sauce or serve the mango separately so they can adjust sweetness by dipping. Flexibility wins kitchens!
Can I prepare this Mango Sticky Rice ahead for busy weeks?
Yes! I prepare the sticky rice and coconut sauce in advance, then just slice fresh mango when ready to serve. Store rice and sauce separately in the fridge for up to 2 days to keep flavors fresh.
Is soaking the rice overnight really necessary?
Soaking is key. It softens the sticky rice, allowing it to absorb the coconut milk mango flavors deeply. I’ve seen many fellow flavor seekers skip this and miss the true authentic texture.
Can I use regular rice instead of sweet glutinous rice?
Sweet glutinous rice is what gives Mango Sticky Rice its signature chewy texture. Regular rice won’t provide the same sticky, sweet mouthfeel, so I don’t recommend substitutions here.
Are there regional Mango Sticky Rice variations?
Definitely! For a delightful change, some versions top with salted coconut cream or roasted mung beans. I’ve adapted one of those family-tested variations from Serious Eats’ Khao Niao Mamuang recipe during our kitchen adventures.
How do you pick the best mango for Mango Sticky Rice?
Look for mangoes that are ripe but still firm to the touch, with a sweet aroma. Ataulfo or Nam Dok Mai mangoes are my family’s favorites—they bring vibrant flavor without messiness.
If you want authentic flavor inspirations, I recommend also checking out Sweet Coconut Sticky Rice with Mango – Kitchen Confidante® for some lovely twists and technique reminders.
Final Kitchen Wisdom:
This Mango Sticky Rice has become a cornerstone of authentic family meals in our home. Its simplicity paired with genuine flavor proves you don’t need complexity to bring people together through food.
My Mango Sticky Rice Flavor Secrets:
- Soak your sweet glutinous rice overnight for ideal texture.
- Warm your coconut milk sauce gently to dissolve sugar perfectly without curdling.
- Let the coconut milk mango mixture absorb into the rice fully before serving.
Over the years, we’ve enjoyed several family-tested Mango Sticky Rice variations. My little ones adore when I add toasted coconut flakes on top, while my partner prefers a pinch of flaky sea salt for contrast. For gatherings, I switch up mango with ripe jackfruit for a tropical twist everyone loves.
Turn this Mango Sticky Rice into your signature dessert. It’s a surefire way to invite smiles, stories, and those comforting moments only real, authentic flavor can provide.
For fellow flavor seekers hungry to dive into delicious family meals, keep these ideas close. Pair your Mango Sticky Rice with other beloved dishes like these ground turkey teriyaki rice bowls or honey sriracha chicken rice bowls for a full dinner experience. And don’t forget the punch of teriyaki salmon avocado rice to add variety.
May your kitchen adventures with Mango Sticky Rice fill your home with the simple joy of shared meals and genuine flavor memories. Happy cooking, friends!
Mango Sticky Rice
Mango Sticky Rice is a classic Thai dessert featuring sweet coconut-infused sticky rice paired with ripe, juicy mango slices for a perfect balance of creamy and fruity flavors.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Steamed
- Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients
- 1 cup glutinous (sticky) rice
- 1 1/2 cups coconut milk
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 ripe mangoes, peeled and sliced
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds (optional)
- 1 tablespoon toasted mung beans (optional)
Instructions
- Rinse the sticky rice several times until the water runs clear, then soak it in water for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Drain the soaked rice and steam it in a bamboo steamer or a steamer basket lined with cheesecloth for about 20-25 minutes until tender.
- While the rice steams, heat the coconut milk, sugar, and salt in a saucepan over medium heat until the sugar dissolves, but do not boil.
- Once the rice is cooked, transfer it to a mixing bowl and gradually pour about three-quarters of the sweetened coconut milk over it. Stir gently and let it absorb for 20-30 minutes.
- Serve the sticky rice topped with sliced mangoes and drizzle with the remaining coconut milk.
- Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds or mung beans on top for added texture, if desired.
Notes
For an extra creamy texture, use full-fat coconut milk and serve the dish slightly warm or at room temperature for the best flavor combination.