Refreshing Thai Mango Sticky Rice Dessert

Thai Mango Sticky Rice (Khao Niew Mamuang) is one of Thailand’s most beloved desserts. It combines sweet, fragrant coconut sticky rice with the refreshing flavor of ripe mango, making it the perfect treat to enjoy during the warmer months. Whether you’re craving something sweet after a meal or looking for a unique dessert to impress guests, Mango Sticky Rice delivers both flavor and texture in every bite.

In this post, we’ll guide you through how to make this refreshing Thai Mango Sticky Rice Dessert at home. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create this iconic dish and enjoy the tropical flavors of Thailand without leaving your kitchen.

What is Thai Mango Sticky Rice?

Thai Mango Sticky Rice is a simple yet decadent dessert made from sticky rice, coconut milk, sugar, and fresh mango. The sticky rice is cooked with coconut milk, giving it a creamy, slightly sweet flavor. It is then paired with ripe, sweet mango slices and often topped with toasted sesame seeds or mung beans for texture. This dessert is typically served chilled, making it a refreshing treat that perfectly balances sweetness and creaminess.

Ingredients for Thai Mango Sticky Rice Dessert

To prepare this delicious and refreshing dessert, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Sticky Rice:

• 1 cup sticky rice (glutinous rice or Thai sweet rice)

• 1 1/2 cups coconut milk

• 1/4 cup sugar

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Mango:

• 2 ripe mangoes, peeled and sliced

Optional Toppings:

• Toasted sesame seeds or mung beans (for garnish)

• Coconut flakes (optional, for added texture)

How to Make Refreshing Thai Mango Sticky Rice Dessert

Step 1: Rinse and Soak the Sticky Rice

1. Begin by rinsing the sticky rice under cold water to remove excess starch. Rinse until the water runs clear.
2. After rinsing, soak the rice in water for about 1-2 hours. If you’re short on time, you can soak it for just 30 minutes, but longer soaking gives the rice a better texture.

Step 2: Steam the Sticky Rice

1. After soaking, drain the rice and place it in a steamer basket lined with cheesecloth or a clean kitchen towel.
2. Steam the rice for about 20-30 minutes. The rice should be fully cooked and tender but still slightly firm to the bite. If you don’t have a steamer, you can use a metal colander over a pot of boiling water to steam the rice.

Step 3: Prepare the Coconut Milk Mixture

While the rice is steaming, prepare the coconut milk mixture:

1. In a saucepan, combine the coconut milk, sugar, and salt. Stir over low heat until the sugar dissolves. Do not let it boil—just warm it up until it becomes a smooth, sweet coconut mixture.
2. Once the rice is done steaming, transfer it to a large bowl and pour the warm coconut milk mixture over the rice. Stir gently to combine, making sure the coconut milk is evenly absorbed by the rice. Allow the rice to sit for 10-15 minutes to soak in the coconut flavor and cool slightly.

Step 4: Prepare the Mango

While the rice is soaking in the coconut milk mixture, peel and slice the mangoes. You want to cut them into thin, long slices or bite-sized chunks, depending on your preference.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

To serve, spoon the sticky rice onto a plate and arrange the mango slices on the side or on top of the rice. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds, mung beans, or coconut flakes for added texture and visual appeal.

For an extra touch, drizzle a bit more coconut milk over the rice before serving.

Step 6: Enjoy!

This Thai Mango Sticky Rice Dessert is best served chilled, but you can enjoy it at room temperature as well. The combination of the sweet, creamy coconut rice and the fresh, juicy mango is nothing short of heavenly.

Tips for Perfecting Your Thai Mango Sticky Rice

• Use ripe mangoes: The sweetness of the mangoes is key to the success of this dessert. Choose mangoes that are ripe and fragrant for the best flavor.

• Don’t skip soaking the rice: Soaking the sticky rice helps it absorb the coconut milk and results in the perfect texture. Be sure to soak it for at least 30 minutes.

• Adjust the sweetness: You can adjust the sugar and coconut milk to your taste. If you prefer a richer, sweeter dessert, you can add a bit more sugar to the coconut milk.

• Texture matters: Ensure that the sticky rice is properly steamed to get the chewy, satisfying texture that’s essential for this dish.

• Make it ahead of time: Thai Mango Sticky Rice can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for a few hours, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Why You’ll Love Thai Mango Sticky Rice

Mango Sticky Rice is the perfect dessert for anyone who loves tropical flavors and creamy textures. It’s light yet indulgent, refreshing yet satisfying, and incredibly simple to make. The balance between the creamy coconut sticky rice and the sweetness of ripe mangoes makes it an unforgettable dessert.

Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free and dairy-free, making it an excellent choice for those with dietary restrictions. Whether you’re serving it as a special treat or simply satisfying your sweet tooth, this refreshing Thai Mango Sticky Rice is sure to impress.