Mango sticky rice is one of those Thai desserts you HAVE to try. You will be amazed at how such an unlikely duo like mango and rice can make such a decadent dessert. Lately I've been on a Thai food kick.
It all started when my daughter sent us two books on Thai cooking from her ongoing adventures in Thailand. I can honestly say that my love for Thai food has intensified. So many Thai dishes to try, so little time!
Easier Mango Sticky Rice
Mango sticky rice is fairly simple to make and you don't have to use actual glutinous rice to make this amazing dessert. Thai glutinous rice is known for being stickier, chewy, and also needs to be soaked overnight before going in a special bamboo steamer. It's not a rice that you can simply boil on the stove or throw in the rice cooker.
A couple of hints here: use a good quality coconut milk and palm sugar if you can find it. Check the organic section of the grocery store. Palm sugar
is a standard ingredient in Thai and many other Asian cuisines. It has a taste similar to butterscotch or caramel. I think palm sugar in many ways has a richer taste than regular sugar. If you can't find palm sugar, never fear, white sugar can substitute. (Brown sugar can be used, but remember that the sweetness is closer to molasses or toffee than white sugar).
When you order mango sticky rice on the street in Thailand, likely you'll get a styrofoam plate, plastic soup spoon, and a wooden skewer. Not the most stunning presentation, but the taste makes up for it. All you need, right? My Mango Sticky Rice presentation is more restaurant-style. If you order this dish at a restaurant, it will come out with beautifully-formed rice, artfully arranged mango, and no wooden skewer!
Want to start with something savory before desserts? Try my Thai Coconut Chicken Soup as your main!
Plating tips
If you're going for a visual wow with appearances, press your rice into a ceramic bowl before inverting it onto a plate to make your sticky rice uniform.
For a nice color contrast, sprinkle the sticky rice with a few nigella seeds. The peppery taste balances all the sweet. (In Thailand they use something similar to rice crispy cereal sprinkled on top. You can do this if you're going for super authentic.)
Recently, while on vacation my family and I went to a Thai restaurant. For dessert we had mango sticky rice. The waiter automatically brought 4 spoons! We didn't lick the plate at the risk of strange looks from other patrons.
Frequently asked questions and tips
- Can I use regular rice? Of course. Traditionally, Thai food uses jasmine rice which is indigenous to Thailand. Its fragrant taste makes it ideal.
- How ripe does the mango need to be for mango sticky rice? For the mangoes, make sure they are ripe, but not overly ripe. You can cut your own, or buy them sliced/cubed. I've always been challenged when cutting mangoes, and I grew up in the tropics. Go figure! So who cuts my mangoes? My husband of course!
- How long can you keep mango sticky rice in the fridge? It is best to eat it right away. You can store it sealed in the refrigerator for about 2 days.
- Can you microwave mango sticky rice? You can microwave it to reheat it, but not the mangoes. In Thailand, this dish is not always served hot. It really depends on the cook. Try it both hot and cool and see what you like best.
- Is mango sticky rice difficult to make? The process to make the dish is pretty simple. While the rice is cooking, make the sweet coconut syrup in a sauce pan. Combine the two with cool slices of mango on the side when it's all done.
If you are interested in more traditional ethnic type desserts here are a couple more to check out below. You can bookmark them and try them later or pin them on Pinterest. Enjoy!
Try this classic Spanish style custard: coconut flan has a lovely flavor of coconut and cinnamon.
Pistachio rosewater cookies are a Middle Eastern style shortbread cookie with just a hint of rosewater.
Authentic Lithuanian tinginys are a no-bake sliced cookie with a nice chocolate flavor and dried cherries.
Tarte Normande is a rustic apple tart with custard from the Normandy region of France.
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Thai Mango Sticky Rice Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup jasmine rice
- 1 ½ c water
- 1 c unsweetened coconut milk
- ½ c palm sugar (cane sugar will also work)
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 mangoes peeled and thinly sliced
- nigella seeds for sprinkling
Instructions
- Slice mangoes and place in the refrigerator until you are ready to use them.
- Place rice in a pan with water and salt. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and cook covered for about 20 minutes, or until all the water has evaporated and the rice is soft. Remove from heat. Stir and keep covered.
- While the rice is cooking place the coconut milk and sugar in a saucepan on medium, and heat for about 15 minutes. Do not let it boil!
- Slowly add the coconut milk mixture to the warm rice; mix thoroughly and let it cool.
- Make small mounds using a mold.
- Place sliced mangoes around the mound Sprinkle with nigella seeds.
Notes
- Can I use regular rice? Of course. Traditionally, Thai food uses jasmine rice which is indigenous to Thailand. Its fragrant taste makes it ideal.
- How ripe does the mango need to be for mango sticky rice? For the mangoes, make sure they are ripe, but not overly ripe. You can cut your own, or buy them sliced/cubed. I've always been challenged when cutting mangoes, and I grew up in the tropics. Go figure! So who cuts my mangoes? My husband of course!
- How long can you keep mango sticky rice in the fridge? It is best to eat it right away. You can store it sealed in the refrigerator for about 2 days.
- Can you microwave mango sticky rice? You can microwave it to reheat it, but not the mangoes. In Thailand, this dish is not always served hot. It really depends on the cook. Try it both hot and cool and see what you like best.
- Is mango sticky rice difficult to make? The process to make the dish is pretty simple. While the rice is cooking, make the sweet coconut syrup in a sauce pan. Combine the two with cool slices of mango on the side when it's all done.
Nutrition
Carlee
That looks delicious and so pretty too! I've never had mango sticky rice but now I really want some!
Analida
Carlee, it's really good! I love coconut anything, so the rice with coconut milk is yummylicious, and I adore mangoes.
Dulcie
Beautiful! I love mango sticky rice.
Analida
so glad you do!!! 🙂
Lou Lou Girls
Hello beautiful! I'm stopping by to let you know that your mango stick rice will be featured at our party that starts tonight @ 7. Happy dance time! Pinned and tweeted. Thanks for bringing to our party! Happy Holidays! Lou Lou Girls
Analida
THANKS!!!! 🙂 I am so excited. You guys rock!
Kristen
Analida, I had this on vacation and you are right such simple ingredients but incredible flavor. Thanks for sharing.
Analida
You are welcome Kristen!
Caroline | carolinescooking
I've had Thai sticky rice on my list of things to do for a while - I will need to give your recipe a try. Love the presentation.
Analida
thanks Caroline. The presentation was my husband's idea!! 🙂
Faye Wilkerson
What are nigella seeds?
Analida
Faye, nigella seeds are a small black seed that is used predominantly in Indian cuisine. They have a slight peppery/oniony taste. They are also used in Turkish cuisine. They are also used to flavor breads in some Middle Eastern countries.
Analida
Thanks KC, yes it is delish!!! 🙂
Annalise
Do you use unsweetened coconut milk?
Analida
Hi Annalise! I did use unsweetened coconut milk.
Annalise
Wonderful! Thank you so much. I am excited to try this out tonight!
Analida
cool, let me know how it turns out.
laura@motherwouldknow
I absolutely adore how you used a mango to present the sticky rice. When I see it on the menu in Thai restaurants I'll admit that I don't order it, but after reading this post - and especially looking at your photos, I must try to make it myself.
Analida
Thanks Laura! That was actually my husband's idea. He is the photographer in house. Give it a shot! 🙂
Renee
I love Mango sticky rice and look forward to trying your recipe!
Analida
Thanks Renee! I hope you like it.
Shayna
Making this for my work potluck tomorrow. I hope it goes well!
Analida
Let me know how it turns out.
Jill Silverman Hough
This looks and sounds delicious, Analida! I've never heard of nigella--any tips on where to find it?
Analida
Hi Jill! Thanks.
I found nigella seeds in the ethnic food section of my grocery store. They are a black seed with a bit of a peppery taste.
If you don't find them locally, I know Amazon carries them, or perhaps a Middle Eastern store if you have one nearby.
Ely
Hi maybi ask any seeds to replace nigella seeds.seems that i cant find one....tanx.
Analida
Hi, you could try some toasted sesame seeds. Those have a nice nutty flavor. Put them in a pan on low heat and stir carefully until they are just brown and remove quickly from the heat to a plate. Enjoy!
Denise
I have never tried Mango sticky rice, but your presentation looks lovely and now I want to try it! I like That it is fairly simple to make as well.
Michelle
I love Thai mango sticky rice! But I have no idea how to make it. You make it sound so easy. I'm ready to try it now. Thank you!
Candice
This recipe is just perfect! I just bought some palm sugar, and can't wait to give this beauty a try. Thank you for sharing such an authentic recipe!
Jacqui Debono
I am going to put this on my Thai recipe list, we have someone living with us from Thailand, so eat lots of Thai food! And I now know what to order for dessert at Thai restaurants!
Heather
Ooh I love how this dessert is presented! This would make a great end to a dinner party. I love serving unique individual desserts where everyone can have their own. Can't wait to try!
lauren
Yum! Your plating on this dish is beautiful! I don't know if I can make it look as nice, but hopefully it will taste just as good! We will definitely be giving this a go next thai food night.
Jenni LeBaron
I've never tried mango sticky rice before, but it certainly looks and sounds like a great dish. I love that this one has so many layers of texture!
Debbie
Your Mango Sticky rice is beautiful ! You make this sound so easy I want to make this . I'll be honest I have never had anything like this but I love mango and rice, what's not to love? Great recipe.
SHANIKA
I've never tried Mango Sticky Rice, but this looks so good! I could imagine how great it would be as a side in many dishes!
Linda
I love mango sticky rice. It's like comfort food after a long day at work and this one brought back memories of Thailand and definitely a must-try recipe!