Mango Coconut Sticky Rice

Golden ripe mango, creamy coconut-infused sticky rice, and a rich coconut drizzle come together in this simple yet unforgettable Thai-inspired dessert.

This classic combination balances sweet, creamy coconut rice with juicy fresh mango. The sticky rice absorbs the warm coconut mixture, becoming tender, glossy, and wonderfully fragrant. Finished with extra coconut sauce and a little sesame or toasted mung bean topping, it’s an elegant dessert that’s surprisingly easy to make at home.

⏱ Recipe Information

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Soaking Time: 4–6 hours
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: About 5 hours
Servings: 4
Difficulty: Easy
Method: Steamed

Ingredients

For the Sticky Rice

• 1 cup glutinous (sweet) rice
• 1¼ cups coconut milk
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ teaspoon salt

For the Coconut Drizzle

• ½ cup coconut milk
• 1–2 tablespoons sugar
• Pinch of salt
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon cold water

For Serving

• 2 ripe mangoes, peeled and sliced
• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds, optional
• 1 tablespoon toasted mung beans, optional
• Fresh mint leaves, optional

Instructions

1. Soak the Sticky Rice

Place the glutinous rice in a large bowl.

Cover completely with water and allow it to soak for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.

Proper soaking allows the grains to steam evenly and become soft and sticky without turning mushy.

After soaking, drain the rice thoroughly.

2. Steam the Rice

Transfer the drained rice to a steamer lined with cheesecloth or a clean, thin kitchen towel.

Spread the rice into an even layer.

Steam over simmering water for approximately 20–25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and translucent.

Turn the rice once or twice during steaming if needed to ensure even cooking.

3. Prepare the Coconut Mixture

While the rice is steaming, pour the coconut milk into a small saucepan.

Add the sugar and salt.

Heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has completely dissolved and the mixture is hot.

Do not bring the coconut milk to a vigorous boil.

Remove from the heat.

4. Combine the Rice and Coconut Milk

Transfer the freshly steamed sticky rice to a large bowl.

Pour approximately ¾ of the warm coconut mixture over the rice.

Gently fold everything together.

Cover the bowl and allow the rice to sit for approximately 15–20 minutes.

During this time, the sticky rice will absorb the sweet coconut milk and become creamy, glossy, and flavorful.

5. Make the Coconut Drizzle

Pour the remaining coconut milk into a small saucepan.

Add the sugar and salt.

In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with cold water until completely smooth.

Bring the coconut milk mixture to a gentle simmer.

Slowly whisk in the cornstarch slurry.

Cook for approximately 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens slightly.

Remove from the heat.

The sauce should be creamy and pourable, not overly thick.

6. Prepare the Mango

Peel the mangoes and remove the pits.

Slice the flesh into thin slices or bite-sized pieces.

For the best flavor, use mangoes that are fully ripe, fragrant, and naturally sweet.

7. Assemble the Dessert

Spoon a generous portion of coconut sticky rice onto each serving plate.

Arrange fresh mango slices alongside the rice.

Drizzle the warm or room-temperature coconut sauce over the sticky rice.

8. Garnish and Serve

Finish with toasted sesame seeds or toasted mung beans if desired.

Add a small mint leaf for color.

Serve immediately or slightly chilled.

Chef’s Tips

Use Glutinous Rice

Regular white rice will not produce the characteristic sticky texture. Look specifically for glutinous, sweet, or sticky rice.

Don’t Skip the Soaking

Soaking is essential for even steaming and tender grains.

Choose Ripe Mangoes

The mango should yield slightly when gently pressed and have a sweet, fragrant aroma.

Don’t Boil the Coconut Milk

A vigorous boil can cause coconut milk to separate. Gentle heating is enough to dissolve the sugar and warm the mixture.

Give the Rice Time to Absorb the Coconut Milk

Allowing the steamed rice to rest with the warm coconut mixture is what gives it its signature creamy, rich texture.

How to Choose the Best Mango

Look for mangoes that:

• Have a sweet, fruity aroma near the stem
• Give slightly when gently pressed
• Feel heavy for their size
• Have smooth, juicy flesh

The exact color isn’t always a reliable indicator of ripeness because different mango varieties naturally have different skin colors.

Flavor Variations

Coconut Pandan Sticky Rice

Add a small piece of pandan leaf while heating the coconut milk for a fragrant Southeast Asian flavor.

Black Sticky Rice

Use black glutinous rice for a nuttier, more dramatic version.

Toasted Coconut

Sprinkle toasted shredded coconut over the finished dessert.

Passion Fruit Mango Sticky Rice

Add fresh passion fruit pulp over the mango for a bright, tangy contrast.

Sesame Coconut Rice

Add toasted black and white sesame seeds for extra texture.

Make-Ahead Instructions

The sticky rice can be prepared several hours ahead of serving.

Keep it covered at room temperature for short-term serving, or refrigerate if preparing farther in advance.

Warm gently before serving and add a little extra coconut milk if the rice has become too firm.

Prepare the mango shortly before serving for the freshest flavor and appearance.

Storage

Store the sticky rice and mango separately in airtight containers.

Sticky rice: Refrigerate for up to 2 days.

Mango: Refrigerate for up to 2 days once cut.

The rice will firm up considerably when chilled, so gently warm it before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Mango Coconut Sticky Rice with:

• Extra coconut drizzle
• Toasted sesame seeds
• Toasted mung beans
• Toasted coconut flakes
• Fresh passion fruit
• A few mint leaves

For an elegant presentation, shape the sticky rice into a small mound using a measuring cup or ring mold and arrange thin mango slices beside it.

Recipe Summary

This Mango Coconut Sticky Rice combines tender, sweet coconut-infused glutinous rice with juicy ripe mango and a silky coconut drizzle.

It’s creamy without being heavy, naturally tropical, and incredibly satisfying—a beautiful dessert that requires just a handful of simple ingredients.

Sweet mango + creamy coconut + tender sticky rice = an unforgettable dessert.