Deliciously Simple Mango Sticky Rice to Savor Today

I still remember the first time I made Mango Sticky Rice for my family. It was one of those chaotic weeknights when I knew I needed something simple but special to bring us all together. I’d stumbled upon a Mango Sticky Rice (a Thai dessert!) – Joyous Apron recipe and thought, why not? Sticky rice with coconut milk always sounded comforting, and the sweet ripe mango dessert idea felt like a little tropical escape amidst our busy routine. My kids were curious at first, and honestly, I wasn’t sure how it’d go over. But seeing their faces light up with every bite, calling it “so sweet and creamy,” made it an instant family favorite.

This Mango Sticky Rice was a win because it combined comfort with something fresh and unexpected. It fit perfectly into my cooking goals—feeding my family something satisfying without complicated steps or long prep time. It gave me a boost of confidence in the kitchen, reminding me that simple ingredients can yield huge smiles. Since then, this sticky rice with coconut milk became our go-to sweet treat for whenever I needed a quick, cozy dessert.

If you’re a fellow busy mom craving a sweet coconut sticky rice moment that’s more about connection than perfection, you’re going to love making this recipe your own. No judgment here, just some heartfelt comfort food wisdom as we navigate family meals together! For more cozy ideas, check out how I pair it alongside everyday favorites like my Broccoli Cheese Rice Casserole—it’s all about simple joys.


INGREDIENTS You’ll Need:

To whip up your own Mango Sticky Rice that feels like a warm hug, here’s what you need:

  • 1 cup glutinous (sticky) rice – the star that gives this Thai mango dessert its signature chewy texture
  • 1 1/2 cups coconut milk – full-fat works best for that rich, creamy flavor
  • 1/2 cup sugar – balances the natural sweetness of the mango
  • 1/4 tsp salt – just a pinch to make those flavors pop
  • 2 ripe mangoes – peeled and sliced, the sweet coconut sticky rice complements their juicy freshness perfectly
  • 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds or mung beans (optional) – for a little crunch surprise
Top down view of raw ingredients for Mango Sticky Rice including sticky rice, coconut milk, sugar, salt, and fresh mango

No worries if you don’t find glutinous rice at your store—I often substitute with a short-grain sticky rice, though glutinous gives you that authentic Thai mango dessert vibe. And if coconut milk is tricky, canned versions in the Asian aisle work great and store well for quick starts.

My budget-friendly comfort food hack? Buying mangoes in season or frozen mango chunks save a few bucks while keeping that ripe mango dessert feel. When in a rush, I use pre-soaked sticky rice options; it cuts the soaking time and keeps the flavors on point.

The coconut milk and sugar mixture is the magic that wraps the sticky rice in comforting sweetness. It’s cozy, nourishing, and exactly what my family looks forward to after busy days. Try this once, and you’ll see what I mean! For other easy comfort meals, visit my Spicy Mexican Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl for ideas with simple ingredients and big smiles.

Let’s Make it Happen!

1. Rinse and soak the sticky rice: Rinse 1 cup of glutinous rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Soak it for at least 3-4 hours or overnight for best texture.

2. Steam the rice: Drain the rice and steam it in a rice cooker or a steamer basket lined with cheesecloth. This usually takes about 20-25 minutes. Your Mango Sticky Rice should smell sweet and nutty by now!

3. Prepare the coconut sauce: While the rice steams, combine 1 1/2 cups of coconut milk, 1/2 cup sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon salt in a saucepan over low heat. Stir until sugar dissolves but don’t let it boil.

4. Mix sticky rice and coconut milk: Once rice is steamed, transfer it to a bowl and pour about 3/4 of your coconut sauce over it. Gently stir and cover it for 15-20 minutes so the rice soaks up all the sweet coconut flavor. This step is where your Mango Sticky Rice gets the comfort it’s known for.

5. Slice the mangoes: While rice absorbs the sauce, peel and slice 2 ripe mangoes. Juicy and fragrant mangoes make this Thai mango dessert shine.

6. Serve and drizzle: Scoop sticky rice onto plates, arrange mango slices on the side, and drizzle with the remaining coconut sauce. Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds or mung beans if you like some crunch.

If timing feels tight, soak your rice overnight and prep mangoes ahead in the morning—perfect time to get those school lunches ready! Don’t worry if your Mango Sticky Rice looks slightly less sticky; taste is king here. This recipe gets better with practice and became my family’s sweet coconut sticky rice go-to after a few tries.

For more family-friendly kitchen comfort, peek at this Sweet Coconut Sticky Rice with Mango recipe for a slight twist on presentation ideas.

How We Love to Eat This!

Close-up of finished Mango Sticky Rice served with mango slices and coconut sauce

Our fam loves this Mango Sticky Rice as an after-dinner treat or a weekend brunch sweet. Kids gobble it up best when I serve it with a little side of fresh fruit salad or mild coconut ice cream (because double coconut fun!). The softness of the sticky rice with coconut milk pairs beautifully with the bright flavor of ripe mango dessert.

It’s perfect for spring and summer when mangoes are in season, but I’ve also tried frozen mango versions that work well for year-round comfort. Family and friends always remark how surprisingly filling yet light this Thai mango dessert feels, making it great after heavier meals or as a sweet snack.

Pro tip: Dress it up for guests by serving Mango Sticky Rice in cute little bowls with a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes or chopped peanuts. It’s easy, impressive without extra stress.

Leftovers? No judgment here—refrigerate for 1-2 days and warm it slightly before serving. The sticky rice with coconut milk softens again with gentle heat, perfect for a quick comfort fix. Just remember it’s best fresh but still wins as a cozy treat the next day.

If you loved this, your kids might also enjoy my family favorites like the One-Pot Red Beans and Rice—full of comfort without heavy lifting.

FAQs: Your Questions Answered

Is this Mango Sticky Rice really filling enough for growing kids?
Absolutely! The glutinous rice gives steady energy, and the sweet coconut sticky rice satisfies those sweet cravings without empty calories. My kids often ask for extra servings.

What if my picky eater won’t try this Mango Sticky Rice?
Try serving it with a familiar side or their favorite plate to make it feel less “new.” Sometimes, letting them help peel or slice the mango gets them curious and proud of tasting it.

Can I meal prep this Mango Sticky Rice for busy weeks ahead?
Yes! I recommend prepping the rice and coconut sauce separately, store mango slices fresh and combine when serving. Just avoid storing mango with sticky rice as the texture can shift.

Do I need special sticky rice for authentic Mango Sticky Rice?
Glutinous rice really captures that chewy texture traditional in Thai mango dessert. But short-grain rice can work if needed; it’s still tasty and comforting.

Can I make this Mango Sticky Rice vegan?
Yes, as the recipe is naturally dairy-free, using coconut milk makes this an excellent vegan sweet coconut sticky rice option.

My Mango Sticky Rice got too dry. What went wrong?
Probably not enough coconut sauce soaking time or the rice might need a bit more steaming. Next time, give it an extra 10 minutes covered to soak—the difference is magic.

How ripe should the mangoes be?
You want them soft but not mushy, with a sweet aroma. This ripe mango dessert quality is essential for balancing the creamy sticky rice with coconut milk.

For more detailed answers including kitchen-tested comfort food tips, check out Khao Niao Mamuang (Thai Coconut Sticky Rice With Mango) Recipe.

Final Thoughts:

Mango Sticky Rice has become more than just a dessert for my family. It fits our comfort food goals by being simple to make yet deeply satisfying. The creamy sweet coconut sticky rice and fresh ripe mango flavors bring a light-hearted moment in our busy days—a little reminder that feeding your family well doesn’t have to mean stress.

My Mango Sticky Rice Comfort Hacks:
– Soak your rice overnight to save time and improve texture
– Use canned coconut milk for consistency and convenience
– Slice mangoes ahead to streamline dinnertime

Family-tested variations include:
– Adding a sprinkle of toasted coconut or peanuts for texture
– Using frozen mango for off-season ease
– Swapping in pandan flavor or vanilla to the coconut sauce for little flavor twists

My kids prefer the classic version, but my husband loves the crunchy topping. I encourage you to make this Mango Sticky Rice your own. Play with flavors, textures, and serve it at your comfort food pace.

I hope this recipe brings your family cozy, happy moments like it did mine. Life as a busy mom is hectic, but meals with heart make all the difference—give this Mango Sticky Rice a try and see how your table brightens!

For more warm, family-friendly recipes that fit in your busy life, don’t miss my Broccoli Cheese Rice Casserole and Spicy Mexican Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl. Comfort food is here for you!

Print

Mango Sticky Rice

Home-cooked Mango Sticky Rice close-up

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.

  • Author: Beatriz
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Steamed
  • Cuisine: Thai

Ingredients

Scale
  • 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 or mung beans (optional)

Instructions

  1. Rinse the sticky rice until the water runs clear, then soak it in water for at least 1 hour or overnight.
  2. Drain the rice and steam it in a bamboo steamer or a steaming basket over boiling water for 20–25 minutes until tender.
  3. While the rice is steaming, heat the coconut milk, sugar, and salt in a saucepan over low heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Do not boil.
  4. Transfer the cooked sticky rice to a bowl and gradually stir in about 3/4 of the coconut milk mixture. Cover and let the rice absorb the coconut milk for 15–20 minutes.
  5. To serve, place a portion of sticky rice on a plate, arrange mango slices on the side, and drizzle the remaining coconut milk over the top.
  6. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds or mung beans if desired. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.

Notes

For an extra touch, garnish with fresh mint leaves or a drizzle of coconut cream to enhance the richness.

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