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A vibrant dish of mango sticky rice on a white plate, garnished with sesame seeds and sweet coconut milk syrup.
Daniel

Classic Thai Mango Sticky Rice (Khao Niao Mamuang)

A quintessential Thai dessert featuring sweet, ripe mango slices served alongside warm, sticky glutinous rice drenched in a rich, sweet coconut milk sauce. This recipe brings authentic flavors to your home.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Thai
Calories: 550

Ingredients
  

For the Sticky Rice
  • 2 cups Glutinous rice long-grain, uncooked, also known as sweet rice
  • 4 cups Water for soaking the rice
  • 1/4 tsp Salt
For the Sweet Coconut Sauce
  • 1.5 cups Full-fat coconut milk canned, not light
  • 1/2 cup Granulated sugar
  • 1/2 tsp Salt
  • 1 tsp Cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp cold water, optional for thicker sauce
For Serving
  • 2-3 large Ripe mangoes peeled and sliced, such as Ataulfo or Honey mangoes
  • 1 tbsp Toasted sesame seeds for garnish
  • small handful leaves Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)

Equipment

  • Large Mixing Bowl
  • Steamer basket or bamboo steamer
  • Large pot (for steaming)
  • Small saucepan
  • Whisk
  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Method
 

Prepare the Sticky Rice
  1. Rinse the glutinous rice thoroughly under cold running water until the water runs clear. Place the rinsed rice in a large bowl, cover with 4 cups of fresh cold water, and let it soak for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, at room temperature. This step is crucial for proper texture.
  2. Drain the soaked rice very well. Line a steamer basket with cheesecloth or a piece of parchment paper (pierced with small holes) to prevent the rice from falling through. Spread the drained rice evenly in the steamer basket.
  3. Fill a large pot with about 2-3 inches of water and bring to a rolling boil. Place the steamer basket over the boiling water, ensuring the water does not touch the rice. Cover tightly with a lid and steam for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is tender, translucent, and pleasantly chewy. Remove from heat and carefully transfer the steamed rice to a large mixing bowl.
Make the Sweet Coconut Sauce
  1. While the rice is steaming, combine the full-fat coconut milk, granulated sugar, and salt in a small saucepan. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring constantly with a whisk, until the sugar and salt are completely dissolved and the sauce is gently simmering (do not let it come to a vigorous boil).
  2. If you prefer a slightly thicker sauce, stir in the cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp cold water) and continue to cook for another minute until the sauce thickens slightly. Remove the saucepan from the heat.
Combine Rice and Sauce
  1. Pour about 1 cup of the hot coconut sauce over the warm steamed rice in the mixing bowl. Stir gently with a wooden spoon or spatula until the rice has absorbed most of the sauce and appears glossy. Cover the bowl tightly with a lid or plastic wrap and let it sit for 15-20 minutes. This resting period allows the rice to fully absorb the sauce, becoming perfectly sticky and infused with flavor.
Prepare the Mangoes and Serve
  1. While the rice is resting, peel the ripe mangoes. Carefully slice the flesh away from the large, flat pit, then cut the mango flesh into attractive slices or cubes.
  2. To serve, scoop individual portions of the warm, sweet sticky rice onto serving plates. Artfully arrange the fresh mango slices alongside the rice. Drizzle generously with the remaining coconut sauce. Garnish with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and a few fresh mint leaves, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

For the best flavor and texture, use very ripe, sweet mangoes. Ataulfo (Honey) or champagne mangoes are excellent choices. You can prepare the coconut sauce up to a day in advance and gently reheat it before combining with the rice. Leftover sticky rice is best stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consumed within 1-2 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or steamer, adding a splash of coconut milk if needed.