Description
Discover the authentic taste of Thailand with this Mango Sticky Rice recipe, a delightful blend of sweet, creamy coconut-infused glutinous rice paired with ripe, juicy mangoes and a luscious mango sauce. Perfect as a refreshing dessert or a special treat, this guide walks you through soaking, steaming, and flavoring sticky rice to perfection, complemented by a thickened coconut mango sauce and optional toasted sesame seeds for added texture.
Ingredients
Scale
Sticky Rice
- 1 ½ cups glutinous rice (sweet rice), also known as sticky rice
- 1 ½ cups water, for soaking
Coconut Milk Mixture for Rice
- 1 can (13.5 oz) full-fat coconut milk
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
Mango Sauce
- ½ can (6.75 oz) full-fat coconut milk
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch, mixed with 1 tablespoon cold water (slurry)
Other Ingredients
- 2 ripe mangoes, peeled and sliced
- Toasted sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions
- Soak the Rice: Place glutinous rice in a large bowl and add 1 ½ cups of water, ensuring the rice is fully submerged. Soak for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, in the refrigerator to soften the grains.
- Drain the Rice: After soaking, drain thoroughly using a fine-mesh sieve. Rinse under cold running water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch.
- Steam the Rice: Line a steamer basket with cheesecloth or parchment paper and spread the drained rice evenly. Fill the bottom of the steamer with water, ensuring it doesn’t touch the rice.
- Steaming Time: Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat, then place the basket over the boiling water. Cover tightly and steam for 20-25 minutes until the rice is translucent and tender, adding water as necessary.
- Check for Doneness: Taste a small portion; it should be soft and slightly chewy without hardness. If firm, continue steaming for another 5-10 minutes, checking periodically.
- Prepare Coconut Milk Mixture for Rice: In a medium saucepan, combine 13.5 oz coconut milk, ½ teaspoon salt, and 2 tablespoons sugar. Stir well to dissolve.
- Heat the Mixture: Place over medium heat and bring to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. Do not boil.
- Infuse the Rice: Transfer the cooked rice to a large bowl, pour the warm coconut milk mixture over it, and gently fold to coat evenly without mashing the rice.
- Resting Time: Cover with plastic wrap or a clean towel and let the rice absorb the coconut milk for at least 30 minutes, up to 1 hour.
- Prepare Mango Sauce Base: In a small saucepan, combine 6.75 oz coconut milk, ¼ teaspoon salt, and 1 tablespoon sugar. Stir to dissolve.
- Create Cornstarch Slurry: Mix 1 teaspoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon cold water until smooth for thickening.
- Heat and Thicken Sauce: Warm the coconut milk mixture over medium heat until simmering. Slowly pour in slurry while whisking constantly to prevent lumps.
- Simmer Sauce: Continue to simmer for 1-2 minutes until slightly thickened, enough to coat the back of a spoon. Remove from heat.
- Prepare Mangoes: Peel and slice ripe mangoes into thin, even pieces while rice is resting and sauce cools.
- Plate the Dessert: Scoop sticky rice onto plates, arrange mango slices alongside, and drizzle with warm mango sauce.
- Garnish (Optional): Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top and add fresh mint for color if desired.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Soaking the glutinous rice overnight improves texture and reduces steaming time.
- Use full-fat coconut milk for the creamiest and most authentic flavor.
- If you don’t have a steamer, use a heatproof plate inside a pot with a lid, ensuring no water touches the rice.
- Adjust sugar according to the sweetness of your mangoes and personal preference.
- To make it vegan and vegetarian friendly, ensure that all ingredients are plant-based, which this recipe naturally is.
- Toast sesame seeds lightly in a dry pan until fragrant for enhanced flavor.
- The resting period is essential for rice to fully absorb coconut milk and develop rich flavor.
