Sweet Coconut Sticky Rice with Mango is a classic dessert in Southeast and South Asia. It is especially popular in Thai cuisine and is made with glutinous rice, coconut milk, and fresh mango. Enjoy it by the spoonful!
Rinse the rice until the water is clear; this may take 4-5 water changes. Soak the rice for at least 4 hours, or ideally overnight.
Drain the rice in a sieve and place the sieve over a saucepan of simmering water (taking care not to let the water touch the rice). Cover and steam the rice for about 20 minutes or until tender. Alternatively, you can use a steamer lined with cheesecloth.
While the rice steams, warm the coconut milk and sugar in a small saucepan over low heat until the sugar is fully dissolved. Be careful not to boil the coconut milk.
When the rice is ready, transfer it to a bowl and stir in 1/2 cup of the sweetened coconut milk. Let it sit for 15-20 minutes, allowing the rice to absorb the milk.
Using a large ice cream scoop or a mold, divide the rice into 6 small bowls. Arrange some mango slices on top or to the side. Drizzle some coconut milk over the rice, and serve with additional sweetened coconut milk and mangoes on the side. You may also garnish with shredded coconut if you wish. Serve warm.
Notes
What Kind of Mango Should I Use for Mango Sticky Rice?
In the United States, I recommend looking for Ataulfo mangoes. You may also find this Mexican variety at your local grocer branded as Champagne or Honey mangoes, usually available from March to July. They have golden-yellow skin and, when ripe, sweet, scoopable flesh. While they may look similar to Manila mangoes, they are not quite the same, but very close. If you are lucky enough to find Manila mangoes, then, for me, that is the gold standard!
What is Glutinous Rice?
Glutinous rice, or sticky rice, is grown throughout Southeast, East, and South Asia. It is named such because of the sticky texture that results from cooking it, not because it contains any gluten. This texture makes it popular in many desserts and a variety of delicious savory dishes. Find it at your local Asian market.