Your Guide to Making Perfect Mango Sticky Rice at Home

When it comes to iconic Thai desserts, mango sticky rice sits comfortably at the top. An absolutely tantalizing combination of sweet, salty, creamy, and fruity flavors, it’s a global favorite for good reason. You can easily find it when you are wandering through the busy streets of Bangkok or exploring a Thai restaurant abroad. This dessert has a way of stealing the spotlight.

But what makes mango sticky rice so irresistible? In addition to its simplicity, this dish is celebrated for its perfect balance of textures and flavors. We have pinned down an easy recipe for you - let’s explore how to make delicious mango sticky rice at home.

What Is Mango Sticky Rice?

Mango sticky rice, or Khao Niew Mamuang in Thai, is a delightful combination of sticky rice infused with rich coconut milk, slices of ripe, juicy mango, and a creamy coconut sauce. It’s the perfect contrast of flavors and textures: the soft chewiness of the sticky rice, the creaminess of the coconut sauce, and the fresh sweetness of mangoes.

Many restaurants or street-food vendors also incorporate fun twists and vxariations to this classic dessert. You will often find the classic white sticky rice has been swapped for black glutinous rice, which gives the dish a stunning purple hue and a nutty flavor. Adding natural dyes, like butterfly pea flower extract, can also turn the rice into eye-catching shades.

For extra fragrance, many cook the sticky rice with pandan leaves, which gives it a subtle vanilla-like aroma that takes the flavor up a notch. To finish things off, you will usually find mango sticky rice sprinkled with some toasted sesame seeds or crispy mung beans. Fresh mint leaves are also a refreshing touch to perfectly balance the sweetness.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For your mango sticky rice recipe at home, you’ll need just a few key ingredients:

• Sticky Rice (Glutinous Rice): The backbone of the dish, giving it its distinct chewy texture.
• Coconut Milk: The ingredient that gives the dessert its creamy richness.
• Sugar: To sweeten the rice and the coconut sauce.
• Salt: A pinch of salt balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
• Ripe Mangoes: Look for mangoes that are perfectly ripe, sweet, and fragrant.
• Optional Toppings: Toasted sesame seeds or crispy mung beans for a subtle crunch.

With these essentials, you’re ready to bring this classic Thai dessert to life.

Step-by-Step Guide On How To Make Mango Sticky Rice

Creating mango sticky rice at home may seem intimidating, but it’s easier than you think with a little patience and attention to detail.

1. Preparing the Sticky Rice

Start by soaking the glutinous rice in water for 4-6 hours or overnight. This step is important for the rice to cook evenly and achieve the desired sticky texture. Steam the soaked rice in a bamboo steamer or a fine-mesh sieve over boiling water until tender—about 20-25 minutes.

While the rice is cooking, heat the coconut milk in a saucepan over low heat. Stir in sugar and a pinch of salt until dissolved. Once the rice is cooked, transfer it to a bowl and mix in the coconut milk mixture while the rice is still warm. Let it sit for 20 minutes to absorb the flavors.

2. Making the Coconut Sauce

In a separate saucepan, heat more coconut milk, sugar, and salt to create the luscious coconut sauce that will drizzle over the finished dish. Stir continuously to avoid curdling, and remove from heat once it thickens slightly.

3. Combining the Elements

Peel and slice the mangoes into thin, even slices. Place a portion of the sticky rice on a serving plate and arrange the mango slices neatly beside it.

4. Serving the Dessert

Drizzle the sticky rice with coconut sauce and sprinkle sesame seeds or crispy mung beans on top for added texture. Serve warm or at room temperature for the best flavor experience.

Enjoy Mango Sticky Rice at R-HAAN in Bangkok

While making mango sticky rice at home is a rewarding experience, enjoying this dessert in its finest form at R-HAAN, a two-Michelin-starred restaurant in Bangkok, is an absolute must. Our luxury fine dining menu in Bangkok is famed for its dedication to authentic Thai cuisine and is rooted in highlighting the nation’s natural bounty in unique ways. At R-HAAN, we elevate traditional dishes, transforming them into exquisite dining experiences.

Our mango sticky rice is a celebration and tribute to Thailand’s rich gastronomic legacy, reimagined with elegance and timeless authenticity. Our restaurant only uses the finest ingredients, such as premium glutinous rice and perfectly ripe mangoes, so that every bite is an explosion of flavor for your palate. The dish is presented with precision and care, reflecting the artistry behind Thailand’s beloved cuisine.

Other than mango sticky rice, we invite you to indulge in our exquisite seasonal tasting menus, expertly curated by celebrity Chef Chumpol. Each dish is crafted from age-old recipes, featuring meticulously selected spices and perfectly paired ingredients for a truly memorable culinary journey. To enhance your experience, we also offer an optional wine pairing menu, carefully designed to complement your tasting selections.

At R-HAAN, our commitment to quality extends beyond the food to every aspect of your dining experience. You'll enjoy your meal in an elegant and sophisticated setting, complete with private dining room options. Each dish is served on fine ceramics inspired by royal tableware, adding a touch of grandeur to your experience. Our attentive and dedicated team ensures that every moment of your visit is nothing short of exceptional.

Your Invitation To R-HAAN

Whether you’re perfecting your mango sticky rice recipe at home or savoring the finest version at R-HAAN, this dessert offers a taste of Thailand that lingers long after the last bite.

Book a table at R-HAAN today and discover why our Michelin-starred restaurant is celebrated for its dedication to Thailand’s culinary traditions. Or, gather your ingredients and try making mango sticky rice at home - it’s a delightful way to bring a slice of Thailand to your kitchen.

Whatever you choose, mango sticky rice will remind you that sometimes, the simplest ingredients can create the most extraordinary flavors.