Heavenly Thai Mango Sticky Rice Recipe

Why You’ll Love this Sweet & Creamy Thai Mango Sticky Rice

Tropical paradise on a plate! I’m convinced this Thai mango sticky rice might just change your dessert game forever. The contrast between warm, coconut-infused sticky rice and cool, juicy mango creates a texture symphony that’s absolutely irresistible.

You’ll adore how the rich coconut sauce, perfectly thickened with just 2 teaspoons of cornstarch, cascades over the rice like a sweet waterfall.

The beauty lies in its simplicity—just a handful of ingredients transforms into something magical. And let’s be honest, who doesn’t need a mini-vacation in dessert form? The coconut-vanilla fragrance alone will transport you straight to Thailand.

What Ingredients are in Sweet & Creamy Thai Mango Sticky Rice?

Thai mango sticky rice is a symphony of simple ingredients that come together to create something truly magical. The star of the show is the sticky rice, which gets bathed in creamy coconut milk and paired with sweet, ripe mangoes.

There’s something almost meditative about gathering these ingredients—each one humble on its own but transformative when combined. Ready to bring a taste of Thailand to your kitchen? Let’s round up what you’ll need.

• 1 cup Thai sweet rice (also called sticky rice)
• 1¾ cups water
• 1-2 ripe mangoes, cut into bite-size pieces
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 1 (14 ounce) can good-quality coconut milk
• ¼ teaspoon salt, plus an extra pinch
• 2 teaspoons coconut flavoring
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch dissolved in 2 tablespoons water

When shopping for mangoes, remember that fragrance is your friend. The best mangoes for this dish should smell sweet at the stem end and give slightly when pressed.

Read moreCreamy Tropical Coconut Rice Paradise Recipe

Can’t find perfectly ripe mangoes? Frozen mango pieces work in a pinch, though nothing quite compares to the juicy freshness of a perfectly ripe mango.

As for the coconut milk, quality matters here—opt for a good brand with high fat content for that luxurious mouthfeel. The coconut and vanilla flavorings are what give the dish its aromatic quality, but if you’re a purist, you could let the natural coconut milk shine on its own.

How to Make this Sweet & Creamy Thai Mango Sticky Rice

Start by soaking 1 cup of Thai sweet rice (sticky rice) in 1 cup of water for about 20 minutes, though you can leave it up to an hour if you’re prepping other things. When you’re ready to cook, don’t drain the rice. Instead, add another 3/4 cup water, 1/4 can of coconut milk, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon coconut flavoring, and 1 tablespoon brown sugar right to the pot. Give everything a good stir, making sure to lift any rice that might be sticking to the bottom.

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then partially cover the pot (leave a little gap for steam to escape) and reduce the heat to medium-low. Let it simmer for about 20 minutes until the rice has absorbed all the liquid.

Then comes the magic moment—remove from heat, cover completely, and let it steam for another 5-10 minutes.

While the rice is doing its thing, prepare the luscious sauce by warming the remaining coconut milk with 1/4 cup brown sugar, a pinch of salt, 1 teaspoon coconut flavoring, and 1 teaspoon vanilla over medium heat for about 5 minutes.

For the most authentic results, consider using premium Thai appliances that provide precise temperature control for perfect coconut sauce consistency.

Thicken the sauce slightly by stirring in 2 teaspoons cornstarch dissolved in 2 tablespoons water, and reduce the heat to low as it thickens. You want to avoid boiling this sauce—it would be a shame to lose that wonderful coconut flavor!

When you’re ready to serve, scoop the sticky rice into bowls (it can be served cold, warm, or at room temperature), and ladle a generous portion of the warm coconut sauce over it, creating little rice islands in a sea of coconut goodness.

The finishing touch? Adding slices of 1-2 ripe mangoes on top. Look for mangoes that are fragrant and yield slightly to gentle pressure—those are the sweetest ones. If you’re using frozen mango pieces, just make sure they’ve had enough time to thaw before serving.

This dessert is creamy, sweet, and oh-so-satisfying with the perfect balance of sticky rice, coconut sauce, and juicy mango.

Sweet & Creamy Thai Mango Sticky Rice Substitutions and Variations

While traditional Thai mango sticky rice is absolutely divine as-is, you’ll be happy to know that this dessert welcomes creative adaptations to suit your pantry and preferences.

Can’t find Thai sweet rice? Jasmine rice will work in a pinch, though it won’t be quite as sticky. For the sauce, light coconut milk creates a less caloric version, or try coconut cream for an even more decadent treat.

Don’t limit yourself to mangoes either—ripe peaches, nectarines, or even caramelized bananas make delightful alternatives when mangoes aren’t at their peak. The cornstarch is optional if you prefer a thinner sauce.

What to Serve with Sweet & Creamy Thai Mango Sticky Rice

Although this delectable dessert stands perfectly well on its own, I’ve found that complementary accompaniments can elevate your mango sticky rice experience to new heights.

Consider serving with a small cup of Thai iced tea, whose robust flavor counterbalances the dessert’s sweetness perfectly. Fresh mint leaves make a gorgeous garnish while adding a revitalizing note to each bite.

For texture contrast, toasted sesame seeds or crushed peanuts sprinkled on top create a delightful crunch.

And if you’re entertaining guests, a small scoop of coconut ice cream alongside creates a temperature play that’s absolutely divine—cold and creamy against warm, sticky perfection.

Final Thoughts

After you’ve mastered this Thai mango sticky rice recipe, you’ll understand why it’s become such an iconic dessert throughout Thailand and beyond. The perfect balance of sweet, creamy coconut sauce cascading over warm, pillowy grains of sticky rice, complemented by the bright, tropical tang of fresh mango, creates a symphony of textures and flavors that’s simply irresistible.

I’m convinced there’s something magical about the way these simple ingredients transform into something so extraordinary. Whether you’re serving it at a dinner party or treating yourself on a quiet evening, this dessert brings a touch of Thai culinary artistry right to your table.