Mango with Sticky Rice Recipe

Mango with sticky rice is a beloved traditional Thai dessert that combines the rich, creamy flavor of coconut milk with the sweet, refreshing taste of ripe mangoes. This delightful treat is perfect for any occasion and is surprisingly easy to make at home.

Ingredients:

• For the Sticky Rice:
  • 1 cup glutinous (sticky) rice
  • 1 1/4 cups coconut milk
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
• For the Coconut Sauce:
  • 1/2 cup coconut milk
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
• For Serving:
  • 2 ripe mangoes, peeled and sliced
  • Sesame seeds or mung beans (optional, for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Sticky Rice:
   • Rinse the sticky rice several times until the water runs clear. Soak the rice in water for at least 4 hours or overnight for the best texture.
   • Drain the soaked rice and steam it in a steamer basket lined with cheesecloth for about 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and sticky. Alternatively, you can use a rice cooker if it has a sticky rice setting.
2. Make the Coconut Mixture:
   • In a saucepan, combine 1 1/4 cups of coconut milk, 1/4 cup of sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugar dissolves. Do not let it boil.
   • Once the sticky rice is cooked, transfer it to a large mixing bowl. Pour the coconut milk mixture over the hot rice and mix well. Cover the bowl and let it sit for about 20-30 minutes to allow the rice to absorb the coconut milk fully.
3. Prepare the Coconut Sauce:
   • In a small saucepan, combine 1/2 cup of coconut milk, 1 tablespoon of sugar, and 1/8 teaspoon of salt. If you prefer a thicker sauce, dissolve 1 teaspoon of cornstarch in a tablespoon of water and add it to the saucepan.
   • Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly until it thickens slightly. Remove from heat and set aside.
4. Serve the Dessert:
   • Peel and slice the mangoes into thin pieces.
   • Place a portion of the sticky rice on a serving plate and arrange the mango slices on top or beside the rice.
   • Drizzle the coconut sauce over the sticky rice and mango. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds or mung beans if desired.

Tips:

• Choosing Mangoes: Select ripe, sweet mangoes for the best flavor. The Ataulfo (honey) mango or Thai mangoes are ideal for this dessert.
• Serving Warm: Mango with sticky rice is traditionally served slightly warm or at room temperature. The contrast between the warm rice and the cool mango is delightful.
• Advance Preparation: You can prepare the sticky rice and coconut sauce ahead of time. Just reheat gently before serving.

Conclusion

Mango with sticky rice is a simple yet indulgent Thai dessert that perfectly balances sweet, creamy, and fruity flavors. With this easy-to-follow recipe, you can recreate this traditional treat at home and enjoy a taste of Thailand. Serve it at your next gathering or enjoy it as a special treat for yourself.