To begin with, Sticky Rice With Mango is a heavenly Thai dessert that combines the chewy goodness of coconut-infused sticky rice with the juicy sweetness of fresh mango. Known as Khao Niew Mamuang in Thailand, this tropical treat is a global favorite, perfect for any occasion—from a casual dessert to a festive Passover alternative. First of all, Sticky Rice With Mango isn’t just a dessert—it’s an experience. The combination of rice, sweet mango, and a drizzle of salted coconut sauce creates a perfect balance of flavors. For instance, according to Hot Thai Kitchen, this dish is Thailand’s most iconic dessert, loved for its simplicity and vibrant taste. Additionally, it’s naturally gluten-free and can be a delightful Passover dessert alternative, offering a break from traditional charoset. In this blog, I’ll share an easy Sticky Rice With Mango recipe, tips for perfection, and modern twists to elevate your dessert game. Ready to dive into this tropical delight? For more Thai-inspired recipes, check out our Thai Desserts Collection.
What Makes Sticky Rice With Mango So Special?
Sticky Rice With Mango isn’t just a dessert—it’s an experience. The combination of creamy coconut sticky rice, sweet mango, and a drizzle of salted coconut sauce creates a perfect balance of flavors. According to Hot Thai Kitchen, this dish is Thailand’s most iconic dessert, loved for its simplicity and vibrant taste. It’s naturally gluten-free and can be a delightful Passover dessert alternative, offering a break from traditional charoset.
How to Make
Ingredients
- 1 cup Thai glutinous rice (also called sweet rice)
- 1 ½ cups full-fat coconut milk
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 ripe mangoes (Ataulfo or Manila recommended)
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds (optional)
Steps to Prepare Sticky Rice With Mango

- Soak the Rice: To start, rinse the glutinous rice 3-4 times until the water runs clear. Then, soak in water for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results.
- Steam the Rice: After soaking, drain the rice and steam it in a bamboo steamer or a makeshift steamer (like a sieve over a pot) for 20-25 minutes until chewy and translucent.
- Make the Coconut Sauce: Meanwhile, in a saucepan, heat 1 cup coconut milk, sugar, and ¼ teaspoon salt until the sugar dissolves. Next, stir this into the steamed rice and let it sit for 15 minutes to absorb.
- Prepare the Topping Sauce: Subsequently, heat the remaining ½ cup coconut milk with ¼ teaspoon salt and a pinch of sugar. Simmer until slightly thickened.
- Assemble and Serve: Finally, slice the mangoes, scoop the sticky rice onto plates, drizzle with the topping sauce, and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
- Pro Tip: For a Passover twist, serve this as a dessert alongside your Seder meal—it’s a refreshing change from apple-walnut charoset. Furthermore, learn more about Passover desserts in our Passover Dessert Ideas.
Tips
Now that you’ve got the basics, let’s enhance your Sticky Rice With Mango even further. Here are some actionable tips:
Make Ahead: Lastly, prepare the sticky rice a day in advance, but assemble just before serving to keep the mango fresh.
Choose the Right Mango: First, opt for Ataulfo mangoes for their creamy sweetness, as recommended by Epicurious.
Balance the Flavors: Also, adjust the salt in the coconut sauce to enhance the sweetness without overpowering it.
Add Texture: For example, toast sesame seeds or mung beans for a crunchy topping.
Modern Twists
- Purple Sticky Rice: For instance, use a mix of black and white rice, as inspired by The Foodie Takes Flight.
- Tropical Fusion: Alternatively, add diced pineapple or papaya for a fruity twist.
- Spiced Coconut Sauce: Similarly, infuse the coconut sauce with a hint of cardamom or vanilla for extra warmth.
As a result, these adaptations keep the essence of Sticky Rice With Mango while adding a creative twist. For more dessert innovations, explore our Tropical Dessert Recipes.
Why You’ll Love
In conclusion, Sticky Rice With Mango is a dessert that brings people together. Its tropical flavors, gluten-free nature, and versatility make it a go-to for any occasion, from casual dinners to festive Passover celebrations. Consequently, with this easy recipe, you can recreate a Thai classic that’s as delicious as it is beautiful. For more Southeast Asian desserts, check out My Jewish Learning.