Asian Desserts: Coconut Sticky Rice with Mango – A Sweet, Vegan Delight
Coconut Sticky Rice with Mango is a traditional Thai dessert made with glutinous rice, coconut milk, and fresh mangoes. The rice is steamed and then soaked in a sweet coconut sauce, allowing it to absorb the flavors. A thickened coconut topping is added for extra richness. The dish is served with ripe mango slices and optionally garnished with toasted sesame seeds or mung beans. It's a delicious, creamy, and slightly sweet dessert that combines the savory and sweet elements of coconut and mango.
Ingredients
For the Sticky Rice:
- 1 cup glutinous rice sweet rice
- 1 ¼ cups water for cooking the rice
For the Coconut Sauce:
- 1 cup full-fat coconut milk
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ tsp salt
For the Topping:
- ½ cup coconut milk
- 1 tbsp sugar
- ⅛ tsp salt
- 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tsp water for thickening
For Serving:
- 2 large ripe mangoes peeled and sliced
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds or mung beans optional, for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Sticky Rice
- Rinse the glutinous rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch.
- Soak the rice in water for 4 hours, or overnight if possible.
- Drain the rice and transfer it to a steamer lined with cheesecloth or banana leaves. Steam for 30–40 minutes until fully cooked and sticky.
Step 2: Make the Coconut Sauce
- In a saucepan, combine 1 cup of coconut milk, 1/4 cup sugar, and 1/4 tsp salt. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Do not boil.
- Once the sticky rice is cooked, transfer it to a large mixing bowl. Gradually pour the warm coconut sauce over the rice, stirring gently to coat. Cover and let the rice absorb the sauce for 20–30 minutes.
Step 3: Prepare the Topping Sauce
- In another small saucepan, combine 1/2 cup coconut milk, 1 tbsp sugar, and 1/8 tsp salt. Heat over low heat.
- Add the cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tsp water) and stir continuously until the sauce thickens slightly. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 4: Assemble and Serve
- Peel and slice the mangoes into thin pieces.
- On a plate, serve a scoop of sticky rice and arrange the mango slices beside it.
- Drizzle the thickened coconut topping sauce over the rice.
- Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds or mung beans for garnish (optional).
