As the sun sets on a warm summer evening, the rich aroma of coconut and ripe mango mingles in the air, instantly transporting me to the vibrant streets of Bangkok. This Thai Mango Sticky Rice recipe is the perfect antidote to the fast-paced world we live in—a dish that invites you to slow down and savor each bite. Balancing the creamy texture of glutinous rice bathed in luscious coconut milk with the sweetness of juicy mangoes, this dessert is as indulgent as it is satisfying.
But wait—let’s add a twist! By incorporating ube, the stunning purple yam, we can elevate this traditional recipe into a delightful fusion, marrying Thai and Filipino flavors in one exquisite dessert. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or treating yourself to a special evening, this Mango Sticky Rice with Ube is sure to impress. Get ready to indulge in a luxurious, delectable experience that’s both simple to make and absolutely crowd-pleasing!
Why is Thai Mango Sticky Rice Recipe a Must-Try?
Simplicity at Its Finest: This dessert requires minimal ingredients and effort, making it perfect for home cooks of all levels.
Sweet, Creamy Bliss: The luscious combination of coconut milk and juicy mangoes creates a velvety texture that melts in your mouth.
Unique Ube Twist: Adding ube introduces a vibrant color and an unexpected flavor that elevates this classic dish to something truly special.
Versatility for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a summer get-together or a cozy night in, this dish is sure to impress guests or satisfy your sweet cravings.
Healthy Indulgence: Gluten-free and vegetarian, this recipe offers a guilt-free way to indulge without compromising on flavor.
Get ready to experience a delightful fusion of flavors that will leave everyone asking for seconds!
Thai Mango Sticky Rice Recipe Ingredients
For the Sticky Rice
• Dry Glutinous Rice – Essential for that beloved chewy texture; do not substitute with regular rice for best results.
• Full Fat Coconut Milk – Provides a rich creaminess that brings the dish to life; opting for full-fat ensures the ultimate flavor experience.
• Granulated Sugar – This will sweeten your dish; adjust according to your preference for sweetness.
• Sea Salt – A crucial ingredient that enhances the flavors; don’t skip this for a balanced taste.
For the Ube Variation
• Ube Halaya (Optional) – Adds a lovely purple hue and unique taste; you can use homemade or store-bought.
• Ube Extract (Optional) – Intensifies the ube flavor and color in the dish.
For the Fruity Topping
• Mangoes – Choose fresh, ripe varieties for delightful sweetness; ensure they’re soft for the best flavor.
• Toasted Coconut (Optional) – Adds a delightful crunch and an extra coconut kick as a topping.
Embrace the simplified joy of making this Thai Mango Sticky Rice Recipe and elevate your dessert game with the fusion of flavors provided by the ube twist!
How to Make Thai Mango Sticky Rice Recipe
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Soak Rice: Start by washing the glutinous rice 3-4 times until the water runs clear. Then, soak it overnight (8-24 hours) to achieve that perfect chewy texture.
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Steam Rice: Drain the soaked rice and place it in a bamboo steamer lined with parchment paper. Steam for 20-25 minutes until the rice is translucent and chewy—this is where the magic happens!
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Prepare Coconut Mixture: In a saucepan, combine full-fat coconut milk, granulated sugar, and sea salt. Heat over medium heat until it reaches a gentle boil, then lower the heat and stir in the ube (if using) until well mixed.
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Combine: Add your steamed rice to the coconut mixture and cook for about 4 minutes, allowing the rice to absorb all that delicious coconut goodness until it thickens slightly.
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Make Coconut Sauce: In a separate small pan, mix more coconut milk with sugar and bring it to a boil. Combine cornstarch with water and stir it into the boiling mixture until it thickens—this will be your luscious sauce!
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Assemble: Peel and slice your ripe mangoes. Portion out the sticky rice onto serving plates, lay mango slices alongside it, top with toasted coconut, and drizzle that irresistible coconut sauce over everything.
Optional: For an extra special touch, sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds on top for a delightful crunch.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Thai Mango Sticky Rice Recipe Variations
Feel free to sprinkle your creativity into this delightful dessert, transforming the classic into something uniquely yours!
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Classic Thai: Omit ube entirely, focusing on just sweet mango slices and a creamy coconut sauce for the traditional experience. The purity of this version really highlights the beautiful mango flavor.
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Tropical Twist: Swap in different tropical fruits like jackfruit or papaya for a fun flavor upgrade. Their sweetness pairs wonderfully with the creamy coconut, creating a lush, fruity medley.
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Nutty Crunch: Top your dish with crushed nuts such as almonds or pistachios for an added crunch. This brings another layer of texture that beautifully contrasts the soft sticky rice.
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Choco Delight: Mix in cocoa powder or chocolate sauce for a decadent chocolate version. This sweet addition turns your mango sticky rice into a rich chocolate indulgence that will surely satisfy chocolate lovers.
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Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of chili powder to the coconut sauce for an exciting spicy twist. The heat perfectly balances the sweetness of the mango and coconut, creating a lovely flavor explosion.
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Dairy-Free: Use coconut cream in place of regular full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free option. This maintains the creamy texture while catering to dairy-free diets, ensuring everyone can enjoy this treat.
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Flavored Rice: Infuse the glutinous rice with pandan leaves or vanilla extract during soaking for extra fragrance. The aromatic boost makes each bite even more delightful.
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Berry Blend: Experiment by adding mixed berries, such as strawberries or blueberries, for a vibrant and tangy flavor. The berries add variety and a refreshing twist to the dish, making it a delightful summer treat.
What to Serve with Thai Mango Sticky Rice Recipe?
Indulging in this luscious dessert calls for the perfect meals to accompany it, rounding out your dining experience with delightful flavors and textures.
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Grilled Shrimp Skewers: The smoky, savory flavor of grilled shrimp offers a beautiful contrast to the sweetness of the sticky rice. Their tender texture pairs perfectly with the creamy coconut essence.
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Thai Green Papaya Salad: Bright, zesty, and refreshing, this salad adds a crunch and tang that balances the rich sweetness of the mango sticky rice. The herbs and lime awaken your palate, keeping the meal exciting.
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Spicy Thai Chicken Curry: The heat and depth of a spicy chicken curry create a stellar contrast to the sweet, creamy dessert. Plus, the aromatic herbs in the curry enhance the overall dining experience with beautiful flavors.
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Coconut-Pineapple Drink: This tropical beverage perfectly complements the coconut in the dessert. It’s refreshing and adds a delightful fruity note, echoing the flavors of the sticky rice.
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Sesame Ginger Snap Cookies: A crunchy, sweet treat, these cookies offer a different texture while their ginger kick provides a subtle warmth that pairs well with the creamy sticky rice.
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Mango Sorbet: For a lighter dessert option, mango sorbet echoes the fresh mango flavors in the sticky rice, creating a lovely harmony that will leave your taste buds dancing.
Get ready to mix and match these fantastic pairings, elevating your dining experience to a whole new level!
Make Ahead Options
These Thai Mango Sticky Rice Recipe components are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to savor a delicious dessert even on your busiest days! You can soak the glutinous rice up to 24 hours in advance to achieve the ideal texture, then steam it and refrigerate for up to 3 days if needed. Prepare the coconut mixture without the ube and store it in an airtight container; it holds up beautifully for 2-3 days in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, simply warm the rice and the coconut mixture together, slice fresh mangoes, and drizzle with the prepared coconut sauce for an effortless yet decadent treat that tastes just as fresh!
Expert Tips for Thai Mango Sticky Rice Recipe
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Soak it Right: Ensure you soak the glutinous rice adequately overnight. This step is key for achieving that delightful chewy texture.
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Perfectly Steamed: Avoid overcooking during steaming. Watch for that translucent appearance—cooked al dente ensures the right chewiness in your Thai Mango Sticky Rice Recipe.
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Choose Ripe Mangoes: Only the juiciest, ripest mangoes will do! Soft, sweet mangoes provide the best contrast to the creamy sticky rice.
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Balance the Flavor: Don’t skip on the sea salt! It enhances the sweetness and richness of the coconut and prevents the dish from tasting overly sweet.
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Store with Care: If you have leftovers, remember to consume them within 1-2 days and store in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Storage Tips for Thai Mango Sticky Rice Recipe
- Room Temperature: Enjoy fresh sticky rice at room temperature for up to 2 hours; this keeps the flavors at their peak.
- Fridge: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, where they’ll stay fresh for up to 2 days.
- Freezer: For longer storage, freeze portions of the sticky rice in airtight bags for up to 1 month; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: When ready to enjoy, reheat in the microwave with a splash of water to maintain moisture in your Thai Mango Sticky Rice Recipe.
Thai Mango Sticky Rice Recipe FAQs
What type of rice should I use for Thai Mango Sticky Rice?
You should only use dry glutinous rice, as it provides the essential chewy texture that makes this dessert what it is. Regular rice just won’t give you that delightful stickiness!
How should I store any leftovers from the Thai Mango Sticky Rice Recipe?
Store any leftover sticky rice in an airtight container in the fridge. It’s best consumed within 1-2 days for optimal freshness. Remember to reheat it in the microwave with a splash of water to retain moisture and prevent it from drying out.
Can I freeze the Thai Mango Sticky Rice?
Absolutely! For longer storage, you can freeze portions of the sticky rice in airtight bags for up to 1 month. When ready to eat, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat, adding a little water to keep it moist.
How do I know if my mangoes are ripe enough?
Choose fresh, ripe mangoes that yield slightly to gentle pressure. They should be soft and sweet; look for a golden-yellow color. Avoid any mangoes with dark spots or wrinkles, as these can indicate overripeness.
Why is soaking the rice important for the Thai Mango Sticky Rice Recipe?
Soaking the glutinous rice overnight helps achieve that beautiful chewy texture. This process allows the rice to absorb water and cook evenly, which would be difficult if you skip this step. So, don’t rush it; embrace the soak!
Is this dessert safe for people with dietary restrictions?
Yes! This Thai Mango Sticky Rice Recipe is gluten-free and vegetarian, making it a great treat for those with gluten intolerance or following a plant-based diet. However, be mindful of any potential coconut allergies, and feel free to adjust the sweetness to suit your preference.
Thai Mango Sticky Rice Recipe: A Sweet Ube Twist Awaits
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Start by washing the glutinous rice 3-4 times until the water runs clear. Then, soak it overnight (8-24 hours).
- Drain the soaked rice and place it in a bamboo steamer lined with parchment paper. Steam for 20-25 minutes until the rice is translucent and chewy.
- In a saucepan, combine full-fat coconut milk, granulated sugar, and sea salt. Heat until it reaches a gentle boil, then lower the heat and stir in the ube (if using).
- Add your steamed rice to the coconut mixture and cook for about 4 minutes, allowing the rice to absorb all that delicious coconut goodness.
- In a separate small pan, mix more coconut milk with sugar and bring it to a boil. Combine cornstarch with water and stir it into the boiling mixture until it thickens.
- Peel and slice your ripe mangoes. Portion out the sticky rice onto serving plates, lay mango slices alongside it, top with toasted coconut, and drizzle the coconut sauce over everything.