Mangoes are celebrated for their priceless flavor in many cuisines around the world. Mangoes are used in a variety of desserts and savory dishes to add a hint of their unique sweetness and elevate the flavors of dishes to new heights. Thai cuisine celebrates the sweetness of mangoes with Mango sticky rice, which is a popular dessert not only in Thailand but all around the world. It is known as Khao Niew Mamuang in Thailand, which beautifully balances the sweetness of ripe mango with the rich creaminess of coconut sticky rice. In this article, we will explain the recipe for authentic Thai mango sticky rice in 11 comprehensive steps to make your cooking experience easy and smooth.
Ingredients of Mango Sticky Rice
Gather your ingredients from the kitchen pantry to make the delicious mango sticky rice dessert with 11 easy steps.
- 1 cup glutinous rice
- 1 1/2 cups coconut cream
- 1/2 cup palm sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 ripe mango (peeled and sliced)
- 1/4 cup toasted mung beans or sesame seed for garnish
Cooking Time
- Prep Time- 1hour
- Cook Time- 15minutes mins
- Total Time including soaking – 4 hours 50 minutes
1. For the Sticky Rice
Glutinous rice (1 ½ cups)
Glutinous rice are also known as sticky rice or sweet rice. they are an essential component of mango sticky rice recipe to give the dish its distinctive sticky feel. It differs from ordinary rice because of how much starch it contains. It’s different from regular rice due to its high starch content.
Cold water
Used to soak the rice, which helps to soften it and allows it to cook evenly.
2. For the Coconut Sauce
Coconut cream (1 ¼ cups)
The thick and textured coconut cream is used to make the sweet coconut sauce that adds rich creamy flavors to the rice.
Palm sugar
Palm sugar is a natural sweetener derived from the sap of palm trees. It adds a unique, caramel-like flavor to the sauce. You can use brown sugar as an alternative to palm sugar if it is not available.
Salt
Enhances the flavors of the coconut sauce and balances the sweetness.
3. For the Topping and Garnish
Ripe mango
Fresh, juicy mangoes are the star of this dish. For the ideal flavor and texture, make sure that the mangoes are fully ripe.
Sesame seed
Lightly toasted sesame seeds add a nutty flavor and a slight crunch when sprinkled on top.
Mung beans
Adding mung beans gives a unique texture and flavor. After being soaked, they need to be fried and lightly toasted.
4. Optional Ingredients
Pandan leaves
If you want to give the rice a light, fragrant flavor, you can add pandan leaves while it’s steaming.
Coconut milk
For a creamier texture, some people like adding a little more coconut milk drizzle.
Steps to Make Authentic Mango Sticky Rice
Step 1- Soak the Rice
A dd 1 cup of glutinous rice in a bowl. Pour cold water over the rice and leave it to soak for 4 hours or overnight. This step is important because it helps the rice become softer and more sticky when cooked.
Step 2- Prepare the Steamer
Fill a large pot or skillet with water and boil it. Place a steaming basket or a heatproof bowl inside the pot, ensuring it doesn’t touch the water. This setup will be used to steam the rice.
Step 3- Steaming the Rice
Drain the soaked rice thoroughly and transfer it to the steaming basket. Place a lid on the basket and steam the rice for 20 to 25 minutes on medium heat. By periodically checking, make sure the rice is soft and thoroughly cooked. Proper steaming is necessary to get the ideal sticky coconut texture.
Step 4- Make the Coconut Sauce
While the rice is steaming meanwhile, we can prepare the coconut sauce. In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup of coconut cream, 1/2 cup of palm sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. cook the mixture by continuous stirring Stirring over medium heat until the palm sugar dissolves completely and the sauce slightly thickens. This rich, sweet coconut sauce will be absorbed by the rice.
Step 5- Sweeten the Coconut Rice
Once the rice is cooked, transfer it into a large bowl. Immediately pour the hot coconut sauce over the rice. Mix well to cover each grain completely with sauce. cover the bowl with a lid or plastic wrap and leave it to rest for 10 to 15 minutes. This allows the rice to absorb the flavors fully and become delightfully coconut sticky.
Step 6- Prepare the Mango
While the rice absorbs the coconut sauce, prepare the ripe mango. After peeling, cut the mangoes into uniformly thin slices. The ripeness and sweetness of mangoes are essential for counterbalancing the rich taste of the coconut sticky rice.
Step 7- Make the Sweet Coconut Sauce
In a separate saucepan, combine the remaining 1/2 cup of coconut cream and 2 tablespoons of palm sugar. Cook over medium heat, stirring continuously, until the sauce gradually thickens and the sugar melts. We’ll drizzle this sweet coconut sauce over the prepared dessert.
Step 8- Toast the Mung Beans
Toast the mung beans in a dry skillet over medium heat until they become crispy and golden brown. This process should take about 5-7 minutes. Toasted mung beans add a delightful crunch to the final dish. can also toast the sesame seeds in the same way.
Step 9- Assemble the Dish
To serve, place a generous portion of the coconut sticky rice on a plate. Place some juicy mango slices next to the rice. The sticky rice and mango provide a visually pleasing and delectable contrast in color and texture.
Step 10- Garnish
Drizzle the sweet coconut sauce over the rice and mango. Lastly, add some sesame seeds or toasted mung beans on top. The garnish gives the dish a pleasing crunch and a hint of refinement.
Step 11- Serve and Enjoy
Serve the Mango Sticky Rice immediately as a side dish or a Thai dessert. This dish is best enjoyed fresh when the coconut sticky rice is still warm and the mango slices are cool and refreshing.
Tips for Perfect Mango Sticky Rice
- Glutinous rice is essential for achieving the signature sticky texture. Regular rice cannot be used as a substitute as it does have the same sticky texture.
- Soaking the rice in cold water is crucial for softening it and ensuring that it is even cooked. Skipping this step may result in unevenly cooked rice.
- Use fresh ripe mango for the best flavor and sweetness. The best mangoes are those that are just a little bit overripe since they have more flavor and juice.
- Adjust the sweetness of the coconut sauce to your preference by varying the amount of palm sugar. Taste the sauce as you go to ensure it suits your palate.
- Toasting the mung beans or sesame seeds enhances the overall taste and adds a satisfying crunch. Do not skip this step, as it adds texture and a nutty flavor.
Delicious Variations to Mango Sticky Rice
Black Sticky Rice with Mango
- Fill a bowl with cold water and add one cup of black glutinous rice. Soak for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Fill a large saucepan with boiling water and set up a steamer.
- Drain the rice and steam it in the basket for 20-25 minutes until tender.
- In a saucepan, combine 1 cup coconut cream, 1/2 cup palm sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon salt; cook over medium heat until the sugar dissolves.
- Mix the cooked rice with the coconut sauce in a bowl. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes.
- Slice the ripe mango into thin pieces.
- Serve the coconut-sticky black rice with slices of ripe mango.
- Top with toasted mung beans.
- Enjoy as a visually striking dessert.
Coconut Milk and Pandan Sticky Rice
- Soak 1 cup of glutinous rice in cold water for 4 hours or overnight.
- Boil water in a pot and set up a steaming basket.
- Drain the rice and steam it for 20-25 minutes.
- Combine 1 cup coconut cream, 1/2 cup palm sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon salt with two knotted pandan leaves. Cook over medium heat until sugar dissolves.
- Mix the steamed rice with the coconut sauce and let it absorb the flavors for 10-15 minutes.
- Slice the ripe mango.
- Serve the coconut sticky rice with mango slices.
- Sprinkle with toasted sesame seed as garnish.
Conclusion
Savor the flavors of delicious mangoes with a blend of coconut cream and the nutrition of glutinous rice with the authentic mango sticky rice recipe. Indulge in the original flavors of Thai dessert with its simple ingredients and easy preparation. Satisfy your sweet tooth and impress your family and guests by making this delicious recipe on special occasions. Enjoy your cooking and savor the flavors of this classic sticky rice mango recipe in Thai style.