This recipe for Mango Sticky Rice (similar to Khao Neow Mamuang) is a refreshing and simple dessert, inspired by the traditional southeast Asian dish! Full of tropical flavors like coconut and mango, the whole family will love it.
Mango sticky rice is a dessert made from glutinous rice (this does not contain gluten), coconut milk, and fresh mango, and sweetened with jaggery or palm sugar. It has origins in South and Southeast Asia (it is very popular in Thailand, Laos, and The Philippines). The Thai variation is known as Khao Neow Mamuang and is their national dessert. If you are interested in reading more about the traditional recipe and it's preparation, that is available on EatingThaiFood.com.
It is important to not that my interpretation is not at all authentic! Click here to learn the history.
Mango sticky rice has a light and sweet flavor with tropical notes of creamy coconut milk and tangy fresh fruit. It tastes like a tropical vacation and has a very satisfying, toothsome texture. Added mint can make it even more refreshing, making this a perfect recipe for spring and summer.
Is sushi rice glutinous rice?
No. Sushi rice is technically Japanese short-grain, while glutinous rice includes Indica, Japonica, and Tropical Japonica strains (source). Though very similar, sushi rice contains more moisture than glutinous rice. It also contains more of a protein called amylose, which gives the rice a softer texture as it cools. It can be easy to confuse these two types as they both become sticky when cooked.
However, I have struggled to find glutinous rice in stores in my area, though it can normally be found in Asian markets. I developed the below recipe using short-grain white rice, which comes uncooked in a bag sometimes labeled "sushi rice."
How is Mango Sticky Rice Served?
This recipe is traditionally served slightly warm when freshly made and chilled when made in advance. I prefer it warm as the texture is a bit more less viscous. It is topped with thin slices of fresh mango, which I like to arrange in a "rose" shape (method detailed below).
What to Eat With This Recipe
Mango sticky rice tastes best when eaten as a dessert post Thai food, like this vegan Thai-inspired red curry (Kaeng phet).
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How to Make a Mango Rose (with video)
1. Peel the mango. Slice in half, avoiding the pit (try to get as much fruit off as possible.
2. Lay one mango half down on a cutting board and carefully slice thin strips (⅛-1/4 inch in diameter) from top to bottom.
3. Use your hands to press mango pieces out into one long strand, keeping each piece touching. Gradually you will be able to press this into a long diagonal strip, like a deck of cards on its side.
4. Starting at one end, roll the mango in a circle, taking care to keep a small overlap between pieces so that they stay stuck together.
Here is a video tutorial for making a mango rose!
I hope you enjoy this recipe for mango sticky rice! If you're looking for more rice-based desserts, I recommend trying this Sushi Rice Pudding or these Brown Butter Rice Krispies (not exactly the same kind of rice, but still fun).
Easy Mango Sticky Rice
Ingredients
- 1 cup short grain rice sometimes labeled "Calrose" or "sushi rice"
- 1 15 oz can coconut milk full fat if possible
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- Mango slices mint, and sesame seeds to serve
Instructions
- In a fine mesh sieve, rinse rice. Add to a small pot along with can of coconut milk. If the coconut mixture separates (this is normal), just try to break up the pieces of coconut that rose to the top of the can. This cream will soften as you cook it down. Bring this mixture to a boil.
- Add salt and maple syrup. Reduce heat to low and cover the pot. Cook for 5 minutes, until coconut milk is absorbed.
- Add 1 and ½ cups more water and continue cooking on low until all water is absorbed, about 5 more minutes. Stir a few times to prevent sticking on the bottom of the pot. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Serve warm with sliced mango (see tutorial for a mango rose in notes), a sprinkle of sesame seeds, and fresh mint if desired.
Sarah says
Simply delicious!
Emily says
I appreciate your comment, Sarah!!