Easy Mango Sticky Rice

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.

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).

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 (1/8-1/4 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).

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