Sticky Mango Rice Pudding

Some desserts just hit different. Sticky mango coconut rice is one of those dishes - a dreamy mix of creamy, chewy, sweet, and tropical goodness. It’s the kind of treat that transports you straight to a beachside café in Thailand, spoon in hand, mango juice dripping, with no worries in sight. This dish is as indulgent as it is simple, proving that sometimes, the best flavours come from just a few quality ingredients.

Sticky rice has been a Southeast Asian staple for centuries, known for its soft, chewy texture and ability to soak up rich flavours. Traditionally served with ripe mango and drizzled with sweet coconut milk, this dish is a lesson in balance: the natural tang of fresh mango meets the rich, silky smoothness of coconut cream, while the sticky rice brings it all together. It’s comfort food, vacation food, and celebration food all in one.

The Perfect Sticky Mango Coconut Rice Recipe

This recipe is easy enough for a casual dessert but impressive enough to make it feel like a special occasion. Let’s get into it!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup glutinous (sticky) rice

• 1 ½ cups coconut milk

• ⅓ cup sugar (or to taste)

• ½ teaspoon salt

• 1 ripe mango, sliced

• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds or crushed peanuts (optional, for garnish)

• Fresh mint leaves (optional, for garnish)

  
  

Instructions:

1. Soak the Rice – Rinse the sticky rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Then soak it in water for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. This helps it cook evenly.

2. Cook the Rice – Drain the soaked rice and steam it in a bamboo or metal steamer lined with cheesecloth for about 25–30 minutes, until it’s tender and translucent. (If you don’t have a steamer, a heatproof bowl over a pot of simmering water with a lid works too!)

3. Make the Coconut Sauce – In a saucepan over low heat, combine the coconut milk, sugar, and salt. Stir until the sugar dissolves, but don’t let it boil! Reserve about ¼ cup for drizzling, then pour the rest over the hot rice, stirring to combine. Cover and let it sit for 10–15 minutes so the rice can soak up all that coconutty goodness.

4. Assemble & Serve – Scoop the coconut-infused rice onto a plate, top with juicy mango slices, and drizzle with the reserved coconut sauce. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds or crushed peanuts for extra crunch, and garnish with a fresh mint leaf if you’re feeling fancy.

5. Enjoy – Grab a spoon, take a bite, and pretend you’re on a tropical getaway.

   
   

Fun Tips & Tricks

• No sticky rice? No problem! You can get close with sushi rice or even jasmine rice—it won’t be quite the same, but it’ll still be delicious.

• Extra coconutty? Stir in some toasted coconut flakes for more texture and flavor.

• Mango not in season? Swap it out for caramelized bananas or even grilled peaches.

• Amp up the presentation by molding the sticky rice into little domes or serving it in a halved coconut shell. Instagram-worthy, guaranteed.

  
  

The Sweetest Takeaway

Sticky mango coconut rice isn’t just dessert - it’s an experience. It’s the kind of dish that instantly lifts your mood, whether you’re making it for yourself on a cozy night in or impressing friends at a dinner party. With its balance of creamy, chewy, and fruity flavours, it’s proof that the best treats come from simple, natural ingredients.

So go on, make yourself a plate, and let this dish transport you to a sunnier, sweeter place. Because honestly, life’s just better with mango and coconut.

What’s your go-to comfort dessert? Let’s talk cravings in the comments below!