Thai Sticky Rice with Mango
This dessert is about texture. When prepared correctly, the rice holds its shape while staying soft enough to coat your spoon in rich coconut cream.
Commit to the soak time.
Raw glutinous rice is impenetrable if rushed. Give it a full three-hour soak before you touch the steamer.
- Bamboo steamer or fine-mesh sieve
- Cheesecloth
- Heavy-bottomed saucepan
- Mixing bowl
What goes in.
- 1.5 cupsThai glutinous rice (sticky rice)
- 1 cupfull-fat coconut milk
- 1/2 cupgranulated sugar
- 1/2 tspsea salt
- 2ripe yellow mangoes, peeled and sliced
- 1 tsptoasted sesame seeds (optional)
Infusion after the steam
Do not stir the rice while it is soaking in the coconut milk. Let it sit covered so the grains swell naturally, keeping the texture intact rather than turning it into mush.
The method.
Soak the rice
Rinse the rice until the water runs clear. Cover with cold water by two inches and set aside for 3 hours.
Steam the rice
Line your steamer with cheesecloth. Drain the rice, spread it out, and steam over boiling water for 25 minutes. It should be translucent and firm to the bite.
Prepare the coconut base
In a small saucepan, bring the coconut milk, sugar, and salt to a simmer over medium heat. Stir only until the sugar dissolves.
Combine
Transfer the hot rice into a bowl. Pour three-quarters of the coconut mixture over the rice. Cover tightly with a lid or plate and let sit for 30 minutes.
Serve
Fluff the rice with a fork. Divide among plates, place mango slices alongside, and drizzle with the remaining coconut mixture.
Other turns to take.
Salty Crunch
Top with toasted mung beans instead of sesame seeds for a traditional, brittle contrast.
When it doesn't go to plan.
Use a glass or ceramic bowl for the soaking stage to keep the temperature stable.
If the rice looks dry after the first 30 minutes, add a splash of the remaining coconut milk—don't over-soak or it will lose its chew.
Mangoes should yield slightly to thumb pressure but remain firm enough to slice cleanly.
The ones that keep coming up.
Can I use regular long-grain rice?
No. Glutinous rice contains different starches that provide the necessary elasticity. Standard rice will not hold together.
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