Are you ready to bring a taste of Thailand into your home? This mango sticky rice recipe is a delicious and exotic dessert that’s surprisingly simple to make. Perfect for American moms who love exploring new recipes in the kitchen, this dish combines the rich flavors of sweet mango and creamy coconut rice, creating a perfect balance of taste and texture. Whether you’re looking to impress your family or simply indulge in a delightful treat, this recipe has all the steps you need to create an authentic Thai dessert right in your kitchen.
What is Mango Sticky Rice?
Mango sticky rice recipe is a traditional Thai dessert made from glutinous (sticky) rice, coconut milk, sugar, salt, and ripe mangoes. The combination of these ingredients creates a harmonious blend of sweet and creamy flavors, complemented by the natural sweetness of mango. This dish is a popular street food in Thailand, especially during the mango season, and it’s often enjoyed as a refreshing dessert to cool off from the tropical heat.
Best Brands of Rice for Mango Sticky Rice
When making mango sticky rice recipe, choosing the right rice is crucial. The best rice for this dish is glutinous rice, also known as sticky rice or sweet rice. Here are a few recommended brands available in the U.S.:
- Three Rings Sweet Rice: A high-quality Thai sticky rice brand known for its perfect texture and stickiness.
- Lundberg Family Farms Organic Sweet Rice: An organic option that’s readily available in many grocery stores.
- Golden Phoenix Glutinous Rice: Another excellent choice for achieving that authentic sticky rice texture.
Is Jasmine Rice Sticky Rice?
While jasmine rice is a staple in Thai cuisine, it’s not the same as sticky rice. Jasmine rice is fragrant and has a slightly sticky texture when cooked, but it doesn’t have the same level of stickiness needed for mango sticky rice recipe. For this recipe, it’s essential to use glutinous rice to achieve the right consistency.
Can Sushi Rice Be Used for Mango Sticky Rice?
Sushi rice is another type of short-grain rice that has a sticky texture, but it’s not the best substitute for glutinous rice. While you could use sushi rice in a pinch, the final texture won’t be as authentic. It’s best to stick with glutinous rice to get that perfect sticky consistency that holds the coconut sauce and mango slices together.
The Secret to Perfect Sticky Rice
Achieving the perfect sticky rice requires some careful preparation, but it’s well worth the effort. Here are a few tips to ensure your sticky rice turns out just right.
How Long Should You Soak Sticky Rice?
The key to making perfect sticky rice is soaking the rice before cooking it. The rice should be soaked for at least 4 hours, but overnight soaking is ideal. Soaking helps the rice absorb water, ensuring even cooking and a soft, sticky texture.
What Holds Sticky Rice Together?
The stickiness of the rice comes from its high starch content. When cooked, the starches in the rice become gelatinous, causing the grains to stick together. This natural stickiness is what makes sticky rice so unique and perfect for pairing with the sweet coconut sauce and mango.
How to Make Mango Sticky Rice
Now that you know the basics, let’s dive into the actual preparation of mango sticky rice recipe. Follow these steps to create a delicious and authentic Thai dessert.
Ingredients
- 1 cup glutinous rice
- 1 ½ cups coconut milk
- ½ cup sugar
- ¼ tsp salt
- 2 ripe mangoes, peeled and sliced
- 2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
Preparing the Sticky Rice
- Soak the Rice:
- The glutinous rice should be rinsed thoroughly in cold water until the water is clear.
- Soak the rice in water for at least 4 hours or overnight for the best results.
- Cook the Rice:
- Rinse the rice and place it in a steamer basket covered with cheesecloth or a dry kitchen towel.
- Cook the rice in a steamer over medium heat for 25 to 30 minutes, or until it reaches a soft and sticky consistency. Make sure to check the water level in the steamer periodically and add more if needed.
Making the Coconut Sauce
- Prepare the Coconut Milk:
- To make the coconut milk sugar, add the salt and cook in a saucepan.
- Once the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is hot (but not boiling), cook, stirring continuously, over medium heat.
- Mix the Coconut Milk with Sticky Rice:
- The sticky rice should be transferred to a big bowl after cooking.
- Pour about ¾ of the coconut milk mixture over the rice and stir to combine.
- Let the rice sit for about 10 minutes to absorb the coconut milk fully.
Assembling the Mango Sticky Rice
- Prepare the Mangoes:
- While the rice is soaking up the coconut milk, peel and slice the ripe mangoes into thin, even slices.
- Plate the Dish:
- After cooking, spoon some sticky rice onto a serving dish.
- Set the rice aside and arrange the mango slices on top.
- Drizzle the remaining coconut milk sauce over the rice.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the top for a bit of crunch (optional).
- Serve immediately while the rice is still warm.
Is Mango Sticky Rice Served Hot or Cold?
Mango sticky rice is best enjoyed warm or at room temperature. The warm sticky rice contrasts beautifully with the cool, sweet mango, creating a delightful combination of textures and flavors. However, it can also be enjoyed cold, depending on your preference.
Practical Tips for Mango Sticky Rice
Here are some additional tips to ensure your mango sticky rice turns out perfectly every time:
- Storing Leftovers: If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Before serving, reheat gently in the microwave.
- Serving Suggestions: Mango sticky rice is a versatile dessert that pairs well with a variety of other dishes, such as Thai iced tea or fresh fruit.
- Garnish Ideas: For added flavor and texture, consider garnishing your mango sticky rice with toasted sesame seeds, shredded coconut, or a drizzle of honey.
FAQs
Q1. What to Eat with Sticky Rice?
Mango sticky rice is a complete dessert on its own, but it pairs well with other Thai treats like Thai iced tea or fresh fruit. For a savory twist, you can serve it alongside a light, spicy Thai salad to balance the sweetness.
Q2. Is Mango Sticky Rice Actually Good?
Absolutely! Mango sticky rice is a beloved dessert in Thailand and around the world for its unique combination of flavors and textures. The sweet and slightly salty sticky rice pairs perfectly with the fresh mango, making it a refreshing and satisfying treat.
Q3. How to Properly Eat Mango Sticky Rice?
To enjoy mango sticky rice, simply take a spoonful of the sticky rice, ensuring it has a bit of the coconut sauce, and pair it with a slice of mango. The combination of warm rice and cool mango creates a delightful taste experience.
Q4. What Holds Sticky Rice Together?
The high starch content in glutinous rice is what makes it sticky. When cooked, the starches become gelatinous, causing the rice grains to stick together. This natural stickiness is essential for the texture of the dish.
Q5. Why is Sticky Rice Different from Regular Rice?
Sticky rice differs from regular rice due to its high amylopectin content, which gives it its sticky texture. This makes it ideal for dishes like mango sticky rice, where the rice needs to hold together well with the coconut sauce.
Conclusion: Bring a Taste of Thailand to Your Table
Mango sticky rice is more than just a dessert; it’s a cultural experience that brings the vibrant flavors of Thailand into your home. With this recipe, you can easily recreate this beloved dish and share it with your family and friends. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is simple enough to follow and yields delicious results. So why not try it out today and add a new favorite to your dessert repertoire?