Mango sticky rice, or “Khao Niew Mamuang,” is a beloved Thai dessert that captures the essence of tropical flavors with its sweet and creamy coconutinfused rice paired with ripe, juicy mangoes. This delightful dish is not only popular in Thailand but has garnered a global following for its simplicity and allure. In this article, we’ll go through a stepbystep tutorial to create your own mango sticky rice at home.
Ingredients
For the Sticky Rice:
1 cup glutinous rice (also known as sticky rice or sweet rice)
1 cup coconut milk
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Mango Topping:
2 ripe mangoes, peeled and sliced
Sesame seeds or mung beans (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Sticky Rice
1. Soak the Rice: Rinse the glutinous rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This process removes excess starch. Soak the rice in water for at least 4 hours, ideally overnight.
2. Steam the Rice: After soaking, drain the rice. Place the rice in a steamer lined with cheesecloth or a clean kitchen towel. Steam the rice over boiling water for about 2530 minutes or until it’s tender and translucent. The rice should have a chewy texture.
Step 2: Make the Coconut Sauce
3. Combine Ingredients: While the rice is steaming, prepare the coconut sauce. In a saucepan, combine the coconut milk, sugar, and salt. Heat the mixture over mediumlow heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Avoid boiling the sauce; you want it warm and well mixed.
4. Mix with Rice: Once the rice is cooked, transfer it to a mixing bowl. Pour about 2/3 of the coconut sauce over the warm sticky rice and gently fold it in. Allow the rice to absorb the coconut flavor for about 1520 minutes. Reserve the remaining coconut sauce for drizzling later.
Step 3: Prepare the Mango
5. Slice the Mangoes: While the rice is soaking up the sauce, peel and slice the mangoes. Make sure they are perfectly ripe for optimal sweetness—look for smooth, slightly soft fruit.
Step 4: Assemble the Dish
6. Plate the Sticky Rice: Take a portion of the coconut sticky rice and shape it into a mound on a serving plate. You can also use a small bowl or mold if you prefer a neat presentation.
7. Add Mango: Arrange the mango slices beside the sticky rice, ensuring they overlap slightly for a beautiful presentation.
8. Drizzle and Garnish: Drizzle the reserved coconut sauce over the sticky rice and mango. For an added touch, sprinkle sesame seeds or toasted mung beans on top for texture and flavor.
Tips for the Perfect Mango Sticky Rice
Selecting Mangoes: Opt for the Thai varieties like Nam Dok Mai or Ataulfo, which are sweeter and have a smoother texture.
Serving Temperature: Mango sticky rice can be served warm or at room temperature, making it a versatile choice for any occasion.
Customization: Feel free to adjust the sweetness of the coconut sauce according to your taste or experiment with different toppings like nuts or fruit.
With this simple guide, you’ll be able to create an exquisite mango sticky rice dish that will delight your taste buds and impress your guests. The combination of the creamy coconut rice and the sweetness of fresh mangoes makes for a truly enchanting dessert that embodies the essence of Thai cuisine.