There’s something utterly enchanting about the creamy sweetness of Mango Sticky Rice Pudding—a dessert that wraps the tropical sunny flavors of ripe mango in a comforting, velvety coconut embrace. One afternoon, craving something both refreshing and indulgent, I whipped up this classic treat and was instantly transported to bustling Thai markets filled with vibrant colors and irresistible aromas. What I love most? It’s surprisingly simple to make at home, yet feels like a luxurious finale to any meal. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or someone tired of the usual fast food routine, this dish delivers a perfect balance of luscious, fragrant, and satisfying in every spoonful. Let me share how you can bring a taste of paradise straight to your kitchen with this beloved Mango Sticky Rice Pudding recipe.
Why choose Mango Sticky Rice Pudding?
Simplicity meets sophistication in this recipe, making it perfect for all skill levels. Vibrant flavor: ripe mangoes and creamy coconut milk create a tropical taste sensation. Comforting texture blends sticky rice’s chewiness with a luscious pudding feel. Quick to prepare, it’s an ideal treat for busy home cooks craving something special. Versatile and crowd-pleasing, it’s perfect for family meals or impressing guests with an exotic twist.
Mango Sticky Rice Pudding Ingredients
For the Sticky Rice
- Glutinous rice (sticky rice) – soak overnight to achieve the perfect chewy texture essential for Mango Sticky Rice Pudding.
- Coconut milk – use full-fat for a rich and creamy base that envelops the rice in tropical goodness.
- Sugar – balances the coconut’s richness with just the right sweetness, adjustable to taste.
- Salt – a pinch enhances all the flavors, bringing out depth in the pudding.
For the Mango & Topping
- Ripe mangoes – choose fragrant, juicy mangoes for that quintessential burst of sunshine.
- Toasted sesame seeds or mung beans – add crunch and a nutty contrast to the creamy pudding.
- Coconut cream (optional) – drizzle over the top for an extra luscious finish and intensified coconut flavor.
How to Make Mango Sticky Rice Pudding
- Soak Rice: In a large bowl, cover glutinous rice with water and let it soak for at least 4 hours or ideally overnight, ensuring the grains soften and expand for that signature chewy texture.
- Steam Rice: Drain the soaked rice and transfer it to a steamer lined with cheesecloth. Steam over boiling water for about 20 minutes until grains turn translucent and tender, gently fluffing halfway.
- Mix Coconut Base: While rice steams, whisk together coconut milk, sugar, and a pinch of salt in a saucepan. Warm over medium heat just until the sugar dissolves—avoid boiling to preserve creaminess.
- Combine & Rest: Transfer hot sticky rice into a bowl, pour ¾ of the coconut mixture over it, stirring gently to coat. Cover and let rest for 15 minutes so flavors meld deliciously.
For Serving:
- Slice Mango: Peel ripe mangoes and slice the flesh into thin, fan-like wedges or bite-sized cubes. Aim for vibrant golden pieces that perfectly complement the creamy rice with their juicy sweetness.
- Assemble Dessert: Spoon the coconut-infused rice onto serving plates or bowls. Arrange the mango slices alongside, drizzle remaining coconut sauce on top, then sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds or mung beans for crunch.
Optional: garnish with fresh mint for extra color and aroma.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Mango Sticky Rice Pudding?
The sweet, creamy allure of this dessert deserves the perfect companions to elevate your dining experience.
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Coconut Curry: The rich, savory notes of coconut curry contrast beautifully with the sweetness of the pudding, creating a balanced meal.
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Grilled Chicken Skewers: Juicy chicken skewers marinated in herbs add a protein punch while echoing tropical flavors, perfect for a summer meal.
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Fresh Fruit Salad: A vibrant mix of seasonal fruits like papaya and pineapple adds a refreshing, tangy counterpoint to the creamy pudding.
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Thai Iced Tea: The sweet, spiced notes of this classic Thai beverage blend seamlessly with the pudding, making each bite a delight.
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Crispy Spring Rolls: As a crunchy appetizer, crispy spring rolls provide a delightful texture contrast, enhancing the meal with a savory touch.
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Mango Sorbet: This light, fruity dessert makes for a perfect palate cleanser, reinforcing the luscious mango theme while keeping everything refreshing.
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Toasted Coconut Chips: For a fun, crunchy topping, toasted coconut chips play up the coconut flavor and add texture that complements the pudding’s creaminess.
How to Store and Freeze Mango Sticky Rice Pudding
Fridge: Store any leftover Mango Sticky Rice Pudding in an airtight container for up to 3 days. This keeps the flavors intact and ensures the pudding remains creamy.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the pudding in individual portions within airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
Reheating: Gently reheat the pudding in the microwave on low power, adding a splash of coconut milk to restore creaminess without drying out.
Serving Tip: Always serve your pudding fresh with ripe mango slices added just before serving for that delightful tropical touch!
Mango Sticky Rice Pudding Variations & Substitutions
Feel free to explore these delightful twists and substitutions that will make your Mango Sticky Rice Pudding even more unique and personal.
- Brown Sugar: Swap regular sugar for brown sugar for a deeper caramel flavor that pairs beautifully with coconut.
- Fruit Alternatives: Instead of mango, try using ripe peaches or sliced bananas for a different tropical flair that’s equally satisfying.
- Plant-Based Milk: Replace coconut milk with almond or oat milk for a lighter version, though the flavor profile will shift slightly.
- Nutty Crunch: Add chopped nuts like pistachios or almonds instead of sesame seeds for an additional layer of crunch and nuttiness.
- Spiced Coconut: Enhance the coconut mixture by adding a pinch of cinnamon or cardamom to create a warm, aromatic touch in each bite.
For a mini-paragraph twist, think about creating a salted caramel version! Drizzle some homemade salted caramel sauce over your coconut pudding before adding the mango slices. This dance of flavors elevates the dish, adding an exciting twist of sweetness with a hint of salt.
- Layered Delight: Create a layered dessert by alternating mango, sticky rice, and coconut cream in cups for a visually stunning presentation that’s perfect for gatherings.
- Chilled Dessert: Serve the pudding chilled for a refreshing summertime treat; just allow it to sit in the fridge for an hour before serving, making it a cool delight on warm days.
With these variations, you can effortlessly transform this classic dessert into something uniquely yours!
Make Ahead Options
These Mango Sticky Rice Pudding preparations are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can soak the glutinous rice up to 24 hours in advance, which ensures it achieves that desired chewy texture. Additionally, the coconut mixture can be whisked together and refrigerated for up to 3 days, keeping its rich flavor intact. When you’re ready to serve, simply steam the soaked rice, mix it with the coconut base, and let it rest briefly. Then, plate it with fresh mango and a drizzle of coconut sauce for a delightful and refreshing dessert that’s just as delicious as when made fresh!
Expert Tips for Mango Sticky Rice Pudding
- Choose the Right Rice: Use glutinous or sticky rice specifically to achieve the perfect chewy texture essential for Mango Sticky Rice Pudding.
- Soak Thoroughly: Soak the rice overnight or at least 4 hours to ensure it cooks evenly and becomes tender without being mushy.
- Avoid Boiling Coconut Milk: Heat coconut milk gently to dissolve sugar; boiling can cause separation and affect pudding’s creaminess.
- Flavor Balance: Add just a pinch of salt to enhance sweetness and richness—too much salt can overpower the delicate balance.
- Perfect Mango Ripeness: Select ripe, fragrant mangoes that are juicy but firm enough to hold shape when sliced, intensifying fresh flavor contrast.
- Toast Toppings Lightly: Lightly toast sesame seeds or mung beans for a warm, nutty crunch that beautifully complements the creamy rice pudding.
Mango Sticky Rice Pudding Recipe FAQs
How do I know if my mangoes are ripe enough for Mango Sticky Rice Pudding?
Ripe mangoes should feel slightly soft when gently pressed, with a sweet, fragrant aroma. Avoid mangoes that are overly mushy or have dark spots all over, as these can be overripe and less flavorful. The best mangoes for this pudding have a vibrant golden color and a firm yet juicy texture.
What’s the best way to store leftover Mango Sticky Rice Pudding?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This short refrigeration helps preserve the pudding’s creaminess and fresh flavors. Avoid leaving it out at room temperature for more than two hours to maintain safety and taste quality.
Can I freeze Mango Sticky Rice Pudding for later?
Absolutely! To freeze, portion the pudding into airtight containers or freezer bags, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge, then gently warm in the microwave on low power. Add a splash of coconut milk when reheating to bring back that luscious creaminess.
What should I do if my sticky rice turns out too hard or dry?
Don’t worry, this is common if the rice isn’t soaked long enough or steamed properly. Next time, soak the glutinous rice at least 4 hours or overnight, then steam until translucent and tender. If your current batch is dry, sprinkle a little warm coconut milk over the rice and cover it for 10 minutes to help soften and rehydrate.
Is Mango Sticky Rice Pudding safe for pets or people with allergies?
Mango Sticky Rice Pudding is generally not suitable for pets due to coconut milk and sugar content. For allergic individuals, be cautious with coconut and mango allergies. Also, check for cross-contamination with sesame seeds if using them as toppings. Always serve according to dietary needs and consult with a professional if unsure.
Irresistible Mango Sticky Rice Pudding You Can’t Resist
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Soak Rice: In a large bowl, cover glutinous rice with water and let it soak for at least 4 hours or ideally overnight.
- Steam Rice: Drain soaked rice and steam over boiling water for about 20 minutes until tender.
- Mix Coconut Base: Whisk together coconut milk, sugar, and salt in a saucepan and warm until sugar dissolves.
- Combine & Rest: Transfer sticky rice to a bowl, pour ¾ coconut mixture over it, stir, cover and let rest for 15 minutes.
- Slice Mango: Peel and slice ripe mangoes into fan-like wedges or cubes.
- Assemble Dessert: Spoon coconut rice onto plates and arrange mango slices alongside. Drizzle with remaining coconut sauce and sprinkle with toppings.
