Mango Coconut Sticky Rice

Name: Mango Coconut Sticky Rice
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4.0
Ingredients: 1 cup glutinous rice; 1 1/2 cups coconut milk; 1/4 cup sugar; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 2 ripe mangoes, peeled and sliced; Sesame seeds or toasted coconut flakes for topping (optional)

Highlighted under: Cozy Dessert Classics

We had ripe mangoes sitting on the counter, and I just couldn't resist making something sweet with them. Needing a dessert that could come together quickly, I decided to make mango coconut sticky rice. It’s comforting, luscious, and oh-so-simple, especially when your fruit is perfectly ripe. Plus, who doesn’t love a little coconut cream drizzled over sticky rice? It really hits the spot.

Created by

The Globalbitesrecipes Team

Last updated on 2026-05-24T00:41:18.554Z

This recipe came about on a particularly warm day when I was craving something tropical and refreshing. I had a hunch that combining sweet, juicy mango with the creamy goodness of coconut milk would make the perfect treat. The first few times I made this, I didn’t cook the rice long enough, so it ended up being a bit crunchy—a real bummer! But once I figured out the right timing and water ratio, it became a weekly favorite.

Honestly, using glutinous rice is key here, as it gives that lovely sticky texture we’re after. I always have it on hand now, and it's the base for so many fun desserts. Trust me, make extra coconut sauce because you’ll want it drizzled on everything.

Why I Keep Making This

The combination of sweet mango and creamy coconut is unbeatable
Perfect for using up extra ripe fruit
Leftovers can be enjoyed for breakfast

The Secret to This Mango Coconut Sticky Rice

This recipe really shines when you have ripe mangoes, as their sweetness complements the creaminess of the coconut beautifully. I like to pick mangoes that feel slightly soft to the touch; that usually means they’ll be juicy and flavorful. Honestly, I’ve made this a few times with overripe mangoes, and it still turns out great. Just a little sweetness helps bring everything together.

When making the sticky rice, it's crucial to rinse the glutinous rice thoroughly until the water runs clear. It's a bit of extra effort, but it helps prevent the rice from being overly gummy. If you’re using a rice cooker, it typically does a decent job on its own, but keep an eye on the water level as it cooks.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your mango coconut sticky rice:

Ingredients

1 cup glutinous rice
1 1/2 cups coconut milk
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 ripe mangoes, peeled and sliced
Sesame seeds or toasted coconut flakes for topping (optional)

Instructions

Here's how to make your delightful sticky rice:

Prepare the Rice

Rinse the glutinous rice in cold water until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch. After that, soak the rice in water for about 30 minutes. If you're in a hurry, even 15 minutes can work.

Cook the Rice

Drain the soaked rice and add it to a pot with 1 cup of water. Bring it to a boil, then cover and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes. You'll know it's ready when the water is absorbed and the rice is tender, but not mushy.

Make the Coconut Sauce

In a small saucepan, combine the coconut milk, sugar, and salt. Heat it gently until the sugar dissolves completely; you don’t need to bring it to a boil. Set aside about a half cup for drizzling later.

Combine Rice and Sauce

Once the rice is done, remove it from heat and pour the remaining coconut sauce over it. Stir gently to make sure every grain of rice gets coated. Let it sit covered for about 10 minutes so the rice absorbs the sauce.

Serve It Up

Spoon the sticky rice onto plates, top with slices of mango, and drizzle some of that reserved coconut sauce over the top. Feel free to add sesame seeds or toasted coconut flakes for a bit of crunch!

Pro Tips

Don't skip soaking the rice, it really helps with the texture. If you want to switch things up, add a little vanilla extract to the coconut sauce. Always taste the coconut sauce before drizzling—adjust the sweetness to your liking.

Scaling Mango Coconut Sticky Rice for a Crowd

If you're planning to serve this dish to a crowd, it’s easy to scale up the recipe. Just keep the rice to water ratio the same, and I find that increasing the coconut milk and sugar is key for that same comforting consistency. You could double or even triple it without much fuss.

One thing to keep in mind is the cooking time. If you're using a larger pot, it might take a bit longer for the rice to become tender, so be patient. Check it a few minutes earlier than expected, especially if you’re making a big batch. And as for the mangoes, if you can find a variety with more fiber, it can add great texture and contrast against the creamy rice.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use regular rice?

You can, but I wouldn't recommend it. Regular rice won't give you that sticky texture that makes this dish special. Stick with glutinous.

→ What if I can't find glutinous rice?

Look for it in any Asian grocery store or online. It's key for sticky rice, so it’s worth the hunt.

→ Can I make this ahead of time?

Definitely, but reheat gently in the microwave with a splash of coconut milk to keep it moist. Honestly, I sometimes just eat it cold straight from the fridge too!