Thai Mango Sticky Rice with Coconut Sauce (Khao Niao)
A beloved Thai dessert featuring tender glutinous rice steamed to perfection and paired with sweet, creamy coconut sauce and fresh mango slices. The sticky rice absorbs the aromatic coconut milk while maintaining its distinctive chewy texture, creating a harmonious balance of sweet and tropical flavors. This traditional treat is perfect for special occasions or as a refreshing end to a spicy Thai meal, offering an authentic taste of Southeast Asian cuisine that's surprisingly simple to make at home.
Ingredients
- 1 cup uncooked glutinous rice, sweet or sticky ricejasmine rice1:1dietary
texture will be different
- 1 cup canned unsweetened coconut milk
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 mango, peeled, pitted, and thinly sliced
Instructions
- 1
Wash rice in cold running water until water runs clear
- 2
Soak rice for at least 1 hour or up to overnight in cold water to cover, then drain
- 3
Line steamer basket with cheesecloth and add drained rice
- 4
Place steamer over large pot filled with water and cover with lid
- 5
Steam rice over medium-high heat for 20 minutes until tender
- 6
Combine coconut milk, sugar, and salt in pot over medium heat, stirring until mixture simmers
- 7
Remove sauce from heat but keep warm
- 8
Mix half of the sauce with cooked rice and let sit for 15 to 20 minutes
- 9
Scoop rice into cups or molds to form round, slightly domed mounds
- 10
Place each rice scoop on plate and top with mango slices
- 11
Drizzle with remaining sauce as desired
Tips
Soak the glutinous rice overnight for best texture and easier steaming
Keep the coconut sauce warm but not hot when mixing with rice to prevent curdling
Choose ripe but firm mangoes for the best balance of sweetness and texture
Good to Know
Cover and refrigerate rice for up to 3 days. Store coconut sauce separately and gently reheat before serving.
Rice can be steamed 1 day ahead. Coconut sauce keeps covered at room temperature for 4 hours.
Serve immediately while coconut sauce is warm for best flavor and texture contrast.
Common Mistakes
Don't let coconut sauce get cold before mixing with rice to avoid poor absorption
Avoid over-steaming rice to prevent mushy texture
Substitutions
richer flavor
FAQ
Can I use regular rice instead of glutinous rice?
Regular rice won't provide the characteristic sticky, chewy texture that defines this dessert. Glutinous rice is essential for authentic results.
How long does leftover mango sticky rice keep?
Refrigerate for up to 3 days, though texture is best within 24 hours. Gently reheat rice and sauce separately before serving.
Can I freeze mango sticky rice?
The rice portion freezes well for up to 3 months, but fresh mango should be added after thawing and reheating.