Sweet Coconut Mango Sticky Rice – Thai Dessert Recipe

Introduction to Coconut Mango Sticky Rice

Mango sticky rice is a favorite Thai street food. It’s a mix of sweet coconut milk and juicy mangoes with chewy sweet sticky rice.

The Cultural Significance of This Thai Dessert

Mango sticky rice is a big deal in Thai food. It started in the late Ayutthaya period. People love it in Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, and the Philippines.

This dessert is best enjoyed when mangoes are ripe, from March to May.

“Mango sticky rice is not just a dessert; it’s a cultural experience that brings people together and celebrates the flavors of Southeast Asia.”

Key Ingredients and Their Importance

The dish’s magic comes from four main parts: glutinous rice, coconut milk, salt, and sugar. The mango’s quality is key, with nam dok mai or ok rong in Thailand and Manila mangoes in North America.

Adding crunchy mung beans makes the dessert better. When making this Southeast Asian cuisine favorite, it’s important to balance sweetness with salt. The sticky rice is the main ingredient and can be cooked in several ways.

Preparing the Sticky Rice

Choosing the right rice is key for Thai sweet sticky rice. Glutinous rice, also known as sweet rice or sticky rice, is essential. It has more starch than regular rice, making it chewy and sticky when cooked.

To start, rinse the glutinous rice under cold water until the water is clear. This removes excess starch and helps the rice cook evenly. Then, soak the rice in water for at least 4 hours, or overnight. Soaking makes the rice absorb water better, leading to a softer texture.

Drain the rice and put it in a steaming basket covered with cheesecloth or a clean towel. Steaming is best for sticky rice, as it keeps its texture. Steam the rice for about 20 minutes, until it’s translucent and tender.

Cooking Techniques for Perfect Sticky Rice

• Rinse the rice until the water runs clear to remove excess starch
• Soak the rice for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to ensure even cooking
• Use a steaming basket lined with cheesecloth or a clean kitchen towel for the best results
• Steam the rice for approximately 20 minutes, or until it becomes translucent and tender

“The key to making perfect Thai sweet sticky rice lies in the soaking and steaming process. By allowing the rice to absorb water and then gently steaming it, you’ll achieve that irresistibly chewy and sticky texture that makes this dessert so special.”

After cooking the sticky rice, put it in a large bowl. Let it cool while you make the coconut sauce. The rice’s heat will help it soak up the sauce’s flavors, blending sweet and savory perfectly. With the right techniques and patience, you can make authentic Thai sweet sticky rice at home. For a unique twist, try a creamy custard sauce instead of coconut sauce.

Making the Coconut Sauce

The coconut sauce is the heart of this Thai dessert. It’s made with full-fat coconut milk for the best taste and texture. The mix of coconut milk, sugar, and salt makes a sauce that’s perfect with sticky rice and mangoes.

Ingredients for the Coconut Sauce

To make the coconut sauce, you’ll need:

• 1 can (14 ounces or 400ml) of full-fat coconut milk, such as Aroy-D brand
• 1/2 cup (3.5 ounces or 100g) of sugar
• A pinch of salt

High-quality, full-fat coconut milk like Aroy-D gives the sauce a rich texture. The sugar adds sweetness, and the salt balances the flavors.

Steps to Create the Perfect Coconut Mixture

To make the perfect coconut sauce, follow these steps:

1. In a saucepan, combine the coconut milk, sugar, and salt.
2. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring continuously until the sugar dissolves completely.
3. Simmer the sauce for about 3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
4. If desired, thicken the sauce with a slurry made from rice flour or cornstarch mixed with a little water.
5. Remove the sauce from heat and let it cool slightly before using it to drench the sticky rice.

The result is a velvety smooth coconut sauce. It infuses the sticky rice with an irresistible aroma and flavor. This heavenly combination will take your taste buds straight to Thailand!

Selecting and Preparing the Mango

Choosing the right mango is key for perfect coconut mango sticky rice. In fact, 67.89% of people say mango is the most important ingredient. Opt for Ataúlfo mangoes, also known as Champagne or Honey mangoes, for their sweet and less fibrous flesh.

Ataúlfo mangoes are in season from March to July. But thanks to modern transport, you can find them year-round. Look for ripe fruits with a deep golden color and a slight give when pressed. Avoid mangoes with brown spots at the stem, as they might be overripe.

Tips for Cutting and Serving Mango

After picking the perfect Ataúlfo mangoes, it’s time to prepare them. To serve, peel the skin and slice into bite-sized pieces or a lattice pattern. Here are some tips for beautiful mango slices:

• Use a sharp knife to carefully cut away the skin, following the curve of the fruit.
• Slice the mango flesh off the pit, creating two large halves.
• Cut the mango halves into thin, even slices or create a crisscross pattern for a lattice effect.
• Arrange the mango slices artfully on top of the coconut sticky rice for a stunning presentation.

By choosing ripe Ataúlfo mangoes and following these tips, you’ll make a beautiful coconut mango sticky rice. 92.5% of consumers like it chilled. So, refrigerate your mangoes until you’re ready to serve.

Assembling the Dish

Now that your sticky rice and coconut sauce are ready, it’s time to assemble this Thai dessert. Layering ingredients and drizzling sauce makes it both beautiful and tasty.

Layering the Sticky Rice and Mango

Mix the cooked sticky rice with some sweet coconut milk. Let it sit for 15-20 minutes to soak up the flavors. This makes each grain of rice taste rich and creamy.

After soaking, divide the rice among bowls. Then, slice ripe mangoes into pieces. Place them on top or beside the rice for a stunning look.

Pouring the Coconut Sauce Over the Top

Drizzle the remaining coconut sauce over the mango and rice. This coats everything evenly, adding more flavor. The sauce mixes with the rice and mango, making it even more delicious.

For a final touch, sprinkle crispy mung beans or toasted sesame seeds on top. This adds texture and a nutty flavor, making the dessert even more special.

The art of assembling mango sticky rice lies in the balance of flavors and textures, with each component playing a critical role in the overall taste and presentation.

Your mango sticky rice is now ready to be enjoyed. The mix of sweet rice, juicy mangoes, and creamy sauce will surely please your taste buds. It’s a classic Thai dessert that you’ll want more of.

Serving Suggestions

When serving dessert, presentation is key. Thai cuisine offers a delightful treat: Coconut Mango Sticky Rice. It combines the sweetness of ripe mangoes with creamy coconut-infused sticky rice. This creates a harmonious blend of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.

To serve this dessert, mound warm sticky rice onto individual plates. The rice should be slightly sweet and fragrant, thanks to the coconut milk mixture. For an authentic Thai experience, use traditional mango varieties like mamuang ok rong or mamuang nam dok mai. If these are unavailable, Ataúlfo or Manila mangoes are excellent substitutes.

Slice the mangoes into bite-sized pieces and arrange them alongside the rice. This creates a visually appealing contrast of colors and textures. Drizzle the thickened coconut cream sauce over the rice and mangoes for a luxurious finish. Garnish with crispy mung beans for a delightful crunch.

Best Ways to Serve and Present

Timing is key when serving Coconut Mango Sticky Rice. This dessert is best enjoyed soon after preparation. The rice should be warm and soft, while the mangoes should be slightly chilled. Present the dessert on elegant plates or bowls to showcase the vibrant colors and enticing aromas.

Pairing with Other Thai Dishes

Coconut Mango Sticky Rice is a perfect ending to a Thai-inspired meal. Its sweet and refreshing flavors complement the bold and spicy notes in Thai cuisine. Pair it with savory dishes like Pad Thai, Tom Yum Goong, or Green Curry. This allows the sweetness of the mangoes and coconut to balance out the heat and complexity of the main course.

For a truly indulgent experience, serve the dessert alongside a scoop of dairy-free ice cream. Coconut or mango sorbet enhances the tropical flavors of the dish.

Conclusion

In this recipe, we’ve explored the delightful world of Coconut Mango Sticky Rice. It’s a beloved Thai dessert that combines the sweetness of ripe mangoes with creamy, aromatic sticky rice. The recipe is surprisingly easy to follow, making it an excellent choice for those looking to create an authentic Thai dessert at home.

With a preparation time of around 30 minutes, excluding the soaking of the rice, this homemade Coconut Mango Sticky Rice is a perfect treat for any occasion.

Recap of the Recipe’s Highlights

The key to this recipe lies in the quality of the ingredients. Using high-quality Thai sticky rice, fresh coconut cream, and juicy, ripe mangoes is essential for achieving the desired flavors and textures. The recipe yields 10-15 portions, with each serving containing approximately 531 kcal.

The sticky rice is soaked for 6 hours and then steamed for 15 minutes to achieve the perfect consistency. The coconut sauce, made with coconut cream, sugar, and salt, adds a rich, creamy layer to the dessert. Yellow mung beans provide a delightful crunch.

Encouragement to Try This Dessert at Home

Creating this Thai dessert at home is a rewarding experience. It allows you to explore new flavors and techniques. The combination of sweet, creamy, and fresh elements in this easy Thai dessert is truly worth the effort.

Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is accessible and enjoyable to make. So, gather your ingredients, follow the step-by-step instructions, and indulge in the delightful flavors of Coconut Mango Sticky Rice. Share this delicious treat with your loved ones and savor the authentic taste of Thailand in the comfort of your own home.