Thai Mango Sticky Rice (Sushi Rice Hack)

Thai Mango Sticky Rice (Sushi Rice Hack)

Vegan • Vegetarian • Dairy-Free • Gluten-FreeDessertThai • Pan-Asian
Medium
35min
420kcal
4people

MACROS

per serving
gProtein
gFat
gCarbs
gSugar
gFiber
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A clever and delicious hack on the classic Thai dessert using sticky Japanese sushi rice, fresh ripe mangoes, and a luscious double-coconut sauce.

If you are craving a tropical, comforting dessert, this Thai Mango Sticky Rice is the absolute perfect treat to transport your tastebuds straight to the streets of Bangkok. Traditional Thai Mango Sticky Rice is usually made with long-grain glutinous sweet rice that requires hours of soaking and special bamboo steaming equipment. However, in this brilliant home-kitchen hack, we are using Japanese sushi rice! Because sushi rice is a short-grain variety with a naturally high starch content, it mimics that desirable chewy, sticky texture beautifully without any of the fuss. By utilizing both types of coconut products in your pantry, you get the absolute best of both worlds. We use the thinner canned coconut milk to gently hydrate and flavor the cooked rice—its water content is essential so the grains don't become greasy. Then, we take the luxurious canned coconut cream and reduce it into a thick, sweet, and slightly salty finishing sauce that cascades over the warm rice. Pairing this rich, warm coconut rice with the bright, chilled floral notes of fresh, highly perishable mango creates an unforgettable contrast of temperatures and flavors. Make sure your mango is perfectly ripe and yielding to the touch for the most authentic experience. This Thai Mango Sticky Rice is naturally vegan, gluten-free, and incredibly satisfying, proving that with a little culinary ingenuity, you can recreate world-class desserts right at home using simple pantry staples.

Ingredients

  • 200 g Japanese Sushi Rice
  • 240 ml Water
  • 120 ml Canned Coconut Milk
  • 50 g White Sugar
  • 3 g Sea Salt (1/2 tsp)
  • 2 whole Mango
  • 120 ml Canned Coconut Cream
  • 12 g White Sugar (for sauce) (1 tbsp)
  • 3 g Corn Starch (1 tsp)
  • 9 g Sesame Seeds (1 tbsp)

Instructions

  1. 1
    Place the Japanese sushi rice in a strainer and rinse it thoroughly under cold water until the water runs completely clear. Drain well.
  2. 2
    In a small pot, combine the rinsed Japanese sushi rice and the water. Bring to a boil, then immediately reduce the heat to the lowest setting, cover with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer for 15-20 minutes until the water is absorbed.
  3. 3
    While the rice cooks, make the sweet soaking liquid. In a small saucepan, combine the canned coconut milk, the first measurement of white sugar (1/4 cup / 50g), and a generous pinch of sea salt. Heat gently just until the sugar dissolves. Do not let it boil.
  4. 4
    When the rice is done, transfer it to a mixing bowl while it is still piping hot. Pour the warm coconut milk mixture over the hot rice. Fold gently, cover the bowl with a towel, and let it sit for 15-20 minutes to absorb all the liquid.
  5. 5
    To make the thick topping sauce, whisk together the canned coconut cream, the remaining white sugar (1 tbsp / 12g), a small pinch of sea salt, and the corn starch in a small saucepan. Heat over medium-low, stirring constantly, until it thickens into a rich, velvety sauce. Remove from heat.
  6. 6
    Peel the mango and slice the flesh cleanly away from the flat pit inside. Cut the halves into thin slices.
  7. 7
    To serve, mound the sweet, sticky rice on a plate. Fan the sliced mango alongside it, drizzle generously with the warm coconut cream sauce, and sprinkle with sesame seeds.

Chef's Tips

  • You must pour the coconut liquid over the rice while the rice is still completely hot; if it cools, the starches lock up and it won't absorb the liquid properly.
  • A pinch of salt in both the rice soak and the topping sauce is the secret to authentic Thai desserts—it beautifully balances out the sweetness.
  • Toast the sesame seeds lightly in a dry pan for a few minutes to bring out their nutty flavor before garnishing.

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