Four-Ingredient Mango Sticky Rice

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A simple, traditional Thai dessert featuring sweet sticky rice served with ripe mango slices and a luscious coconut sauce made with just four ingredients. This thai-inspired desserts (gluten free) ready in about 40 minutes layers glutinous sticky rice, coconut milk, sugar into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 3, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 30 min Serves 3 Thai cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Rinse 1 cup glutinous sticky rice under cold water until water runs clear. Soak rice in water for 4 hours, then drain.
  2. Step 2: Steam the soaked rice in a bamboo steamer or steamer basket lined with cheesecloth over boiling water for 20-25 minutes until translucent and tender.
  3. Step 3: While rice steams, combine 1 cup coconut milk and 1/3 cup sugar in a small saucepan. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring until sugar dissolves completely and the mixture is warm but not boiling, about 5 minutes.
  4. Step 4: Transfer the steamed sticky rice to a bowl and pour 3/4 cup of the warm coconut milk mixture over it. Stir gently, cover, and let it absorb for 20 minutes until creamy.
  5. Step 5: Serve the sticky rice with 1 large ripe mango peeled and sliced alongside, drizzling remaining coconut sauce on top.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Four-Ingredient Mango Sticky Rice take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (10 min prep + 30 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.

How do I store leftover Four-Ingredient Mango Sticky Rice?

Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.

Can I substitute ingredients in Four-Ingredient Mango Sticky Rice?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Four-Ingredient Mango Sticky Rice for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Four-Ingredient Mango Sticky Rice gluten free?

Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.