Half-Sweet Coconut Sticky Rice with Mango
A tropical dessert featuring sticky rice cooked with half the usual sugar for a subtle sweetness, paired with ripe mango and creamy coconut milk. This thai-inspired desserts ready in about 50 minutes layers glutinous rice, water, coconut milk 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 4, 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.
Ingredients
- 1 cup glutinous rice
- 1 1/4 cups water
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 large, sliced ripe mango
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Rinse 1 cup glutinous rice under cold water until water runs clear. Soak rice in water for at least 4 hours or overnight, then drain.
- Step 2: In a steamer basket lined with cheesecloth, steam the soaked rice for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, fluff rice and steam for another 15 minutes until tender and translucent.
- Step 3: While rice steams, heat 1 cup coconut milk with 1/4 cup granulated sugar and 1/4 tsp salt over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves and mixture is warm but not boiling.
- Step 4: Transfer steamed rice to a large bowl and slowly pour the warm sweetened coconut milk over it. Stir gently to combine, cover, and let sit for 30 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Step 5: Serve sticky rice with slices of 1 large ripe mango on the side and sprinkle 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds on top for a nutty finish.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Half-Sweet Coconut Sticky Rice with Mango take to make?
Total time is about 50 minutes (10 min prep + 40 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 Half-Sweet Coconut Sticky Rice with Mango?
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 Half-Sweet Coconut Sticky Rice with Mango?
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 Half-Sweet Coconut Sticky Rice with Mango for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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.
What goes well with Half-Sweet Coconut Sticky Rice with Mango?
Thai desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
