Half-Sweet Mango Sticky Rice
A light take on the classic Thai dessert featuring half the usual sugar for a balanced sweetness alongside creamy coconut sticky rice and ripe mango. This thai-inspired desserts ready in about 40 minutes layers glutinous rice, coconut milk, salt 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 280 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.
Ingredients
- 1 cup glutinous rice
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1/4 cup (half the typical 1/2 cup) granulated sugar
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 large ripe mango, sliced
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
- Step 1: Rinse 1 cup glutinous rice under cold water until the water runs clear, then soak in water for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Step 2: Drain the rice and steam it over boiling water for 20 minutes until tender and translucent.
- Step 3: While the rice steams, combine 1 cup coconut milk, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, and 1/4 tsp salt in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir until sugar dissolves and mixture is hot but not boiling.
- Step 4: Transfer the hot steamed rice to a bowl and immediately pour the coconut milk mixture over it, stirring gently to combine. Cover and let it absorb the liquid for 15 minutes.
- Step 5: Serve the sticky rice with sliced 1 large ripe mango and sprinkle 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds on top for texture.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Half-Sweet 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 Half-Sweet 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 Half-Sweet 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 Half-Sweet 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.
What goes well with Half-Sweet Mango Sticky Rice?
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.
