Pandan-Flavored Sticky Rice with Mango
A sweet Filipino dessert featuring glutinous rice infused with fragrant pandan leaves, served alongside ripe mango slices and coconut cream. This filipino-inspired desserts ready in about 40 minutes layers glutinous rice (sticky rice), leaves pandan leaves, tied in a knot, water 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
- 2 cups glutinous rice (sticky rice)
- 3 leaves pandan leaves, tied in a knot
- 2 1/2 cups water
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 large ripe mangoes, peeled and sliced
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Rinse 2 cups glutinous rice under cold water until water runs clear, then soak the rice in water for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Step 2: Drain the soaked rice and transfer to a pot. Add 2 1/2 cups water and 3 pandan leaves tied in a knot. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Step 3: Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, combine 1 cup coconut milk, 1/3 cup sugar, and 1/4 tsp salt. Heat gently over low heat until sugar dissolves; do not boil.
- Step 4: After the rice has cooked 15 minutes, remove pandan leaves and gently stir in the sweetened coconut milk. Cover and simmer for another 10 minutes until the rice is tender and creamy.
- Step 5: To serve, spoon the pandan sticky rice onto plates, arrange slices from 2 large ripe mangoes alongside, and sprinkle with 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds if desired. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pandan-Flavored Sticky Rice with Mango 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 Pandan-Flavored 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 Pandan-Flavored 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 Pandan-Flavored 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 Pandan-Flavored Sticky Rice with Mango?
Filipino 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.