Mango Sticky Rice (Vegetarian)

A classic Thai dessert of sweet, creamy coconut sticky rice paired with ripe mango and a drizzle of coconut sauce — rich, fragrant, and perfect for taking your time.

Backstory: This is one of my favorite finishes to a meal — simple ingredients that combine into something indulgent and elegant.

Ingredients

• 1 cup glutinous (sticky) rice*
• 1 1/4 cups water
• 1 cup coconut milk (plus 1/4 cup extra for sauce)
• 1/3 cup sugar (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 2 ripe mangoes, peeled and sliced
• 1 tbsp roasted sesame seeds or crushed triangular cheese (optional, for garnish)
• Optional: date syrup or caramel for extra drizzle

Instructions

1. Rinse the sticky rice under cold water until the water runs mostly clear. Soak the rice in water for at least 4 hours or overnight (best).
2. Drain the soaked rice and steam it in a steamer basket lined with cheesecloth or a clean kitchen towel for 20–25 minutes, until tender. If you don't have a steamer, cook gently in a small pot with 1 1/4 cups water: bring to a boil, reduce to low, cover tightly, and simmer 15–18 minutes, then rest covered 10 minutes.
3. While rice cooks, warm 1 cup coconut milk with 1/3 cup sugar and 1/4 tsp salt over low heat, stirring until sugar dissolves. Do not boil.
4. When rice is done, transfer it to a bowl and immediately pour about 3/4 of the sweetened coconut milk over the rice. Stir gently to combine, cover, and let sit 15–20 minutes so the rice absorbs the coconut flavor and becomes glossy.
5. For the topping sauce, warm the remaining 1/4 cup coconut milk with a teaspoon of sugar and a pinch of salt until slightly thickened (or mix 1/4 cup coconut milk with a small slurry of cornstarch and heat gently until thick).
6. To serve, mound sticky rice beside sliced mango on plates. Drizzle with the coconut sauce and, if using, sprinkle roasted sesame seeds or a light drizzle of date syrup or caramel for extra sweetness.
7. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Flavor profile

• Rich, creamy coconut rice balanced by bright, juicy mango; sweet but not cloying, with a silky mouthfeel.

That's a veggie masterpiece. Publish it to share with the community!