Asians have various ways of preparing rice, and one of the most popular rice-based dishes in Asian cuisine is mango sticky rice.
If you haven’t heard of mango sticky rice, you might be wondering what mango sticky rice is and if mango sticky rice will suit your palate. I looked into it, and here’s what I found.
What Is Mango Sticky Rice?
Mango sticky rice is a Thai dessert that is made of glutinous rice, ripe mango, and coconut milk. Oftentimes, mango sticky rice is seasoned only with salt, but it can also be seasoned with sugar and topped with sesame seeds or thick coconut cream. Usually, mango sticky rice is eaten in April and May when mangoes are in season.
In case you’re interested to learn more about how mango sticky rice is prepared and why mango sticky rice is so popular, keep reading!
What Does Mango Sticky Rice Taste Like?
Mango sticky rice has a nuanced flavor but mostly, mango sticky rice is sweet with salty and tangy undertones.
Additionally, mango sticky rice has a soft and creamy texture since mango and rice are soft while the mango and other ingredients add creaminess.
What Is Mango Sticky Rice Made With?
Mango sticky rice is made with glutinous rice, coconut milk, and two to three slices of ripe mango. Additionally, mango sticky rice can be topped with thick coconut cream.
How Is Mango Sticky Rice Made?
Mango rice is fairly simple to make. First, cook the glutinous rice in a saucepan. After the water boils, reduce the heat and bring the rice to a simmer until all the water is absorbed.
Next, mix 1 ½ cups of coconut milk with ½ teaspoon of salt and 1 cup of sugar. Place the ingredients in a saucepan and boil.
Afterward, turn off the stove and mix the cooked rice with the milk. Let the sticky rice cool before transferring it to a serving dish and placing slices of mango on the side.
To improve the taste of your mango sticky rice, you can pour a cup of coconut cream on top of the sticky rice and sprinkle the mango sticky rice with sesame seeds.
Is Mango Sticky Rice A Dessert?
Mango sticky rice is a popular Thai dessert and street food. Outside Thailand, mango sticky rice is served mainly as a dessert in Thai restaurants.
Is Mango Sticky Rice Vegan?
Traditionally, mango sticky rice is vegan because mango sticky rice is made with coconut milk instead of dairy milk.
Additionally, mango sticky rice isn’t usually seasoned or paired with meat or any animal by-products.
Is Mango Sticky Rice Dairy-Free?
Authentic mango sticky rice is dairy-free because mango rice is traditionally made with coconut milk.
However, there are rare instances wherein restaurants or home cooks use dairy milk to prepare mango sticky rice.
Is Mango Sticky Rice Gluten-Free?
Mango sticky rice is gluten-free. Glutinous rice, coconut milk, and mangoes are all naturally free of gluten.
Unless you introduce ingredients to your mango sticky rice that contain gluten, mango sticky rice should be safe for celiacs to consume.
How Many Calories Is In Mango Sticky Rice?
One serving of mango sticky rice typically has only 170 calories. In restaurants, the average serving of mango sticky rice has around 230 calories.
Depending on the specific ingredients you use, the amount you prepare, and any relish you add, mango sticky rice can reach 300 calories per serving, but rarely any higher than that.
What Is On Top Of Mango Sticky Rice?
Mango sticky rice is typically topped with toasted sesame seeds, toasted mung beans, coconut cream, or all three.
Usually, the coconut cream is homemade, but using store-bought coconut milk is also acceptable.
What Kind Of Rice Is In Mango Sticky Rice?
Mango sticky rice uses glutinous white rice to get the ideal gummy texture that will make the rice easy to shape.
In the absence of glutinous rice, you can use other types of short-grain rice. You may also use Calrose rice, which is medium-grain but will provide sufficient stickiness.
How Is Mango Sticky Rice Served?
Mango sticky rice is often presented on a serving dish with the rounded sticky rice at the center and the mango circling the mango sticky rice or placed slanting on the side.
Additionally, garnishes like coconut cream, sesame seeds, and mung beans can be served in a different bowl or already poured on top of the sticky rice.
Usually, mango sticky rice is consumed as a dessert after a meal.
Do You Eat Mango Sticky Rice Hot Or Cold?
Mango sticky rice is best served warm or chilled, never hot. Moreover, you’ll want to serve only freshly made sticky rice to get the best texture and flavor.
If you want to chill the mango sticky rice first, make sure to put the mango sticky rice in the fridge as soon as the mango sticky rice is cool enough and bring the mango sticky rice out after a few hours.
How To Eat Mango Sticky Rice?
To eat mango sticky rice, cut a section of the sticky rice and mango using a fork and dip the mango and sticky rice in coconut cream.
Ideally, you’ll get all of the components of the mango sticky rice in every bite so that you’ll enjoy the contrasting flavors.
What Ethnicity Is Mango Sticky Rice From?
Mango sticky rice originates from Thailand where mango sticky rice is called Khao Neow Ma Muang.
Why Is Mango Sticky Rice Popular?
Mango sticky rice is popular all over the world because of mango sticky rice’s exotic appeal and nuanced flavors.
Unlike most desserts that are just sweet, mango sticky rice offers a pleasant combination of sweetness, tanginess, and saltiness.
How Long Is Mango Sticky Rice Good For?
Mango sticky rice can usually last up to three days in the fridge. To maximize the shelf life of mango sticky rice, make sure to use an airtight container.
Furthermore, you’ll want to store the mango sticky rice separately from the coconut cream, because the coconut cream can cause the mango sticky rice to spoil faster.
If you want to learn what mandi rice is, what matta rice is, and what malted rice is, read our other articles.
Conclusion
Mango sticky rice is a beloved Thai street food and dessert that is now being served all over the world.
Like most Asian desserts, mango sticky rice is made with glutinous rice and coconut milk and is seasoned with salt and sugar.
Moreover, mango sticky rice is best served warm or chilled in the fridge soon after the mango sticky rice is prepared.