Coconut sticky rice is a beloved dessert from Southeast Asia, especially Thailand. It’s creamy, sweet, and has a wonderfully chewy texture that makes it irresistible. If you’ve ever wondered how to make coconut sticky rice at home, you’re in the right place! This guide will walk you through the process step-by-step, with tips to get it just right.
What Is Coconut Sticky Rice?
Coconut sticky rice, also known as khao niao mamuang when paired with mango, is a dessert made from glutinous (sticky) rice cooked and soaked in sweetened coconut milk. The rice becomes tender and sticky, infused with the rich flavor of coconut, and often served with fresh mango or topped with toasted sesame seeds for extra texture. It’s a perfect balance of sweet and slightly salty, creamy and chewy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
– 2 cups glutinous sticky rice (not regular rice)
– 1 can (about 14 ounces) full-fat coconut milk or coconut cream
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– Water for soaking and steaming
– Optional: fresh ripe mango, toasted sesame seeds, or coconut flakes for serving
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Coconut Sticky Rice
1. Rinse and Soak the Rice
Start by rinsing the sticky rice under cold water several times until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming too mushy. Then, soak the rice in fresh water for at least 8 hours or overnight. Soaking softens the grains and helps them cook evenly.
2. Steam the Rice
Drain the soaked rice well. Prepare a steamer by bringing water to a boil in a pot. Line your steamer basket with a clean cloth or banana leaf to prevent sticking. Spread the rice evenly in the basket. Place the basket over the boiling water, making sure the rice doesn’t touch the water. Cover and steam for about 20-30 minutes. Halfway through, gently stir or flip the rice for even cooking. The rice should be tender and translucent but still chewy, not mushy.
3. Prepare the Coconut Milk Mixture
While the rice is steaming, combine the coconut milk, sugar, and salt in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is hot but not boiling. Simmer gently for about 3 minutes to let the flavors meld. Reserve about 1/4 cup of this mixture to serve as a sauce later.
4. Combine the Rice and Coconut Milk
Once the rice is cooked, transfer it to a bowl or shallow dish. Pour the hot coconut milk mixture over the rice and gently mix to coat every grain. Be careful not to stir too vigorously to avoid mushiness. Cover the bowl and let the rice absorb the coconut milk for at least 20-40 minutes. This step is crucial as it allows the rice to soak up the creamy coconut flavor fully.
5. Make the Thickened Coconut Sauce (Optional)
To add an extra layer of richness, you can thicken the reserved coconut milk mixture by simmering it with a pinch of salt and a little rice flour until it thickens into a sauce. Let it cool before serving. This sauce can be drizzled over the sticky rice and mango for a luscious finish.
6. Serve and Enjoy!
Serve your coconut sticky rice warm or at room temperature. Top with fresh ripe mango slices for the classic Thai dessert experience or sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds or coconut flakes for added texture. The combination of creamy, sweet, and slightly salty sticky rice with juicy mango is simply divine.
Tips for Perfect Coconut Sticky Rice
– Always use glutinous sticky rice, never regular white or jasmine rice.
– Rinsing and soaking the rice properly is key to achieving the right texture.
– Steaming is the traditional method and yields the best results, but you can also use a bamboo steamer or a metal steamer basket.
– Adjust the sugar in the coconut milk mixture to suit your sweetness preference.
– Let the rice rest covered after mixing with coconut milk to fully absorb the flavors.
– Serve with fresh mango for the authentic Thai dessert, or enjoy it on its own as a creamy treat.
Coconut sticky rice is a simple yet luxurious dessert that’s surprisingly easy to make at home. With just a few ingredients and a little patience, you can enjoy this creamy, sweet delight anytime you want. Give it a try and impress your friends and family with your homemade Thai dessert skills!
Enjoy your delicious coconut sticky rice!