If you adore the sweet and creamy harmony of Thai desserts, then this Sweet Mango Sticky Rice Rolls Recipe is an absolute must-try. It takes the classic sticky rice with mango to a whole new delightful level by transforming it into bite-sized rolls that are as fun to eat as they are delicious. Imagine tender glutinous rice infused with rich coconut milk, wrapped snugly around vibrant, juicy mango strips, and finished with a drizzle of luscious coconut sauce and a sprinkle of toasty sesame seeds or coconut flakes. This treat is perfect for sharing with friends, impressing guests, or simply indulging on a sunny afternoon.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Sweet Mango Sticky Rice Rolls Recipe lies in its simplicity. Just a handful of quality ingredients come together to create layers of flavor and texture that feel both exotic and comforting. Each item is crucial, from the creamy coconut milk that moistens the rice to the perfectly ripe mangoes that add a burst of natural sweetness and color.
- 2 cups glutinous rice: Also known as sticky rice, this is the foundation that holds everything together with its chewy texture.
- 1 cup full-fat coconut milk: Adds a rich, creamy, and fragrant softness that makes the rice irresistible.
- 2 ripe mangoes, sliced into thin strips: Provide a juicy, fresh contrast that balances the creaminess beautifully.
- ½ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the coconut milk mixture to perfectly complement the mango’s natural sweetness.
- Pinch of salt: Enhances all the flavors and prevents the sweetness from becoming cloying.
- Sesame seeds or coconut flakes (optional): Adds a subtle crunch and a nutty, toasty finish to the rolls.
How to Make Sweet Mango Sticky Rice Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Soak and Steam the Rice
Start by soaking the glutinous rice for at least 4 hours or even overnight. This soaking step is essential because it softens the grains, allowing them to steam into the perfect sticky texture that clings together just right. Once soaked, drain the rice and steam it in a bamboo steamer lined with cheesecloth. Steaming gently cooks the rice without drying it out, yielding tender, chewy grains that form the perfect base for your rolls.
Step 2: Prepare the Coconut Milk Mixture
While the rice is steaming, gently warm the coconut milk in a saucepan, stirring in the sugar and a pinch of salt until the sugar dissolves completely. This mixture creates a fragrant, sweet sauce that infuses the rice with its signature flavor. Take care not to boil it; just keep it warm enough to marry those flavors perfectly with the rice.
Step 3: Combine Rice and Coconut Mixture
Once the rice is cooked, transfer it to a bowl and mix in half of the warm coconut milk mixture while the rice is still hot. The rice will soak up the creamy sauce, becoming moist and flavorful. Cover the bowl and let it sit for 20 minutes to absorb the perfect balance of sweetness and creaminess.
Step 4: Prepare the Mango Strips
While the rice rest, slice your ripe mangoes into thin, even strips. These mango strips provide a refreshing, juicy bite that pairs impeccably with the luscious coconut rice. Choosing perfectly ripe mangoes is crucial here since their sweetness and softness are a highlight in the rolls.
Step 5: Roll the Sticky Rice and Mango
Lay out a bamboo mat or parchment paper and place about ¼ cup of the sticky rice on it. Arrange a few mango strips on top, then roll everything up tightly, much like a sushi roll. This step is both satisfying and fun, transforming the dessert into a handheld treat that’s perfect for sharing. Repeat this process until all the rice and mango are used up.
Step 6: Serve with Coconut Sauce and Toppings
Drizzle the remaining coconut sauce over the rolls for an extra burst of creamy sweetness. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds or coconut flakes for an added texture and flavor dimension. These final touches elevate the simple rolls into an elegant, crowd-pleasing dessert.
How to Serve Sweet Mango Sticky Rice Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
The key to making your Sweet Mango Sticky Rice Rolls look as and taste extraordinary lies in the garnishes. Sesame seeds provide a lovely toasty crunch, while coconut flakes add a tropical flair and subtle chewiness. For a pop of color and texture, you might also sprinkle finely chopped mint or a few edible flowers, which turn a humble dessert into a feast for the eyes and palate alike.
Side Dishes
While these rolls can stand perfectly on their own, pairing them with other light treats can create a delightful tropical-themed menu. Think along the lines of jasmine tea, fresh fruit salad, or even some lightly spiced coconut shrimp for a playful sweet-savoury contrast. This way, the rolls serve as a sweet, refreshing finish to a well-rounded meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Presentation makes a difference when serving this Sweet Mango Sticky Rice Rolls Recipe. Try slicing the rolls into smaller bite-sized pieces for hosting a party, or arrange them staggered on a beautiful platter resembling sushi rolls. Wrapping each roll in a banana leaf or placing them in small bamboo steamers offers a charming, authentic touch that will wow your guests before the first bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover Sweet Mango Sticky Rice Rolls, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Because sticky rice can harden as it cools, it’s best to consume leftovers within a day to enjoy the texture close to fresh. Keep the coconut sauce separate to drizzle on just before serving.
Freezing
Freezing is generally not recommended for this recipe because the texture of glutinous rice and mango can change unfavorably once thawed. The rice may become overly hard or crumbly while mango strips could lose their juicy freshness. For the best experience, prepare only what you’ll enjoy within a day or two.
Reheating
If you want to enjoy leftovers warmed, gently steam the rolls for a few minutes just to soften the rice without heating too much and compromising the mango’s texture. Reheat the coconut sauce separately and drizzle over the rolls after warming for that fresh-from-the-kitchen taste.
FAQs
Can I use regular rice instead of glutinous rice?
Regular rice will not work as a substitute here since it lacks the sticky, chewy texture necessary to hold the rolls together and complement the mango perfectly. Glutinous rice is essential for achieving that authentic texture and feel.
What if my mangoes are not very sweet?
If your mangoes are less sweet, you can increase the sugar content slightly in the coconut milk mixture or serve the rolls with a drizzle of honey or extra coconut sauce to balance the flavors and enhance sweetness.
Can I make these rolls vegan?
Absolutely! The recipe is naturally vegan since it uses plant-based ingredients like coconut milk and mango. Just be sure to check your sugar source if you are strictly vegan, as some sugars are processed with bone char.
How do I know when the sticky rice is cooked perfectly?
The rice should be tender yet slightly chewy, not mushy or hard. Steaming for 25-30 minutes typically yields the best texture, but it’s good to test a few grains near the end to ensure they’re soft and sticky.
Can I prepare parts of this recipe in advance?
You can soak the rice overnight and even cook it ahead of time, but it’s best to assemble the rolls just before serving to retain freshness, especially the mango’s texture and the rice’s softness.
Final Thoughts
This Sweet Mango Sticky Rice Rolls Recipe is a wonderful way to bring a beloved traditional dessert into a fresh, playful form that’s sure to delight everyone at your table. The balance of creamy coconut, tender sticky rice, and sweet mango wrapped in a neat roll makes for a memorable treat that’s as much fun to make as it is to eat. Dive in and share this tropical treasure with your loved ones—you won’t regret it!
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Sweet Mango Sticky Rice Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus soaking time)
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes (plus soaking overnight recommended)
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Steaming
- Cuisine: Thai
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Sweet Mango Sticky Rice Rolls offer a delightful twist on the classic Thai dessert, combining creamy coconut-infused glutinous rice with fresh, thinly sliced ripe mangoes rolled into bite-sized portions. This easy-to-make treat is perfect for sharing and showcases a harmonious blend of sweet, creamy, and fruity flavors.
Ingredients
Sticky Rice Mixture
- 2 cups glutinous rice
- 1 cup full-fat coconut milk
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- Pinch of salt
Fruit Filling
- 2 ripe mangoes, sliced into thin strips
Garnishes (Optional)
- Sesame seeds
- Coconut flakes
Instructions
- Soak Rice: Soak the glutinous rice in water for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight to ensure proper softening.
- Steam Rice: Drain the soaked rice and steam it in a bamboo steamer lined with cheesecloth for 25-30 minutes until the rice is tender and fully cooked through.
- Prepare Coconut Sauce: In a saucepan over low heat, gently combine the coconut milk, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Stir continuously until the sugar dissolves completely. Take care not to let the mixture boil.
- Mix Rice with Coconut Sauce: Transfer the steamed rice to a large bowl and pour in half of the warm coconut milk mixture. Stir gently to combine, then let the rice sit for 20 minutes to fully absorb the coconut flavors.
- Slice Mangoes: While the rice is absorbing the coconut milk, slice the ripe mangoes into thin, uniform strips suitable for rolling.
- Assemble Rolls: On a bamboo sushi rolling mat or a piece of parchment paper, place approximately ¼ cup of the sticky rice. Arrange several mango slices atop the rice, then carefully roll it tightly like sushi. Repeat this process until all the rice and mango strips are used.
- Serve: Drizzle the remaining coconut milk sauce over the rolls and sprinkle with optional sesame seeds or coconut flakes for added texture and flavor. Enjoy immediately.
Notes
- Soaking the rice overnight maximizes tenderness and helps achieve the perfect sticky texture.
- If you don’t have a bamboo steamer, a metal steamer or steaming basket over a pot of boiling water can be used.
- Use ripe, sweet mangoes for the best flavor contrast with the creamy coconut rice.
- These rolls are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 1 day.
- For a vegan version, ensure the coconut milk used is plant-based and free from additives.
