If you have a sweet tooth and love the vibrant flavors of tropical fruits, you are going to adore this Sweet Mango Sticky Rice Rolls Recipe. It perfectly balances the creamy, slightly sweet coconut-infused sticky rice with the bright, juicy mango slices wrapped up like little edible treasures. This delightful twist on a classic Thai dessert turns the familiar mango sticky rice into a fun, hand-held roll that’s as beautiful to look at as it is irresistible to eat. Whether you’re planning a festive gathering or just want a special treat, these rolls bring a burst of sunshine and comfort in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is the secret to nailing this dish. Each component has its role: the glutinous rice brings that chewy, cozy texture, the coconut milk adds luscious creaminess, and the mango provides a fresh, sweet contrast. Simple but impactful, here’s what you’ll gather:
- Glutinous rice (2 cups): This sticky rice is essential for that perfect chewy texture that holds the roll together beautifully.
- Full-fat coconut milk (1 cup): Creamy and rich, it infuses the rice with a tropical sweetness that’s simply unforgettable.
- Ripe mangoes (2): Thinly sliced for just the right balance of juicy sweetness and vibrant color.
- Granulated sugar (½ cup): Sweetens the coconut milk and brings harmony to every bite.
- Pinch of salt: Enhances all the flavors and keeps the sweetness in check.
- Sesame seeds or coconut flakes (optional): Adds a delightful crunch and a hint of nuttiness or extra coconut flavor when sprinkled on top.
How to Make Sweet Mango Sticky Rice Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Soak and Steam the Rice
Start by soaking the glutinous rice in water for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight. This step softens the grains so they steam beautifully. After soaking, drain the rice and steam it in a bamboo steamer lined with cheesecloth for about 25-30 minutes until tender and perfectly sticky without being mushy.
Step 2: Prepare the Coconut Sauce
While the rice is steaming, gently warm the coconut milk with sugar and a pinch of salt in a saucepan over low heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely but don’t let the mixture boil — you want it smooth and sweet, ready to infuse the rice.
Step 3: Mix the Coconut Sauce into the Rice
Once your rice is cooked, transfer it to a bowl and while it’s still warm, stir in half of the coconut sauce. This allows the rice to soak up all the fragrant coconut flavor, creating that characteristic luscious base for your rolls. Let it sit for about 20 minutes to fully absorb the sweetness.
Step 4: Slice the Mangoes
Next, take your ripe mangoes and slice them into thin, even strips. The thinner the slices, the easier it will be to roll and get a nice balance of mango and rice in every bite.
Step 5: Assemble the Rolls
Lay out a bamboo rolling mat or a piece of parchment paper and place about a quarter cup of the sticky rice on it. Layer several mango slices on top, then carefully roll it up like sushi, making sure it’s snug and even. Repeat this process until all your ingredients are used up, creating a tray full of enticing Sweet Mango Sticky Rice Rolls ready to share.
Step 6: Add Finishing Touches
Drizzle the remaining coconut sauce over your rolls for added sweetness and an extra glossy finish. For texture and a little visual flair, sprinkle some sesame seeds or coconut flakes on top — these optional garnishes bring a lovely crunch or a tropical touch that elevates the experience.
How to Serve Sweet Mango Sticky Rice Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishes can really make a difference in this dish. Toasted sesame seeds offer a subtle nuttiness and textural contrast, while delicate coconut flakes enhance the tropical vibe. You can even scatter a few edible flowers or mint leaves for a fresh burst of color and aroma that makes your rolls irresistible to the eyes and palate alike.
Side Dishes
These rolls stand beautifully on their own, but if you want to create a more substantial dessert platter, consider serving them alongside chilled coconut jelly or fresh passion fruit pulp. A small dish of sweetened condensed milk for dipping can also add an indulgent twist, giving your guests options to customize each bite.
Creative Ways to Present
Presentation is part of the fun! Arrange the rolls on a long wooden platter or a banana leaf for a genuine tropical feel. Wrap each roll individually in clear parchment tied with a ribbon if you’re gifting or hosting. You can even cut each roll into bite-sized pieces for a party appetizer. The versatility of this Sweet Mango Sticky Rice Rolls Recipe lets you match your serving style to any occasion effortlessly.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers, store the rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator. For best texture, consume them within 1-2 days as the sticky rice tends to harden over time when chilled.
Freezing
Freezing is possible but not ideal because sticky rice loses some of its chewiness. If you freeze them, wrap the rolls tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating gently.
Reheating
To bring the rolls back to life, steam them for a few minutes or microwave covered with a damp paper towel to restore moisture. Avoid overheating as this can make the rice tough and dry out the mangoes.
FAQs
Can I use regular rice instead of glutinous rice?
Regular rice won’t give you the sticky texture essential for these rolls. Glutinous rice is what makes the rice chewy and cohesive, perfect for rolling.
What type of mango is best for this recipe?
Choose ripe, sweet mangoes that are firm but juicy, such as Ataulfo or Keitt varieties. They slice nicely and complement the creamy rice without being too mushy.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?
Yes! The classic recipe is naturally vegan-friendly because it uses coconut milk instead of dairy. Just make sure your sugar is vegan-certified if that matters to you.
Can I prepare the rice the day before?
You can cook the rice a day ahead but wait to mix in the coconut sauce until just before assembling to keep the texture fresh and soft.
How do I prevent the rice from sticking to my hands?
Wet your hands slightly with water or coconut milk before handling the sticky rice. This creates a barrier and makes it easier to shape the rolls without sticking.
Final Thoughts
This Sweet Mango Sticky Rice Rolls Recipe is one of those magical dishes that bring pure joy with just a few simple ingredients. It’s vibrant, sweet, and incredibly satisfying, perfect for sharing with friends and family. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite way to enjoy mango and sticky rice together!
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Sweet Mango Sticky Rice Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Steaming
- Cuisine: Thai
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Sweet Mango Sticky Rice Rolls are a delightful fusion dessert combining the classic Thai flavors of creamy coconut-infused sticky rice with fresh, juicy mango slices. Rolled like sushi, these portable treats are perfect for serving at parties or enjoying as a refreshing snack. The recipe involves steaming glutinous rice, infusing it with sweetened coconut milk, and then layering with mango slices before rolling into neat bites and garnishing with toasted sesame seeds or coconut flakes.
Ingredients
Rice and Coconut Mixture
- 2 cups glutinous rice
- 1 cup full-fat coconut milk
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- Pinch of salt
Fruit and Garnish
- 2 ripe mangoes, sliced into thin strips
- Sesame seeds or coconut flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Soak the Rice: Soak the glutinous rice in water for at least 4 hours or overnight to soften the grains and ensure even steaming.
- Steam the Rice: Drain the soaked rice and transfer it to a bamboo steamer lined with cheesecloth. Steam for 25-30 minutes until the rice becomes tender and sticky.
- Prepare Coconut Sauce: In a saucepan over low heat, combine the coconut milk, granulated sugar, and a pinch of salt. Stir gently until the sugar dissolves completely without bringing the mixture to a boil.
- Mix Rice and Coconut Sauce: Transfer the steamed rice into a mixing bowl. Pour half of the warm coconut sauce over the rice and mix thoroughly to infuse the rice with coconut flavor. Let it sit for 20 minutes, allowing the rice to absorb the sauce fully.
- Slice the Mangoes: Peel and slice the mangoes into thin strips suitable for rolling.
- Assemble the Rolls: On a bamboo rolling mat or a piece of parchment paper, spread about ¼ cup of the sticky rice evenly. Layer the mango slices over the rice and roll tightly like sushi to form neat rolls. Repeat this process until all rice and mango slices are used.
- Serve: Drizzle the rolls with the remaining coconut sauce and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds or coconut flakes for added texture and flavor. Serve immediately for best taste.
Notes
- For best results, soak the glutinous rice overnight to achieve optimum stickiness.
- If you don’t have a bamboo steamer, you can steam the rice using a metal steamer basket or a colander set over a pot of simmering water.
- Adjust the sweetness of the coconut sauce according to your preference by adding more or less sugar.
- Use ripe mangoes that are sweet and slightly soft for the best flavor contrast with the coconut rice.
- These rolls are best consumed fresh but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 day, covered tightly to prevent drying out.
