Mango sticky rice is a popular Thai dessert that combines the sweetness of ripe mangoes with the creaminess of sticky rice. Traditionally, this dish is made by steaming the rice, but with the help of a rice cooker, you can easily recreate this delicious treat in your own kitchen. In this article, we will guide you through the simple steps to make mango sticky rice in a rice cooker.
Gathering the Ingredients
Before you begin, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients on hand. You will need:
1. Sticky Rice
The key ingredient for this recipe is sticky rice, also known as glutinous rice or sweet rice. You can find it at most Asian grocery stores. It is important to use sticky rice specifically for this dish as other types of rice won’t yield the same results.
2. Ripe Mangoes
Choose ripe mangoes that are sweet and fragrant. The best variety to use for this dish is the Thai mango, also known as Nam Dok Mai. However, if you can’t find Thai mangoes, you can use any ripe and juicy mangoes available in your area.
3. Coconut Milk
Coconut milk adds richness and creaminess to the sticky rice. Look for high-quality coconut milk that doesn’t contain any additives or preservatives.
4. Sugar
To sweeten the sticky rice, you will need sugar. You can use either regular granulated sugar or palm sugar for a more authentic flavor.
5. Salt
A pinch of salt enhances the flavors of the dish and balances out the sweetness of the mango and coconut.
Preparing the Sticky Rice
Step 1: Soaking the Rice
Start by rinsing the sticky rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Then, place the rice in a bowl and cover it with cold water. Allow the rice to soak for at least 4 hours or overnight. This step is crucial as it softens the rice and helps it cook evenly.
Step 2: Draining the Rice
After the rice has soaked, drain the water using a fine-mesh sieve or colander. Make sure all the excess water is removed to prevent the rice from becoming too mushy.
Step 3: Cooking the Rice
Transfer the drained rice to the rice cooker. Add enough water to cover the rice by about half an inch. Add a pinch of salt to the water for enhanced flavor. Close the lid of the rice cooker and cook the rice on the “sticky rice” or “glutinous rice” setting, if available. If your rice cooker doesn’t have a specific setting for sticky rice, you can use the regular white rice setting.
Step 4: Fluffing the Rice
Once the rice is cooked, remove the lid and fluff the rice gently with a fork or a rice paddle. Be careful not to break the grains of rice.
Preparing the Coconut Sauce
While the rice is cooking, you can prepare the coconut sauce.
Step 1: Heating the Coconut Milk
In a small saucepan, heat the coconut milk over medium heat until it starts to simmer. Stir occasionally to prevent the milk from scorching.
Step 2: Adding Sweetener
Once the coconut milk is simmering, add sugar to taste. Start with a small amount and adjust according to your preference. If you’re using palm sugar, make sure to dissolve it in the coconut milk before adding it to the saucepan.
Step 3: Reducing the Sauce
Continue cooking the coconut milk mixture on low heat, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly. The sauce should have a pourable consistency, similar to heavy cream.
Assembling the Mango Sticky Rice
Step 1: Cutting the Mangoes
Peel the ripe mangoes and cut them into thin slices or bite-sized pieces. Set aside.
Step 2: Plating the Sticky Rice
Divide the cooked sticky rice into individual serving bowls or plates. Flatten the rice slightly using the back of a spoon to create a bed for the mango slices.
Step 3: Drizzling the Coconut Sauce
Pour the warm coconut sauce over the sticky rice, allowing it to soak into the grains. Reserve some sauce for drizzling on top.
Step 4: Garnishing and Serving
Arrange the mango slices on top of the sticky rice. Drizzle the remaining coconut sauce over the mangoes. You can also garnish the dessert with some toasted sesame seeds or shredded coconut for added texture and flavor.
Serve the mango sticky rice immediately while it’s still warm for the best taste and texture. This dessert is a perfect combination of sweet, tangy mangoes, creamy sticky rice, and fragrant coconut sauce. It’s a delightful treat that will transport your taste buds to the tropical flavors of Thailand. Enjoy!