How to Cook Vegan Thai Mango Sticky Rice (Easy & Authentic Recipe)​

Have you ever taken a bite of Thai mango sticky rice​ and wondered, "How can something so simple taste so heavenly?" This iconic dessert—Khao Niao Mamuang—combines just three main ingredients (mango, sticky rice, and coconut milk), yet creates a flavor explosion that keeps travelers coming back to Thailand.

Good news: You don’t need to book a flight to enjoy it! With this easy vegan mango sticky rice recipe, you can recreate the ​perfect balance of sweet, creamy, and tropical​ right at home—no dairy, no eggs, and no compromise on taste.

Why This Vegan Version Works​

Traditional mango sticky rice is already nearly plant-based, but some versions use ​non-vegan ingredients​ like:

• Fish sauce​ (in the coconut sauce)
• Condensed milk​ (for extra sweetness)
• Egg-based custards​ (in some modern twists)

This recipe keeps it 100% vegan​ while staying true to Thai street food authenticity. The secret? ​Toasted mung beans​ for crunch and ​coconut cream reduction​ for richness.

Ingredients (Serves 4)​

For the Sticky Rice​

• 1 cup glutinous rice​ (soaked overnight)
• 1 cup water​ (or coconut water for extra flavor)
• ½ tsp salt​

For the Coconut Sauce​

• 1 cup full-fat coconut milk​ (unsweetened)
• ¼ cup coconut sugar​ (or maple syrup)
• ½ tsp salt​
• 1 tsp vanilla extract​ (optional)

For Serving​

• 2 ripe mangoes​ (preferably Ataulfo or Nam Dok Mai)
• 1 tbsp toasted mung beans​ (or sesame seeds for nut-free)
• Fresh mint or pandan leaves​ (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions​

1. Prepare the Sticky Rice​

✅ Soak the rice​ for at least ​4 hours​ (or overnight) to ensure perfect chewiness.
✅ Steam, don’t boil!​​ Use a bamboo steamer or rice cooker with a steaming tray for ​20-25 minutes​ until translucent.

Pro Tip: If you don’t have a steamer, use a sieve over boiling water (covered with a lid).

2. Make the Vegan Coconut Sauce​

✅ In a saucepan, simmer coconut milk, sugar, and salt​ on low heat for ​5-7 minutes​ until slightly thickened.
✅ Stir in vanilla extract​ (if using) for extra depth.

Chef’s Secret: For a ​caramel-like richness, reduce the sauce by half.

3. Assemble Like a Pro​

✅ Mix half the sauce​ with the warm sticky rice—let it soak for ​10 minutes.
✅ Slice mangoes into thin, even strips​ (the Thai way!).
✅ Plate with rice first, mango on the side, drizzle remaining sauce, and sprinkle toasted mung beans.

How to Pick the Perfect Mango​

Not all mangoes work for sticky rice! Look for:
✔ Ataulfo (Honey Mango)​​ – Buttery, sweet, fiberless
✔ Nam Dok Mai​ – The classic Thai variety
❌ Avoid stringy or tart mangoes​ like Tommy Atkins

Fun Fact: In Thailand, vendors ​tap the mango​ to check ripeness—a hollow sound means it’s ready!

Common Mistakes (And How to Fix Them)​

🚫 Rice too hard?​​ → Didn’t soak long enough (minimum 4 hours!).
🚫 Sauce too thin?​​ → Simmer longer or add ​1 tsp cornstarch slurry.
🚫 Mango not sweet?​​ → Lightly salt it to enhance natural sugars.

Serving Suggestions​

• Warm vs. Cold?​ Traditionally served ​slightly warm, but chilled works too!
• Extra Toppings:​ Try ​coconut flakes, crushed peanuts, or lime zest.
• Pair With:​ Thai iced tea (use ​oat milk​ for vegan version).

Leftover Hack​

Turn extra sticky rice into mango rice pudding:

1. Mix with leftover coconut sauce.
2. Add diced mango.
3. Chill for 2 hours—breakfast dessert is served!​​

Final Verdict: Just Like Thailand’s Street Food?​

Yes! This vegan mango sticky rice​ delivers the same ​creamy, fragrant, tropical bliss​ as the best stalls in Bangkok—without any animal products. Whether you’re a longtime vegan or just exploring ​plant-based Thai desserts, this recipe proves that indulgence doesn’t need dairy.

Ready to taste the magic?​ Grab a mango and start soaking that rice! 🌴✨