Mangosteen with Coconut Sticky Rice
Sweet, creamy coconut sticky rice paired with the delicate floral notes of fresh mangosteen. This tropical Thai-inspired dessert combines warm glutinous rice infused with rich coconut milk and the refreshing burst of juicy mangosteen segments.
For 4 servings
- prep
Soak the glutinous rice overnight.
Rinse the glutinous rice in cold water until the water runs clear. Cover with water by 2 inches and soak for at least 8 hours or overnight. Drain well.
TIPOvernight soaking ensures the rice steams evenly and gets properly tender. - steam · ~25 min
Steam the sticky rice.
Line a steamer basket with cheesecloth. Spread the drained rice evenly on top. Steam over boiling water for 20-25 minutes until tender and translucent. Fluff lightly with a fork.
TIPKeep the water at a steady boil and check halfway to ensure it hasn't dried out. - simmer · ~5 min
Make the sweet coconut sauce.
In a small saucepan, warm 1.5 cups coconut milk with sugar and a pinch of salt over low heat. Stir until sugar dissolves completely. Do not let it boil. Remove from heat.
- mix · ~10 min
Combine the rice with coconut sauce.
Transfer the hot steamed rice to a bowl. Pour the warm sweet coconut sauce over the rice and gently fold together. Cover with a lid or plastic wrap and let it rest for 10 minutes. The rice will absorb the sauce completely.
TIPDon't stir aggressively or the rice will turn gummy. Gentle folding preserves its texture. - simmer · ~2 min
Prepare the coconut topping sauce.
In the same saucepan, combine the remaining 0.25 cup coconut milk with a pinch of salt. Bring to a gentle simmer over low heat. Add the cornstarch slurry and stir continuously until slightly thickened, about 1 minute. Remove from heat.
- prep
Peel and segment the mangosteen.
Using a sharp knife, score the thick purple rind around the equator of each mangosteen. Twist to open and remove the white segmented flesh inside. Discard any hard seeds.
TIPLook for mangosteens with a slight give when pressed—these are perfectly ripe. Avoid any with hard, cracked shells. - assemble
Assemble the dessert.
Spoon a generous mound of warm coconut sticky rice onto each serving plate. Arrange fresh mangosteen segments beside the rice. Drizzle the thickened coconut topping sauce over the rice and garnish with toasted sesame seeds.
- serve
Serve warm.
Serve immediately while the rice is still warm and the mangosteen is cool and refreshing.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Soak the glutinous rice for at least 8 hours to ensure even steaming and a tender, chewy texture.
- 2Do not let the coconut milk boil when making the sauce—boiling can cause it to separate and curdle.
- 3Let the rice rest covered after mixing with coconut sauce so it fully absorbs the liquid and becomes creamy.
- 4Use gentle folding motions when combining rice and sauce to avoid mashing the grains into a sticky paste.
- 5Select mangosteens that yield slightly under pressure; overly hard ones are underripe and less sweet.
- 6Drizzle the thickened topping sauce just before serving to keep the rice moist without making it soggy.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegan
This recipe is already naturally vegan—swap sugar with coconut sugar or maple syrup for a deeper caramel note.
low oilLow-oil
This dish is already oil-free, but for an even lighter version, reduce the coconut milk by a tablespoon and increase the water in the sauce accordingly.
high proteinHigh-protein
Add a handful of toasted, unsalted cashews or almonds on top for extra protein and crunch alongside the mangosteen.
jainJain
Replace the pinch of cornstarch with arrowroot powder, and skip the sesame seeds if not permitted; the dish remains delicious and authentic.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Healthy Fats
Coconut milk provides medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which are easily metabolized for quick energy and may support heart health.
Good Source of Antioxidants
Mangosteen is packed with xanthones, powerful antioxidants that help combat oxidative stress and inflammation in the body.
Gluten-Free & Grain-Based
This dessert uses naturally gluten-free glutinous rice, making it a safe choice for those with gluten sensitivities.
Provides Dietary Fiber
Mangosteen offers a modest amount of fiber, aiding digestion and promoting a feeling of fullness after a sweet treat.
Frequently asked questions
No, glutinous rice (also called sticky rice) is essential for the signature chewy, cohesive texture. Regular rice will turn mushy and won't hold the coconut milk.
