Step 1: Rinse the glutinous rice thoroughly under cold running water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch, preventing the rice from becoming too sticky. Soak the rinsed rice in cold water for at least 3-4 hours, or preferably overnight.
Step 2: Drain the soaked rice completely. Prepare a steamer by lining the basket with a damp cheesecloth or banana leaf. Place the drained rice evenly in the steamer basket. Steam for 25-30 minutes, or until the rice is tender, translucent, and perfectly chewy. Ensure your steamer has enough water and keep it at a rolling boil throughout.
Step 3: While the rice is steaming, prepare the coconut cream sauce for the rice. In a small saucepan, combine 1.5 cups of the full-fat coconut milk with 1/2 cup granulated sugar and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar is fully dissolved and the mixture is warm but not boiling. Remove from heat.
Step 4: Once the sticky rice is cooked, immediately transfer it to a heatproof bowl. Pour about 3/4 of the warm coconut cream sauce over the hot rice. Stir gently with a spoon or a paddle, ensuring every grain of rice is coated. Cover the bowl with a lid or plastic wrap and let it sit for 20-30 minutes to allow the rice to absorb all the creamy goodness. The rice will swell and become wonderfully glossy.
Step 5: While the rice is resting, prepare the garnishing coconut sauce. In a separate small saucepan, combine the remaining 1/2 cup of full-fat coconut milk with 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Heat over low heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Bring to a very gentle simmer, then remove from heat. This sauce will be drizzled over the finished dessert.
Step 6: Prepare the mangoes. Peel the ripe mangoes carefully. Slice the flesh away from the pit, then cut into attractive, uniform slices or cubes. For the best Mango Coconut Sticky Rice Dessert, make sure your mangoes are perfectly ripe – soft but not mushy, and intensely sweet.
Step 7: To serve, scoop a generous portion of the warm, sweetened sticky rice onto individual plates. Arrange the fresh mango slices artfully beside the rice. Drizzle generously with the reserved garnishing coconut sauce. Optionally, sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and garnish with a sprig of fresh mint. Enjoy your homemade Mango Coconut Sticky Rice Dessert!