1⅓cupsThai sticky ricealso labeled "sweet rice" or "glutinous rice"
cold water for soaking
For the coconut cream bloom:
1⅓cupsfull-fat coconut creamabout ¾ of one 14-oz can Aroy-D
¼cuppalm sugaror coconut sugar, finely chopped
½teaspoonkosher salt
For the reserved drizzle:
⅓cupfull-fat coconut creamthe rest of the can
2teaspoonspalm sugar or coconut sugar
¼teaspoonkosher salt
½teaspoonrice flouroptional, for slight thickening
For serving:
2mediumAtaulfo or Champagne mangoesripe, peeled and sliced
¼cuproasted unsalted peanutsroughly crushed
sesame seedstoasted, optional
Instructions
Rinse the sticky rice under cool water until the water runs nearly clear, about 4 to 5 changes. Cover with cool water by 2 inches and soak at room temperature for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Drain the rice. Line a metal steamer basket with a double layer of cheesecloth, spread the rice in an even layer no more than 2 inches deep, and fold the overhang loosely over the top.
Bring 2 inches of water to a boil in a large pot, then reduce to a steady simmer. Set the basket in the pot, cover tightly, and steam for 20 minutes. Flip the rice bundle, cover, and steam another 10 to 15 minutes until the rice is translucent, tender, and slightly chewy. Keep covered off the heat.
Combine 1⅓ cups coconut cream, ¼ cup palm sugar, and ½ teaspoon salt in a medium saucepan. Heat over medium, stirring constantly, until the sugar dissolves and the mixture just begins to bubble and thicken, 5 to 6 minutes. Remove from heat as soon as it thickens.
Transfer the hot rice to a large heatproof bowl and pour about three-quarters of the warm sauce over it. Fold gently 2 to 3 times, cover tightly, and let stand undisturbed for 20 to 25 minutes until the rice absorbs the sauce.
Meanwhile, combine the remaining ⅓ cup coconut cream, 2 teaspoons palm sugar, and ¼ teaspoon salt in the same saucepan. If using rice flour, whisk it into the cold cream first. Heat over medium-low until the sauce coats a spoon, 3 to 4 minutes.
Plate the warm rice with sliced mango alongside, drizzle the reserved sauce over the rice, and top with crushed peanuts and sesame seeds if using.
Notes
One 14-oz can of coconut cream covers the entire recipe; use about three-quarters for the bloom and the remainder for the drizzle. Do not substitute lite coconut cream.
Coconut cream (not coconut milk) provides the richer texture and slight caramelized flavor characteristic of this version.
For the best bloom, both the rice and coconut cream mixture should be very hot before combining. After folding, cover and let rest undisturbed for 20–25 minutes.
Use Thai sticky rice (also labeled sweet rice or glutinous rice); jasmine, sushi, and regular long-grain rice will not work.
Choose ripe Ataulfo or Champagne mangoes that are fragrant, slightly soft, and lightly wrinkled near the stem.
A metal steamer basket lined with cheesecloth works just as well as a bamboo steamer.
For a traditional Thai garnish, substitute toasted yellow split mung beans for the peanuts.
Best enjoyed the day it is made. Refrigerate leftover rice and sauce separately for up to 2 days and reheat the rice with a splash of water before serving. Slice fresh mango just before serving. Do not freeze.