How to make Dragon Fruit Sticky Rice

If you love mango sticky rice, you’re going to be obsessed with this Dragonfruit Sticky Rice! It’s a fun, colorful twist on the classic Thai dessert, featuring sweet, creamy coconut sticky rice paired with fresh dragonfruit for a fruity, refreshing flavor.

The best part? It’s just as easy to make as the original mango version, but with a stunning pink or purple hue depending on the variety of dragonfruit you use. Plus, dragonfruit has a mildly sweet, slightly floral taste that pairs beautifully with the rich coconut-infused sticky rice.

Whether you’re looking for a show-stopping dessert or just want to try something different, this dragonfruit sticky rice is a must-try!

Servings, Prep & Cook Time

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Soaking Time: 4-6 hours (or overnight)

Ingredients

For the Sticky Rice:

• 1 cup glutinous rice (sweet rice)
• 1/2 cup fresh dragonfruit puree (pink or white variety)
• 1/2 cup coconut milk
• 3 tbsp sugar
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 pandan leaf (optional, but adds great aroma)

For the Toppings:

• 1/2 fresh dragonfruit, diced
• 2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds or crushed peanuts
• 1/4 cup coconut cream (for drizzling)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Rinse & Soak the Sticky Rice

1. Rinse the glutinous rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and helps achieve the perfect sticky texture.
2. Place the rinsed rice in a bowl and cover it with water. Let it soak for at least 4-6 hours (or overnight for best results).

Step 2: Steam the Sticky Rice

1. Drain the soaked rice and place it in a steaming basket or a cheesecloth-lined colander.
2. If using, tie a pandan leaf into a knot and place it on top of the rice for extra fragrance.
3. Steam the rice over medium heat for 25-30 minutes, or until it turns translucent and tender.

Step 3: Prepare the Coconut Dragonfruit Sauce

1. While the rice is steaming, combine coconut milk, dragonfruit puree, sugar, and salt in a small saucepan.
2. Heat over low-medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Don’t let it boil—just warm it up until well combined.
3. Once the rice is cooked, transfer it to a mixing bowl and pour the coconut dragonfruit mixture over it.
4. Gently stir and let the rice absorb the liquid for about 10 minutes. This helps the rice get creamy and flavorful.

Step 4: Assemble & Serve

1. Scoop the sticky rice onto a plate, bowl or even a cleaned dragonfruit shell!
2. Served with fresh dragonfruit chunks and drizzle with coconut cream for extra richness.
3. Sprinkle with sesame seeds for a little crunch.

Troubleshooting & Tips

✅ Why is my sticky rice too hard?

• The rice needs to be soaked for at least 4-6 hours. If it’s still too firm, try steaming it for an additional 5-10 minutes.

✅ Why is my sticky rice too mushy?

• Make sure you’re steaming the rice instead of boiling it. Boiling can make the texture gummy instead of sticky.

✅ Can I use canned dragonfruit puree?

• Fresh dragonfruit is best, but canned puree works too. Just be sure to adjust the sweetness, as some canned versions contain added sugar.

✅ How long does dragonfruit sticky rice last?

• It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat it gently in the microwave with a splash of coconut milk to restore its texture.

Variations & Fun Twists

🌿 Pandan-Infused Sticky Rice: If you love pandan flavor, try steeping pandan leaves in the coconut milk before adding it to the rice.

🥭 Mango & Dragonfruit Combo: Mix it up by adding sliced mango along with dragonfruit for a two-fruit sticky rice!

🍫 Chocolate-Drizzled Dragonfruit Sticky Rice: Drizzle with melted dark chocolate for a fun fusion dessert.

🥥 Crunchy Coconut Topping: Toast some shredded coconut and sprinkle it over the top for extra crunch.

Final Thoughts

Dragonfruit sticky rice is a fun, tropical spin on the classic mango version. It’s naturally vibrant, slightly floral, and pairs beautifully with coconut. Plus, it’s easy to make at home and guaranteed to impress at any gathering!

Give it a try and let me know how it turns out! 🍚🐉✨

How to make Dragon Fruit Sticky Rice

Recipe by Jen H. DaoCourse: DessertCuisine: asian, Thai, vietnameseDifficulty: easy

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

10

minutes

Cooking time

30

minutes

Ingredients

• For the Sticky Rice:

• 1 cup glutinous rice (sweet rice)

• 1/2 cup fresh dragonfruit puree (pink or white variety)

• 1/2 cup coconut milk

• 3 tbsp sugar

• 1/4 tsp salt

• 1 pandan leaf (optional)

• For the Toppings:

• 1/2 fresh dragonfruit, diced

• 2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds or crushed peanuts

• 1/4 cup coconut cream (for drizzling) (optional)

Directions

• Rinse & Soak the Sticky Rice
  Rinse the glutinous rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and helps achieve the perfect sticky texture.
  
  Place the rinsed rice in a bowl and cover it with water. Let it soak for at least 4-6 hours (or overnight for best results).
• Steam the Sticky Rice
  Drain the soaked rice and place it in a steaming basket or a cheesecloth-lined colander.
  
  If using, tie a pandan leaf into a knot and place it on top of the rice for extra fragrance.
  
  Steam the rice over medium heat for 25-30 minutes, or until it turns translucent and tender.
• Prepare the Coconut Dragonfruit Sauce
  While the rice is steaming, combine coconut milk, dragonfruit puree, sugar, and salt in a small saucepan.
  
  Heat over low-medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Don’t let it boil—just warm it up until well combined.
  
  Once the rice is cooked, transfer it to a mixing bowl and pour the coconut dragonfruit mixture over it.
  
  Gently stir and let the rice absorb the liquid for about 10 minutes. This helps the rice get creamy and flavorful.
• Assemble & Serve
  Scoop the sticky rice onto a plate, bowl or even a cleaned dragonfruit shell!
  
  Served with fresh dragonfruit chunks and drizzle with coconut cream for extra richness.
  
  Sprinkle with sesame seeds for a little crunch.

Recipe Video