Tropical Delight: Easy Vegan Mango Sticky Rice Dessert Sushi Recipe

Experience a delightful culinary fusion with our Mango Sticky Rice Dessert Sushi! These creative nori wraps are generously stuffed with luscious sweet coconut rice and vibrant, fresh sliced mango. Perfect for a unique dessert or a vibrant snack, serve them with an optional drizzle of date syrup for an extra touch of sweetness.

Do you ever feel like your kitchen has a vendetta against you? I certainly do! It seems some days I’m just an accident waiting to happen, especially when I’m reaching for ingredients on those top shelves. Just a few weeks ago, a pasta jar took an unexpected dive from my pantry, narrowly missing my head but still landing a direct hit on my lip. I was merely attempting to retrieve a bag of shredded coconut, and the sauce jar, apparently, had other plans.

Thankfully, after a quick application of ice, the swelling subsided, leaving behind only a faint mark. But the kitchen mishaps didn’t end there! Just yesterday, after months of precariously hanging my pots and pans on hooks, one decided it was time to make a dramatic descent, colliding with my temple at an alarming speed. Yes, I know, it sounds a little comical in hindsight, but in the moment, a Green Pan making direct contact with my head was anything but funny.

So, this weekend, I’m embarking on a mission to child-proof my kitchen – or perhaps, “adult-proof” it – by removing some of these unexpected workplace hazards. But until then, let’s step away from the potential for kitchen catastrophes and dive into something utterly delightful and completely safe to prepare: Mango Sticky Rice Dessert Sushi!

These innovative Mango Sticky Rice Dessert Sushi rolls are a testament to how simple and enjoyable cooking can be when you’re not dodging falling kitchenware. They feature perfectly sweetened coconut rice, beautifully complemented by slices of fresh, juicy mango, all elegantly wrapped in nori. A garnish of fresh mint and a drizzle of date syrup elevate this sweet treat to an unforgettable experience. It’s a delightful and refreshing twist on a beloved classic that promises pure bliss without any unexpected bumps or bruises!

A Creative Fusion: Dessert Sushi Inspiration

This Mango Sticky Rice Dessert Sushi isn’t just a recipe; it’s a creative reimagining of the iconic Thai dessert, mango sticky rice. While I’ve surprisingly never had the pleasure of tasting the traditional dish, its reputation precedes it – a harmonious blend of sweet, sticky coconut rice crowned with perfectly ripe, fresh mango. What’s not to adore about such a vibrant and flavorful combination?

The initial spark for creating dessert sushi ignited after browsing the No Meat Athlete cookbook. Their recipe for strawberry sushi immediately captivated my imagination, hinting at a world of possibilities beyond savory rolls. I was inspired by the concept of taking the familiar form of sushi and filling it with unexpected, sweet ingredients. Instead of strawberries, I envisioned a tropical twist, drawing on the irresistible allure of fresh mango, transforming it into a refreshing and unique summer dessert.

This recipe truly celebrates the versatility of ingredients and the joy of culinary experimentation. By taking the essence of mango sticky rice – its sweet, creamy, and fruity profile – and cleverly encasing it in a nori wrap, we create something entirely new yet delightfully familiar. It’s a playful, plant-based dessert that’s not only visually stunning but also incredibly satisfying, offering a taste of summer with every bite.

Gather Your Ingredients for This Tropical Treat

Crafting these delicious dessert sushi rolls requires just a handful of simple, wholesome ingredients, most of which you might already have in your pantry. The beauty of this recipe lies in its minimalist approach, allowing the natural flavors to truly shine. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need:

• Sushi Rice: The cornerstone of this dessert. Sushi rice has a unique stickiness that’s essential for holding the rolls together. Its short grain and high starch content ensure a perfectly chewy and adhesive texture.
• Filtered Water: Used to cook the sushi rice to perfection, ensuring a clean and pure flavor.
• Full-Fat Coconut Milk: This is where the rich, creamy, and distinct tropical flavor comes from. Using full-fat coconut milk provides the luscious texture and authentic taste reminiscent of traditional mango sticky rice.
• Coconut Sugar: A natural sweetener that offers a caramel-like depth without the intense sweetness of refined sugars. It complements the coconut milk and mango beautifully.
• Himalayan Sea Salt: A small pinch is crucial to balance the sweetness and enhance all the other flavors, bringing out the best in the coconut and mango.
• Ripe Mango: The star fruit of the show! Choose a mango that is perfectly ripe – soft to the touch but not mushy, with a fragrant aroma. Its vibrant color and sweet, juicy flesh are essential for this dessert.
• Eden Foods Nori Sheets: These toasted sea vegetable sheets provide the perfect sturdy yet flexible wrapper for your sweet sushi. We’ll delve into why these specific sheets are fantastic below.
• Date Syrup (Optional): A natural, unrefined sweetener that adds another layer of rich, nuanced sweetness. It’s fantastic for drizzling over the finished rolls. Maple syrup or agave nectar can also be used.
• Fresh Mint (Optional): For garnish, fresh mint leaves add a pop of color and a refreshing aromatic contrast to the sweet and tropical flavors.
• Sesame Seeds (Optional): A light sprinkle of sesame seeds can add a subtle nutty flavor and a pleasing textural crunch.

That’s truly all it takes to embark on this delicious journey! With these high-quality ingredients, you’re well on your way to creating a stunning and delicious dessert that will impress both your palate and your guests.

Crafting the Perfect Coconut Rice and Mango Prep

The heart of our Mango Sticky Rice Dessert Sushi lies in its perfectly prepared sticky coconut rice. This component is what gives the dessert its comforting sweetness and classic texture. Here’s how to achieve it:

Preparing the Sweet Coconut Rice:

1. **Cook the Sushi Rice:** Begin by cooking your sushi rice according to package directions, or as you would normally for sushi. Typically, this involves rinsing the rice thoroughly until the water runs clear, then combining it with filtered water in a medium saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a low simmer, cover, and cook until all the water is absorbed and the rice is tender – usually around 20 minutes. After cooking, remove from heat and let it stand, covered, for another 10 minutes. This steaming process ensures the rice is perfectly cooked and fluffy.
2. **Infuse with Sweetness:** While the rice is finishing up, prepare your coconut milk mixture. In a small saucepan, gently heat the full-fat coconut milk, coconut sugar, and Himalayan sea salt over medium heat. Stir occasionally until the sugar and salt are completely dissolved, forming a smooth, aromatic syrup. Don’t let it boil vigorously; just a gentle warmth is sufficient.
3. **Combine and Cool:** Once the rice is ready, transfer it to a large bowl. Pour the warm coconut milk mixture over the cooked rice and stir thoroughly to ensure every grain is coated. The rice should now possess a delightful coconut aroma and a subtle sweetness. It’s crucial to let this mixture cool slightly before spreading it onto the nori wraps. Handling hot rice can be difficult, and allowing it to cool helps it become even stickier and easier to manage, preventing the nori from becoming limp too quickly.

Preparing the Mango:

While your sweet coconut rice is cooling, turn your attention to the fresh mango. The way you slice the mango is key to successful assembly:

1. **Peel the Mango:** Carefully peel the skin off your ripe mango. A sharp vegetable peeler or a small paring knife works best.
2. **Slice into Matchsticks:** The secret to well-contained mango in your sushi rolls is to cut it into thin matchsticks. Avoid large, bulky chunks, as these will inevitably cause the rolls to burst open or make them difficult to roll. Aim for uniform strips that will fit snugly within the rice layer, providing a burst of flavor in every bite without compromising the structural integrity of your sushi.

With your perfectly prepared coconut rice and thinly sliced mango ready, you’re just a few steps away from assembling these exquisite dessert sushi rolls!

The Perfect Wrapper: Eden Foods Nori Sheets

When it comes to crafting exceptional dessert sushi, the quality of your nori sheets makes all the difference. For these Mango Sticky Rice Dessert Sushi rolls, I wholeheartedly recommend Eden Foods Nori Sheets. They truly stand out as the ideal sturdy and malleable base, perfectly designed to hold all that sweet coconut rice and fresh mango together.

I always make sure to keep a stash of these wraps in my pantry, ready for whenever inspiration strikes for my next at-home sushi adventure. Their versatility is unmatched, making them incredibly easy to use whether I’m preparing a classic savory sushi roll or experimenting with something a bit more avant-garde, like this dessert creation. What sets Eden Foods Nori Sheets apart is their distinct character: they boast a complex, sweet, and wonderfully delicate aroma and flavor profile that you simply won’t find in other nori brands.

Beyond their superior taste and texture, these toasted nori sheets are also an excellent choice for health-conscious eaters. They are naturally fat-free and remarkably low in sodium, fitting perfectly into a balanced diet. Moreover, they are an outstanding source of Vitamin B12, a nutrient often sought after in plant-based diets. Choosing high-quality nori not only ensures your dessert sushi looks and tastes professional but also adds a layer of beneficial nutrients, making this sweet treat even more guilt-free and enjoyable. These sheets are a crucial element in achieving the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and structural integrity for your delightful dessert sushi.

Assembling Your Delicious Dessert Sushi

Now for the fun part: rolling your beautiful Mango Sticky Rice Dessert Sushi! This is where all your careful preparation comes together. Follow these steps for perfectly formed, delectable rolls:

1. **Prepare Your Workspace:** First, lay out your sushi rolling mat (bamboo mats work best for even pressure). Place one nori sheet on top of the mat, with the shiny side facing down.
2. **Spread the Rice:** Dip your fingers in water to prevent the sticky rice from clinging to them – this is a crucial trick! Take a generous portion of the cooled sweet coconut rice and spread it evenly over the nori sheet. Aim for a thick but manageable layer, extending the rice all the way to the side edges. Leave about a 1-inch bare strip at the top edge of the nori; this will be used to seal the roll. Ensure the rice layer is consistent to allow for even rolling.
3. **Add the Mango:** Once your rice layer is smooth and even, arrange the thinly sliced mango matchsticks in an even line, approximately 2 inches from the bottom edge of the nori. Be mindful not to overload the roll with too much mango, as this will make it challenging to roll tightly and could cause the filling to spill out. A single, neat line is usually sufficient.
4. **Begin Rolling:** Using your wet fingers and the sushi rolling mat, carefully lift the bottom edge of the nori (the side closest to you) and fold it over the mango filling. Gently press down to secure the mango.
5. **Roll and Compress:** Continue to roll the mat forward, guiding the nori and rice into a tight cylinder. Apply gentle, even pressure with the mat as you roll to compress the sushi and ensure it holds its shape. Keep rolling until the entire sheet is rolled up, reaching the bare strip of nori at the top.
6. **Seal the Roll:** Moisten the bare top edge of the nori with a little water using your finger. This acts as a natural adhesive to seal the roll tightly. Complete the roll, pressing firmly to ensure it’s sealed.
7. **Slice the Sushi:** Transfer the finished roll to a clean cutting board. Using a very sharp knife, moistened with water (to prevent sticking), carefully slice the roll into 8 individual sushi pieces. If any small mango pieces escape during slicing, simply tuck them back into the roll. Don’t worry if they’re not perfectly uniform on your first try; practice makes perfect!

Repeat this process for the remaining nori sheets and filling. Soon, you’ll have a beautiful platter of homemade dessert sushi, ready to be enjoyed!

Serving Suggestions & Customization Ideas

Once your exquisite Mango Sticky Rice Dessert Sushi rolls are assembled, it’s time to plate them beautifully and prepare for a delightful tasting experience. These rolls are best enjoyed fresh, showcasing their vibrant flavors and perfect texture.

Classic Serving:

Arrange your sushi rolls artfully on a platter. For a truly elegant presentation and enhanced flavor, consider these garnishes:

• **Date Syrup Drizzle:** A light drizzle of date syrup adds a luxurious touch of natural sweetness that perfectly complements the mango and coconut rice. If date syrup isn’t on hand, maple syrup or even a good quality honey (if not strictly vegan) make excellent alternatives.
• **Fresh Mint:** A few sprigs of fresh mint scattered over the platter not only adds a pop of vibrant green color but also a refreshing aromatic note that cuts through the sweetness beautifully.
• **Sesame Seeds:** A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds offers a subtle nutty crunch and an appealing visual contrast.

You can certainly serve these rolls plain, allowing the pure flavors of mango and coconut to take center stage. However, I’ve found that the addition of a light syrup drizzle truly enhances the overall sweetness and elevates the dessert. Enjoy them traditionally with chopsticks, or simply pick them up with your hands for a casual, delightful snack!

Make it Your Own: Customization & Occasions

These Mango Sticky Rice Dessert Sushi rolls are incredibly versatile and can be tailored to your taste and the occasion. They are bright, appealing, and perfect for any spread, whether you’re enjoying them solo or sharing with loved ones.

• **For a Fun Date Night Dessert:** Impress your special someone with this unique and delicious treat.
• **Sweet Summer Appetizer:** Light, refreshing, and full of tropical flavor, they’re ideal for warm-weather gatherings.
• **Fruity Snack or Breakfast:** Their complex carbs and naturally occurring sugars make these rolls an excellent source of energy, perfect for a pre- or post-workout boost, or simply a healthy start to your day.

Texture and Flavor Boosters:

Want to add even more texture and depth to your rolls? Consider these delicious mix-ins or toppings:

• **Unsweetened Shredded Coconut:** Mix into the rice or sprinkle on top for extra coconut flavor and chewiness.
• **Chopped Nuts:** Almonds, cashews, or pistachios can add a delightful crunch.
• **Chopped Dates:** For an extra layer of natural sweetness and a chewy texture.
• **Lime Zest:** A sprinkle of fresh lime zest brightens all the flavors and adds a zesty kick.
• **A Pinch of Chili Flakes:** For the adventurous palate, a tiny pinch of red pepper flakes can introduce an intriguing sweet-and-spicy contrast.

My personal preference for the ultimate experience is a generous drizzle of date syrup and a light sprinkling of fresh mint. The combination is simply irresistible! Enjoy experimenting and making these delightful dessert sushi rolls truly your own.

If you embark on the delightful journey of making these Mango Sticky Rice Dessert Sushi rolls, I would absolutely love to hear from you! Your feedback is invaluable and helps me create more delicious content.

Please be sure to leave a comment, rating, and review below. It’s incredibly helpful for me to understand what you loved and how I can continue to bring you amazing recipes. Don’t forget to give me a shout on Instagram and use the hashtag #floraandvino to showcase your beautiful creations. I love seeing what you make!

For more recipe inspiration, check out my Pinterest page, where you can pin this recipe and many others to save for later. If you’re craving more sushi adventures, you might also enjoy my Vegan Avocado & Roasted Red Pepper Sushi – another fantastic plant-based roll!

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XO Lauren

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